This wikiHow teaches you how to determine the upload and download speeds of your internet connection, as well as the connection speed between your computer and router. By knowing the speed of the internet, you can find out various things that can be done using an existing internet connection.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Running Internet Speed Test
Step 1. Access the Google Speed Test page
Visit the Google search page by accessing https://www.google.com through a browser window or open the Google app on your device and enter internet speed test into the search field. The "Internet speed test" window will appear at the top of the search results.
- This method can be followed via a computer, phone, or tablet.
- This method uses Google's built-in internet speed test tool. There are several alternative services you can use, such as Fast.com if you prefer.
Step 2. Click RUN SPEED TEST
This blue button is shown at the bottom right of the "Internet speed test" section.
Step 3. Wait for the test to complete
Google will calculate upload and download speeds, as well as connection latency.
Step 4. Check the test results
In addition to determining whether the connection used is classified as a "fast" or "slow" connection, Google also tests three aspects of internet connection speed:
- ” Mbps download ” – The speed that can be used to download content from the internet (in megabits per second).
- ” Mbps uploads ” – The speed that can be used to upload content to the internet (in megabits per second).
- ” Latency ” – The length of time it takes for the connection to respond to a command (eg searching for a keyword or loading a page), in milliseconds.
Method 2 of 4: Checking Ethernet Speed on Windows Computer
Step 1. Make sure the computer is connected to the router
You will need to connect your computer to the router via an ethernet cable to check the internet speed from the computer settings.
Step 2. Access the “Start” menu
The menu icon is displayed on the lower left side of the screen.
Step 3. Select
This icon appears in the lower-left side of the “Start” window.
Step 4. Select
"Networks & Internet".
This option is displayed in the top row of settings on the “Settings” page.
Step 5. Select Ethernet
This tab appears on the left side of the window. The Ethernet settings menu will open after that.
Step 6. Select Change adapter options
This option is displayed in the upper right side of the window.
Step 7. Double-click the ethernet connection you are using
This monitor icon is displayed at the top of the “Network Connections” window.
Step 8. Check the "Speed" entry
This entry is under the “Connections” information section of the “Ethernet Status” window. The number that appears (eg " 90.0 Mbps ") indicates the network speed between the computer and router.
Method 3 of 4: Checking Ethernet Speed on Mac Computer
Step 1. Make sure the computer is connected to the router
You will need to connect your computer to the router via an ethernet cable to check the internet speed from the computer settings.
Step 2. Open the Spotlight app
This app icon is in the upper-right side of the screen.
Step 3. Enter "network utility" in the Spotlight search field, then press Return
Network Utility will be opened after that.
Step 4. Select the Info tab
This tab appears in the upper-left corner of the “Network Utility” window.
Step 5. Select an ethernet connection
Click the box under the "Select a network interface for information" section, then select an Ethernet connection name.
Step 6. Look at the number next to "Link Speed"
You will see an entry such as " 100 Mbit/s " indicating that the network speed between the computer and router is 100 megabits of data per second.
Method 4 of 4: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Switch to a wired connection
If your wireless connection is experiencing significant interference, you may need to connect your computer or device to a wired (usually Ethernet) connection to increase internet speed.
Step 2. Restart the WiFi access point
Sometimes routers or other devices that can access WiFi need to be restarted to fix performance problems caused by errors or dropped connections.
Step 3. Connect the computer or device to another network
To determine if the problem is with the network or just the device, connect the device to another accessible network and check the internet speed.
Step 4. Run a malware scan on the device
Sometimes, low internet speed is caused by a decrease in computer or device performance due to malware in the system. To work around this, install an antivirus program that already has a malware scanner.
Tips
- The original speed of the internet connection is often lower than the router's maximum speed. By using ethernet, you can maximize the speed of your router.
- Common benchmarks for internet features include: speeds of 5 megabits per second for streaming HD quality content, and 90 kilobits per second for VOiP calls.
