How to Test Your Broadband Speed and Maximise Performance

Why Should You Test Broadband Speed?

Before you can improve your internet connection, it’s essential to know what you’re currently working with. Testing your broadband speed gives you insight into your internet performance and helps you identify any issues affecting your experience. Before you start, consider the following key metrics to understand your results better:

• Download Speed: How quickly data is transferred to your device (necessary for activities like streaming and browsing).
• Upload Speed: How fast data is sent from your device (crucial for video calls, file uploads, and gaming).
• Ping (Latency): The delay between your device sending a request and receiving a response (for activities requiring real-time interactions, such as online gaming and video conferencing).

Understanding these elements and gaining a clear view of your current broadband speed is a crucial first step to identifying whether your connection is performing as it should be.

 

How to Test Your Broadband Speed

Step 1: Choose a Speed Testing Tool

Free web applications are one of the easiest and most common ways to test broadband at home. Generally, internet speed tests take anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute. Additionally, they transfer roughly 40 MB of data, so keep that in mind if you have a data-based plan. 

You can also test your broadband speed through any of the following web-based apps: 

• Fast.com 
• Ookla Speedtest 
• AT&T Highspeed Internet Speed Test 
• SpeedSmart 
• Internet Health Test 

 

Step 2: Prepare for the Test

If you hope to get the most accurate and reliable results from your broadband speed test, it’s important to follow these straightforward yet essential steps:

• Use a wired connection: If possible, connect your device to the router via an Ethernet cable. Distance and interference can affect WiFi signal strength, leading to less reliable results.
• Close other apps and devices: Make sure that no other devices or applications are using the internet while running the test. This helps to avoid any interference or slowdowns during the test.
• Test at different times: Broadband speeds can vary throughout the day, especially during peak hours. To account for this, it’s a good idea to run tests at different times to establish your average speed.

 

Step 3: Understanding Your Results

Once the test is complete, you’ll see results showing your download, upload, and ping speed. These numbers will tell you how your connection is performing. Then, compare them to the speeds promised by your provider—if there’s a big difference, it could be a sign that something’s not quite right with your connection.

 

Understanding Common Factors That Affect Broadband Speed

You might not be getting the speed you want or expect for several reasons. This often comes down to various factors relating to your network, equipment, or the times of day you’re online. Examples of common factors that affect broadband speed include:

 

Network Congestion

During peak hours, typically in the evening when more people in your area are online, your internet speed may slow down due to increased demand on the network. This is particularly common in areas with shared broadband infrastructure, where multiple users access the internet simultaneously, causing congestion and reduced speeds for everyone.

 

Distance from the Exchange

If you’re using traditional broadband, the distance between your home and the local exchange or cabinet can significantly affect your speeds. The further away you are, the weaker the signal becomes by the time it reaches you, which can result in slower download and upload speeds. This is particularly noticeable in rural areas, where the infrastructure might not be as close or as strong as in more urban locations.

 

WiFi Interference

Your router might need to be placed in a better location, as factors like its distance from other devices or thick walls can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Obstacles such as furniture, metal objects, or even microwaves can disrupt the signal, causing slower speeds. Additionally, the further your device is from the router, the weaker the connection will generally be, leading to reduced performance.

 

Outdated Equipment

Older routers or devices may not be capable of handling the higher speeds offered by your broadband provider. If you’re using outdated equipment, it’s time to consider upgrading.

 

Practical Tips to Maximise Your Broadband Performance

Once you’ve tested your home broadband speed and identified any areas of concern, you can take several steps to improve your connection.

 

Place Your Router in a Central Location

The location of your router plays a crucial role in working out how effectively your WiFi signal spreads throughout your home. To make sure performance and coverage are sufficient, you should position your router in the best possible location, free of obstruction or interference. Here are some tips to help you get the best signal strength:

• Place the router in a central location at home
• Avoid placing it near thick walls, metal objects, or electronic devices that could cause interference

 

Use a Wired Connection for Important Tasks

Although WiFi is convenient and offers a great deal of physical flexibility, a wired connection provides the most stable and reliable speeds. If you’re doing something that requires a fast and reliable connection, connect your device directly to the router with an Ethernet cable.

 

Reduce the Number of Connected Devices

Having too many devices connected to the same network can also slow down your speeds. If you have multiple family members or housemates using the internet at the same time, try limiting the number of devices or prioritising certain activities—for example, prioritising tasks like streaming over everyday browsing.

 

Upgrade Your Router and Devices

Older routers and devices may not be capable of handling the latest broadband speeds. Consider upgrading your router to one that supports the latest WiFi standards and can handle faster speeds. Similarly, older devices may need upgrading to fully benefit from faster broadband speeds.

 

Update Firmware Regularly

Although most modern routers automatically update their firmware, it’s worth checking if this is the case with your router at home. Keeping your router’s firmware up to date allows it to perform at its best, as manufacturers regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.

 

When Should You Contact Your Broadband Provider?

If you’ve tested your broadband speed and applied all the optimisation tips but still find your speeds are much lower than expected, it might be time to contact your broadband provider. Before reaching out, it’s helpful to have the following information ready:

• A record of your speed test results, including times of day when you tested your speed
• A description of any issues you’ve noticed, such as slow speeds at certain times or for specific activities
• Any troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried

 

Boost Your Speeds with Wildanet Full Fibre Broadband

Experience the power of high-speed internet with Wildanet, Cornwall's trusted independent broadband provider. Whether you're working from home, running a business, or simply looking to stay connected, Wildanet offers fast, reliable broadband services to homes and communities across Cornwall and the South West.

Don’t let slow or unreliable connections hold you back. Join the growing number of individuals and businesses benefiting from Wildanet’s Full Fibre broadband service and enjoy seamless online experiences that meet all your digital needs. For more information and to determine if our service is available in your area, please enter your postcode or contact our team.