Multi-connection mode uses multiple parallel streams to test your bandwidth. This provides higher speeds and better reflects real-world usage where your devices make many simultaneous connections. Recommended for most users.
How Our Speed Test Works
Our speed test uses advanced technology to measure your internet connection's performance accurately. When you click the GO button, our system initiates a multi-phase testing process that evaluates your connection from multiple angles.
Testing Methodology
1. Ping & Latency Test
The test begins by measuring your ping (latency) and jitter. We send multiple small data packets to our servers and measure the round-trip time. Lower ping times (measured in milliseconds) indicate a more responsive connection, which is crucial for online gaming, video calls, and real-time applications. Jitter measures the variation in ping over time - lower jitter means more stable connectivity.
2. Download Speed Test
During the download test, we transfer data from our servers to your device. The test progressively increases the amount of data being transferred to saturate your connection and find its maximum capacity. We use multiple simultaneous connections (in Multi mode) to ensure we're measuring your connection's full potential, not just single-stream performance. This mimics real-world usage where you might be streaming video, browsing, and downloading simultaneously.
3. Upload Speed Test
The upload test measures how fast you can send data from your device to the internet. This is important for video conferencing, uploading files to cloud storage, streaming your gameplay, and any activity where you're sending data out. The test works similarly to the download test but in reverse, sending progressively larger amounts of data to our servers to determine your maximum upload capacity.
Multi vs Single Connection Testing
You can choose between Multi-connection and Single-connection testing modes. Multi-connection mode uses multiple parallel streams to test your connection, which typically provides higher speeds and better reflects real-world usage where your devices make many simultaneous connections. Single-connection mode tests your connection using only one stream at a time, which can be useful for troubleshooting or understanding your connection's per-stream performance.
Understanding Internet Connection Types
Internet connections have evolved significantly over the decades. Understanding your connection type helps you know what speeds to expect and whether you're getting the service you're paying for.
Dial-Up (56K)
Speed: Up to 56 Kbps (0.056 Mbps)
Technology: Uses telephone lines with modem
The original consumer internet connection, dial-up uses your phone line to connect to the internet through a modem. While extremely slow by modern standards, it was revolutionary in the 1990s. Dial-up connections are nearly obsolete today but still exist in very remote areas where no other option is available.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
Speed: 64-128 Kbps (0.064-0.128 Mbps)
Technology: Digital telephone network
ISDN was an early digital telephone service that provided faster speeds than dial-up. It offered two 64 Kbps channels that could be combined for 128 Kbps. ISDN also allowed simultaneous voice and data transmission. While faster than dial-up, it has been largely replaced by broadband technologies.
DSL / ADSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
Speed: 1-100 Mbps download, 0.5-10 Mbps upload
Technology: Digital signal over copper telephone lines
DSL brings broadband internet over existing telephone lines without tying up your phone. ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) provides faster download speeds than upload speeds, which suits most users' needs. Speed depends on your distance from the telephone exchange - the farther you are, the slower your connection. DSL is still widely used in areas without cable or fiber infrastructure.
Cable Internet
Speed: 10-1000+ Mbps download, 5-50 Mbps upload
Technology: Coaxial cable network
Cable internet uses the same coaxial cables that deliver cable television. It typically offers much faster speeds than DSL and is widely available in urban and suburban areas. Cable connections are shared among neighbors, so speeds can slow during peak usage times when many people in your area are online simultaneously.
T1 Line
Speed: 1.544 Mbps symmetric
Technology: Dedicated digital line
T1 lines are dedicated business connections that provide guaranteed bandwidth 24/7. Unlike consumer connections, T1 offers symmetric speeds (same upload and download) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) guaranteeing uptime. While the raw speed is modest by modern standards, the reliability and dedicated nature make T1 lines still relevant for certain business applications and as backup connections.
T3 Line
Speed: 44.736 Mbps symmetric
Technology: High-capacity dedicated digital line
T3 lines are high-capacity dedicated connections used primarily by large organizations, ISPs, and data centers. Equivalent to 28 T1 lines bundled together, T3 provides substantial bandwidth with guaranteed performance. The symmetric nature and reliability make T3 ideal for businesses that require consistent, high-speed connectivity for mission-critical operations.
Fiber Optic (FTTH/FTTP)
Speed: 100-10,000+ Mbps symmetric
Technology: Light signals through fiber optic cables
Fiber optic internet is the fastest and most reliable connection type available to consumers. Using light to transmit data through glass fibers, it offers incredible speeds with low latency and is virtually immune to electromagnetic interference. Fiber often provides symmetric speeds, making it excellent for uploading as well as downloading. The main limitation is availability - fiber infrastructure is expensive to deploy.
5G / 4G LTE Mobile
Speed: 4G: 10-50 Mbps, 5G: 100-1000+ Mbps
Technology: Wireless cellular network
Mobile broadband uses cellular networks to provide internet access. 4G LTE offers decent speeds for most online activities, while 5G provides speeds comparable to or exceeding many wired connections with ultra-low latency. Mobile internet is increasingly used as a primary home internet solution, especially with 5G home internet services. Speeds vary based on signal strength, network congestion, and distance from cell towers.
Satellite Internet
Speed: 12-220 Mbps download, 3-25 Mbps upload
Technology: Satellite communication
Satellite internet beams data to and from satellites in orbit. Traditional satellite internet (like HughesNet) uses geostationary satellites 22,000 miles away, resulting in high latency (500-700ms) but works anywhere with a clear view of the sky. New low-Earth orbit satellite services (like Starlink) use satellites only 340 miles up, dramatically reducing latency to 20-40ms while offering much higher speeds, making them viable for more applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What internet speed do I need?
The speed you need depends on your online activities:
- 1-5 Mbps: Basic browsing, email, social media
- 5-25 Mbps: HD video streaming, video calls, light gaming
- 25-100 Mbps: 4K streaming, online gaming, multiple users
- 100-500 Mbps: Heavy household usage, large file transfers, remote work
- 500+ Mbps: Multiple 4K streams, competitive gaming, professional content creation
Why is my speed slower than advertised?
ISPs advertise "up to" speeds, which are maximum theoretical speeds under ideal conditions. Actual speeds can be affected by network congestion, WiFi interference, distance from router, outdated equipment, background applications, multiple users on the network, server locations, and peak usage times. Wired connections typically provide faster and more consistent speeds than WiFi.
What's the difference between Mbps and MBps?
Mbps (megabits per second) is how internet speeds are measured, while MBps (megabytes per second) is typically used for file sizes and download speeds. Since there are 8 bits in a byte, a 100 Mbps connection provides about 12.5 MBps of actual download speed. This is why a 100 Mbps connection downloads a 100 MB file in about 8 seconds, not 1 second.
Does the speed test use my data?
Yes, speed tests transfer real data to measure your connection, typically using 100-500 MB per test depending on your connection speed. If you're on a metered connection (like mobile data or satellite with data caps), be aware that running frequent tests will count against your monthly data allowance. For most home broadband connections with unlimited data, this isn't a concern.
When is the best time to run a speed test?
For the most accurate results, run tests at different times of day, especially during peak hours (evenings and weekends) when networks are busiest. Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of WiFi, close other applications and browser tabs, ensure no other devices are actively using the internet, and run multiple tests to get an average. This gives you a realistic picture of your connection's performance under various conditions.
What is a good ping time?
Ping times are measured in milliseconds (ms). Under 20ms is excellent and ideal for competitive gaming and real-time applications. 20-50ms is very good for most online activities. 50-100ms is average and acceptable for general use but might show slight delays in fast-paced games. Over 100ms is noticeable in interactive applications, and over 200ms can be problematic for video calls and gaming.
Why Speed Testing Matters
Regular speed testing helps you verify you're getting the internet performance you're paying for. If your speeds consistently fall short of your plan's advertised speeds, you can use test results as evidence when contacting your ISP for support or requesting service improvements.
Speed tests also help diagnose network problems. If you're experiencing buffering, lag, or slow loading times, a speed test can help determine whether the issue is with your internet connection, your home network setup, or the specific service you're trying to use.
For remote workers, content creators, and online gamers, knowing your exact connection capabilities helps you understand what quality settings are feasible for streaming, what resolution you can reliably stream at, and whether your connection meets the requirements for your work or entertainment needs.