Global speed measurement by Rostelecom. How to find out the speed of your Internet connection - review of the best services

Quite often there are situations when, having chosen the most expensive package from what seems to be the best provider, we expect to see incredible Internet connection speeds. Moreover, as a result of testing for speed, the numbers can either make us happy or sad. How can you do this test yourself at home? How to measure wifi speed connections to the router? Let's discuss this.

I would like to immediately note that checking the connection speed is quite simple; this can be done using a computer (laptop), or using a smartphone or tablet - there is no difference. In the first option, you don’t even have to download anything; the programs work online. In the second option, the program can be downloaded to your phone, but it takes up little space and will be useful for you.

So, let's consider the option of checking the speed of the Internet connection when direct connection laptop, via Wi-Fi or modem. Let’s immediately say that there are many services for qualitatively measuring Wi-Fi speed, but in principle there are two popular ones: Speedtest.net and http://2ip.ru/speed. They work online.

Speedtest is considered the most convenient and therefore popular (you can download the program from the link below). To check the speed of your connection, you just need to follow the link, without going through any registration or identification, and click on the “Start” button. The service will do the rest for you. Another site http://2ip.ru/speed works on the same principle. Take the test, get the result.

Wi-Fi networks entered into everyday life quite tightly modern people. If five years ago a wireless router was a curiosity, today such devices are available in almost every apartment. In this regard, the question increasingly arises of how to measure the speed of a Wi-Fi connection.

Communication standards and types of networks

First of all, it is worth noting that there are several standards for this communication:

• 802.11a.
• 802.11b.
• 802.11g.
• 802.11n.

It depends on the standard maximum speed data transmission. In other words, the router itself limits it.

In addition, networks are divided into two types:

1. Local.
2. Global.

The first option is private group. Its participants do not have access to the Internet. The essence of such a network is to unite computers and other devices into one group for the exchange of information. For example, this could be a corporate network that unites several departments: accounting, human resources, and so on, giving them access to a common database. The speed of such networks depends only on the characteristics of the equipment (router and network adapters) that are used.

The second option is networks with Internet access. Here the access speed depends on both the router and network card PC and from the provider. It is worth remembering that the actual Wi-Fi speed differs from the theoretical one. Let's take a closer look at this point.

Real wireless connection speed

So, as you already know, real speed data transmission over the air is lower than stated. Below is a table with actual values:

As you can see, the data transfer speed over Wi-Fi, even in local networks, differs from that declared by the manufacturer. Even if this is practically not influenced by extraneous factors.

If we talk about global networks, then everything is much more complicated. In addition to the fact that the very equipment that users use reduces the speed, the provider can also set some restrictions. In addition, there are several factors affecting access to the global network:

• Quality of materials (wires, switches, etc.).
• The number of subscribers who are simultaneously connected to the Internet on the same subnet.
• Multiple access points can also interfere with each other.

All these factors can negatively affect your Internet connection via wireless communication. Now let's look at how to check the speed of your Wi-Fi connection.

Checking local connection

If we are talking about local connections, then everything is extremely simple. You can see all the data in the network information. To do this, right-click on the connection icon in the system tray (lower right corner of the Windows desktop). Select "Network and Sharing Center".

In the window that appears, find the inscription “Connections”. Opposite it you will see the type and name of the network to which the computer is connected in this moment. Click on "Wireless Network Connection". A window will open in which you will see the speed of the local connection to the router.

There is another way to test the connection. This option involves using the command line. Press the key combination [Start]+[R] on your keyboard, type CMD and press .

Thus, we launched the command line. Now all that remains is to enter the ping command.

This command itself means checking the speed of sending and receiving data packets. But for the command to work, you need to specify where the request will be sent. In our case, you need to write it like this: ping 192.168.0.1. Where 192.168.0.1 is the IP address of the router. It may be different for you. Check this value on the router itself or in its instructions.

The system will then begin the test. In order to test the Wi-Fi network speed, the system will send 4 requests. Below you will see information about how many packets were sent, how many were lost, and how long it took to complete the operation.

Here you need to understand that the more time was spent, the worse speed connections.

Normally, the ping (time spent performing an operation) does not exceed 30 milliseconds.

Ideally - 1-4 milliseconds.

Speed ​​Test of the global network

How to find out the speed of a Wi-Fi connection over a global network? Everything is even simpler here. Firstly, you can perform the operation in command line, just instead of the IP router, enter the address of a website on the Internet. For example, ping mail.ru or ping yandex.ru. In this case, requests will be sent to these sites. But this way you can only find out the ping

From time to time everyone faces Wi-Fi problems. Maybe it starts to slow down for no apparent reason, or maybe you feel like you don't like the speed you're paying for.

An easy way to confirm that there is a problem is to check your Wi-Fi speed, which is very easy to do. There are many online Wi-Fi speed testing services on the Internet that run inside any web browser. They give an accurate picture of how fast your internet connection is.

The most popular such service is, and I will use it in this article, but you can choose absolutely any of their huge number.

Let's take a look at how speed tests work.

How does the Wi-Fi speed test work?

Most Wi-Fi speed tests measure three elements:

Let's look at each of them in turn.

Ping

Ping measures network latency. This is the time it takes to send a packet of data from one machine to another and then receive a response.

High latency (ping) causes lag, which you definitely want to avoid in multiplayer games. A ping rate of more than 150 milliseconds can cause lag in games, while a ping of less than 20 ms is considered very low latency.

Download speed is the most important value. This refers to how quickly data is downloaded to your computer, measured in megabits per second, not to be confused with megabytes (8 bits = 1 byte).

The test works by downloading multiple chunks of data onto your computer, adjusting the size and number of connections to download it as it arrives. This maximizes the speed of your connection, ensuring it runs as fast as possible.

To judge the results, you need to know what service speed you chose when you signed your contract with the provider, and then compare them.

Upload speed measures how quickly you can transfer data online, such as when backing up files to a cloud service. This is usually slower than download speeds and not as advertised by internet service providers. Compare the speed test result with your provider's stated speed.

The upload test works the same way as the download test, just in the opposite direction. Your browser downloads pieces of data with settings to ensure full use of your connection.

These three tests will give you a complete picture of how your Wi-Fi is performing. You will find out how different your Internet speed is from what your provider promised.

But when you run these tests, avoid some common pitfalls.

1. Don't do the test just once.

To get an accurate picture of your Wi-Fi speed, you'll need to run a speed test more than once.

Speeds can be quite erratic. You can do the test twice under the same conditions and get different results. Do this at least three times, then you can get the average of the results. This will give you a more accurate reflection of your actual internet speed.

2. Don't test at the wrong time of day.

One of the most important factors affecting Internet speed is the number of users who are logged in at the same time. During "peak hours" like Sunday evening, you'll likely experience slower speeds than at other times. The speed test results will reflect this.

If you are trying to judge performance degradation during peak hours, run the test at both peak and non-peak times and compare the results. If you just want to test your overall speed, stick to off-peak hours for testing.

3. Don't test in the wrong place

Wi-Fi speed test results will be inaccurate if you test in the wrong location.

But how do you choose Right place? It depends on what you are hoping to learn.

• When you just want to measure Wi-Fi speed: Run a test with close access to your router. In other words, do it in the same room without any physical obstacles to block the signal.
• If you're trying to find the best router position in your home: run a speed test in each room, then compare the results.
• If you are trying to identify Wi-Fi dead spots or areas of poor coverage: run a test in this location and compare the result with one of the tests performed in ideal conditions. If this confirms the problem, you can take steps to expand your network coverage.

4. Don't leave other devices connected to the network

The Wi-Fi speed test can only measure the speed experienced by the machine you are testing on. For this reason, you should try to maximize the bandwidth available to this device.

Most of us have countless devices connected to our wireless networks and throughput from our Internet connection is distributed between each of them. This understandably slows down each of them.

For best results, turn off as many of your devices as possible. Or at least make sure none of them are uploading or downloading large files.

5. Don't forget to restart your computer

You can test Wi-Fi speed on almost any device using a browser - from your laptop to your smartphone - but no matter what you choose, you should always reboot it first.

Devices that have not been restarted in for a long time, will have residual processes running in the background which can slow them down. This may affect your ping levels in particular.

Restart your computer and do not open any other applications before running the test. Keep track of which apps you set to run at startup (for example, a cloud app will sync with your online data). You can even temporarily disable your antivirus software until the test is completed.

6. Don't test when using a VPN

Finally, make sure you're not using a VPN, proxy, data storage app, or anything else that sits between your computer and the Internet. They can and often will slow down your connection, so using them during testing will not give accurate results.

The exception is if you have connected a VPN and want to see how fast it works.

What to do with Wi-Fi speed test results

A Wi-Fi speed test is useful for many reasons. The results will help in the following cases and more:

• Make sure you get the speed you pay for
• Finding a New Internet Service Provider
• Setting up a new router and checking coverage throughout the house
• Testing that your speeds are fast enough for your needs
• Making sure your Apple TV, Fire Stick, or game console is getting good speed
• Find peak and off-peak hours

Once you're done testing and you find that your internet isn't as fast as it should be, it's time to figure out why your Wi-Fi is so slow and how you can fix it.

Internet Connection Speed ​​Test is your reliable tool to help you measure and troubleshoot your Internet speed. A speed test will tell you exactly what internet speed you are getting at a specific time, which is the first step in identifying problems affecting your internet speed.

Are you having problems with the Internet? Do you have a slow internet connection, or do web pages take unusually long to load? There is nothing more frustrating than waiting and waiting – and waiting! – page loading, or the Internet is so slow that it lags behind you. Luckily, an internet speed test is easy to perform and can give you an idea of ​​what's going on.

We'll provide instructions on how to troubleshoot your slow Internet connection. But let's start from the very beginning important tool: speed test.

Performing a speed test

When your internet seems slow, testing your internet connection speed is one of the tools you will need to identify the reasons for the slowness. An Internet connection speed test is actually an Internet connection speed meter that gives you specific numbers for the speed of downloading and uploading data to the Internet.

It's important to have these specific metrics because slow download and upload speeds can indicate problems with your Internet service provider, or a potential problem with your router. On the other hand, if checking your Internet connection shows that you have normal speed internet connection, this may indicate possible problems with the site you are trying to access, or perhaps your internet speed is not fast enough for the browsing you are doing.

Testing your Internet connection speed is easy to do. It only takes a few seconds and it's free with Speedcheck.

Using Speedcheck to measure Internet speed

Checking the speed of your Internet connection is as easy as pie - you need to open the website, click on the blue “Start Speed ​​Test” button, and run the test. Wait for the test to complete, then you will see three measurements on your screen:

• The waiting period shows the time delay for data to reach its destination. The waiting period is measured in milliseconds. IN general concept, any latency period less than 100ms is good. A longer latency period, such as over 200ms, can cause lag during your activities, such as a video call, and may make your internet appear to be even slower than it is.
• Download speed, measured in MB/s, shows how quickly your device downloads data from the Internet. If your download speeds are not fast enough to support your activities, such as watching videos or playing games, then your internet may seem slow or sluggish.
• Download speed, also measured in MB/s, is how fast your device can upload data to the Internet. Your download speed affects how quickly large files such as photos or videos download.

It is important to regularly check your Internet connection speed for several reasons:

1. Your ISP contract displays set upload and download speeds, but you don't need to have those exact speeds. In reality, speeds may be much slower than those specified in the contract, which may affect your internet functionality and ability to browse the internet.
2. You may get these speeds at certain times during the day, but not at other times. The only way to determine the quality of your Internet connection is to check the speed of your Internet connection in different time during the day. You may notice that your internet slows down during peak usage hours, then speeds up again late at night or early in the morning when less people uses the Internet.

In order to understand the actual speed of your connection, you will need to run several tests at different times of the day. The site logs all your previous checks so you can easily view all your results at once.

For example, let's say your ISP contract says you get 500 MB/s download speeds and 9.4 MB/s upload speeds. You run a few tests and find that you are getting a download speed of 48.9 mb/s and an upload speed of 9.4 mb/s. These are excellent speeds and quite close to the promised values. However, if you run tests and find that instead of 50 MB/s you get 4.5 MB/s, then this difference significantly affects the functionality of your Internet and indicates that there is a problem with the system.

Unusually slow download and upload speeds indicate a problem with your Internet service provider, your connection, or may simply occur during the day when a lot of people are using the Internet. If you've done a lot of checks and found that your internet connection speed is consistently slow, then you'll have to sort out the problem if you want to surf the internet without slowing down, waiting for pages to load, or having to wait while watching videos.

Understanding your internet connection speed is one step in troubleshooting your slow internet connection. The more you know about your Internet connection speed, the sooner you can identify problems that are causing slow Internet connection speeds or low activity. With all this, you will be able to solve problems with your Internet connection and improve the activity (and reliability) of your Internet connection.

But what exactly is mb/s? And how to fix a slow Internet connection? Here's the information you need, plus a few additional tools, which will help you speed up your Internet connection.

Chapter 2: Internet Connection Basics

To identify the causes of a slow Internet connection, you need to understand information about different types Internet connections. From various ISPs you can choose how to measure your Internet connection speed. Below is detailed information, which explains in detail how your Internet works. We will also explain the difference between download and upload speeds. Then you can use the Internet speed test results to better understand how fast your Internet is.

Understanding the basics of Internet connections

Let's start with brief overview about how the Internet works so you can understand what we are trying to do when we try to troubleshoot your Internet connection.

Devices such as computers, mobile phones, tablets connect to the Internet different ways, including underground wires, cellular connections, or even satellites. Once connected, computers can communicate with each other, and you can view and share information with others around the world within seconds.

Your device can connect to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or by setting up a wired or wireless hotspot on your mobile phone. When you create a wired or wireless hotspot on your mobile phone, you are essentially turning your phone into a mobile hotspot. Only a few carriers and plans allow you to create a wired or wireless hotspot on your mobile phone. Mobile operators MTS, Rostelecom and Beeline offer tariff plans that allow you to create a wired or wireless access point on a mobile phone.

When it comes to your internet service provider, you can choose any provider and any mobile phone. Common ISP providers are Rostelecom, MegaFon or MTS. Various ISPs offer Various types Internet, for example, access via telephone line, broadband and DSL. We'll delve a little deeper into these concepts because the type of connection you have will determine how your computer or smartphone connects to the internet.

Once you register with an ISP and begin receiving services, your computer will be assigned an Internet Protocol or IP address. The address, which consists of a series of numbers and spaces, helps identify your computer and all your online activity.

Once your computer is connected to your ISP and you have your IP address (this is usually done automatically and you don't have to worry about it), you can access the Internet, visit pages, send emails and much more.

The problem is that if any part of the system breaks, you will not be able to access the Internet. And if your Internet connection is too slow, then even simple browsing on the Internet can become a tedious task and you may not even be able to access specific sites. You won't even know which part of the entire system caused the connection to fail. And this is where you need troubleshooting.

What you need to know about ISP

It is important to know that not all ISPs (Internet Service Providers) provide the same Internet services in terms of price, download and upload speeds. Every ISP is different, so you will need to carefully consider the aspects that are important to you. Remember that most ISPs require you to sign a contract for at least 2 years, so take this decision responsibly - you will have to stick with one ISP for a while.

As you evaluate ISP options, take the time to review reviews of those services. Reviews can reveal to you important information about factors such as reliability, technical support and overall quality of the ISP that you might not otherwise know about.

One of the most important differences among ISPs is the difference between download and upload speeds. These speeds have a direct impact on how you can use the internet and can be one of the reasons for slow internet.

In addition to the speed that the ISP offers, also think about the following factors:

• Availability – Before searching for ISP information, make sure the provider provides services in your area. You can find information that ISPs only serve specific areas, and some only serve specific addresses in the city. Do not rely on the coverage map provided by your ISP, as it usually does not detail service availability at your address. Instead, call your provider to see what services are available to you.
• Reliability – Look for information on how often this provider experiences internet outages. This can be quite annoying, especially if you need the Internet for work.
• Data Plan Options and Pricing – Most ISPs offer many different pricing plans. Tariff plans may vary in speed and price. View available options and see if there is one convenient for you. If not, look at other ISPs.
• Contracts – Always read the fine print of your ISP contract. Most contracts require services to be retained for a minimum of 2 years, and may include excessive penalties for terminating services before the specified period. Also re-check the price - some prices may only be fixed for a certain period of time, and, after this period ends, the price for your tariff plan can rise.

There is one more important factor in choosing an ISP: the type of Internet connection that will be provided to you.

How is Internet speed measured?

Internet speed can be measured in a variety of ways, but most metrics refer to MB/s.

• One kilobit per second (Kbps) is the slowest rate used. It is commonly used with older types of internet, such as dial-up modems.
• One megabit per second (Mb/s) is the equivalent of 1,000 Kb/s. This is the most common speed indicator you can find today.
• One gigabit per second (Gb/s) is the equivalent of 1,000 Mb/s. This metric is associated with high-performance networks.

The higher the indicator, the faster internet.

Let's pay attention to Mb/s. What is normal? What is not normal?

Contracts offered by ISPs usually differ in download speed. In most cases around the world, contracts start at 3 MB/s and increase depending on the speed of 10 MB/s, 20 MB/s, 50 MB/s, 100 MB/s, 200 MB/s, 500 MB/s, and in some cities and up to 1000 MB/s (1 Gb/s).

In order to find out what speed your Internet has, you need to consider how you connect your device to the modem. Cables local network can support speeds up to 100 Mb/s or 1 Gb/s (1000 MB/s). Depending on how fast your ISP connection is, your Internet connection or LAN cables could be potential delaying factors. For example, if you pay your ISP for 500Mbps, but use a 100Mbps LAN cable to connect to your modem, then this cable will slow down your internet speed by up to 100 MB/s, even if you pay for more high speed. On the other hand, if you only pay for 50Mbps but use a local cable of 1Gbps, then that is too much since the internet speed from your ISP is much slower than the cable can handle.

You don't have to use a local cable to connect your computer to your modem or router. If your device supports WiFi, like most laptops and smartphones, you can connect to your modem wirelessly via WiFi. In this case, you will have 2 connections: your device connects to the modem via WiFi, then the modem connects to your ISP. Both of these connections can slow down your internet speed. This means that you will need to choose one WiFi router, which supports the speed provided by the ISP. Remember that the distance you are from the router can also slow down your internet speed, so it's best to get a router that supports at least double the internet speed provided by your ISP.

• For home networks, speeds range from 1 Mb/s to 500 Mb/s.
• Local cables support 100 Mb/s or 1000 Mb/s.
• Majority Wi-Fi routers(802.11g) support at least 54 Mb/s.

Is your internet fast enough? And what is a good internet speed?

This is a controversial issue, since there is no “good” Internet speed. The speed that's right for you depends on many factors: how you use the internet, the types of sites you visit, how much you download and upload. For example, if you access the Internet several times a day to check news sites, the weather, and use email, you don't necessarily need the same speed as a user who downloads a lot of photos, watches Netflix daily, and enjoys playing online games.

How to measure download and upload speeds

Download speeds, upload speeds, and why they matter

We talked a little about Internet connection speeds, and you should already understand that high speed leads to quick use Internet. But when you're trying to troubleshoot your internet connection and run an internet speed test, it's best to know a little more about internet connection speeds and how they affect your internet usage.

When we talk about “internet speeds,” we are talking about two speeds: download speed and upload speed.

Download speed shows how quickly your computer can download information from the Internet. When you watch a video, load a web page (especially one with a lot of photos), or download a document, the download speed is an indicator of how long it will take.

On the other hand, download speed shows the process of downloading content from your computer to the internet. When you download a photo, document or video or email, the download speed is an indicator of how long it will take.

When you browse the Internet, most of your activity consists of downloading, not uploading. For this reason, most ISPs offer packages with faster download speeds and slower upload speeds.

The average internet user won't rely heavily on download speeds, but there are people who do. For example, if you work with large files, videos or photos, and often download a large number of files, then you need a service that offers faster download speeds than usual.

Chapter 3: Connections, modems and routers

Your internet connection has a significant impact on how fast your internet will function. From many possible options We have presented the most basic types of connections so that you can make an informed decision. But an Internet connection isn't everything. You'll also need a router with the ability to handle the speeds provided by your internet connection. We've included some tips for choosing the right router for you, so you don't inadvertently slow down your internet speed.

Types of Internet connections

Remember how we explained that your computer can connect to the Internet in different ways? These types of Internet connections can also affect the speed and functionality of the Internet. Some ISPs only offer one or two connection types, so you'll need to understand the pros and cons of each connection method.

• Dial-up
  Dial-up Internet access was once very popular, but is no longer used. This connection method uses a phone line to connect, essentially dialing a phone number to “get through” to the Internet. You will need to use a modem and dial-up internet access is extremely slow. In addition, you will not be able to use your phone line while using the Internet.
• DSL
  Digital subscriber line (DSL) allows you to use the Internet and telephone at the same time. DSL is very popular in cities, but in rural areas there is much less of it. Today it is the most popular way to access the Internet.
• Cable
  With a cable connection, your computer accesses the Internet through a cable TV connection instead of a telephone line. This means that you can use the Internet and phone at the same time, which makes cable internet very popular.
• Fiber
  Fiber optic connections are quickly gaining popularity because they are much faster than other types of Internet connections. This type of connection is gaining popularity in cities, but is not yet widely available in more rural areas.
• WiFi
  Wireless high speed connections, also known as WiFi, uses a wired connection like DSL, cable or fiber to send radio waves to devices. This creates high-speed connections that are used to create hotspots in libraries, restaurants and other public buildings. You can, of course, create your own home hotspot.

Some of these connection types are faster than others, and it is important to choose the fastest connection type available in your area if you want to maximize your internet speed.

Using wireless routers

Your computer connects to the ISP and gains access to the Internet. Pretty simple, right? If you decide to use a wireless router to create a WiFi signal in your home or business, you are adding another layer of complexity and another point where things can go wrong and slow down your internet speed. Regardless, there are many reasons why you should use a wireless router at home.

A wireless router gives you flexibility in using the Internet at home. Without such a router, you will need to connect your computer directly to the modem using a local cable. You are literally connected to a modem, and if you have a laptop, you will not be able to move around with it while using the Internet. With a router, you can connect many devices to the Internet at the same time, such as a laptop, phone and tablet. (Most ISPs offer modems that are also routers, so you won't need to buy a router in this case.)

Wireless routers are great for a lot of reasons, but there are many factors that can affect their functionality that you should keep in mind:

• Distance – The further you are from the router, the weaker the connection. If you have big house, you can install several routers to solve this issue.
• Interference – If there are walls or other objects blocking the signal from the router to the device, then your WiFi range may be reduced. If you're two or three rooms away from your router, multiple walls can reduce your WiFi range to the point where you won't be able to connect to the internet.
• Radio Frequency Interference – If you are using the internet at a good speed and it suddenly slows down when someone turns on the microwave, then you are experiencing radio frequency waves because your router uses radio waves to send and receive data. Anything else in external environment, which also uses radio waves - such as a microwave oven - can affect your router and Internet speed.

If you need to buy a router, then you need to choose the options that suit you. Not all routers are created equal, and your router can actually affect your download and upload speeds, potentially slowing down your computer.

Router speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mbps); the higher the indicator, the faster router. You can find routers with speeds ranging from 54Mbps to high-end routers with speeds over 1Gbps (1,000Mbps).

How important is router speed? Differently. Buying a router with significantly slow speeds can slow down your Internet connection. However, buying a router that offers faster speeds than your ISP provides will not actually speed up your Internet connection. In short, it's better to buy a high-speed router, but don't think that buying a high-speed router will make your internet faster if your ISP doesn't provide that speed.

There is one more factor that you should consider when evaluating a router: the technological standards of the router. Wireless networking devices such as routers are measured by technology standards. These standards are identified by the numbers 802.11, which are accompanied by a letter. The combination of numbers and numbers is used to identify the specific technology used by the router and can indicate the range of speeds that the router can handle.

• 802.11g is the main technology that you may see in routers. This is a 2.4 GHz technology only. Because this technology is something basic, then such routers can only reach speeds of up to 54 Mbps.
• 802.11n is a step forward in technology. This 2.4/5.8 GHz technology allows the router to achieve faster speeds, up to 600 Mbps. 802.11ac is a more advanced technology. 5.8 GHz technology makes routers much faster so that they can reach speeds of over 500 Mbps.

If you want to evaluate whether this router is suitable for you, then one of best options is to look at online reviews. These reviews can provide information about activity and speed. Speaking in general outline, it is best to avoid the most cheap option, low activity routers, as they may have problems with low reliability and activity. Next, we will take a closer look at identifying problems with your router.

Chapter 4: Why is my internet slow?

Slow Internet is not only very annoying. The problem can get so bad that the Internet practically stops working. If you are dealing with an unusual slow internet, then you may have the following problems: sites do not load properly or downloading videos before watching them takes forever. Factors such as ISP, time of day you use the internet, the device you use - all these factors affect your internet speed. Here is a list of some potential causes of slow internet.

Factors slowing down your internet

While you may think your Internet speed is fine, there are some factors that can slow down your Internet, causing performance issues, slow loading sites, videos taking a few minutes to load at the end, and other potential problems.

• The type of your Internet connection. Internet speeds over a dial-up line are very different from the speeds you would expect from DSL, fiber or broadband connections. Some connection types only provide limited speeds, so you should be careful about speed requirements when choosing a connection type.
• Your ISP. Each ISP offers different tariff plans with at different speeds uploads and downloads. Faster plans cost more, but they can also be more reliable. If you're constantly experiencing slow speeds that are hampering your internet usage, a faster data plan may alleviate the problem.
• Time of day. Internet speeds tend to slow down during hours when many people are using the Internet at the same time. This is a common problem during the workday. You may notice that the speeds return to normal values when internet usage is less, such as late at night or early in the morning.
• Sites with heavy traffic. The amount of traffic a site receives may affect your internet speed when browsing that site. Sites with heavy traffic can become slow, and can also crash randomly when the page is almost loaded. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do in this case. You just have to be patient and visit the site later.
• Your device. You may have a fast internet connection, but your device such as a computer, smartphone or tablet may be outdated, infected with a virus, or a simpler model with slow processing speed, then this can also lead to slow internet usage. If you try to improve your computer or use a different computer, this may help determine whether this is the cause of your slow Internet connection.

Problems You'll Face When Internet Speeds Are Too Slow

Slow Internet speeds can cause problems while browsing. These problems can range from problems that will simply get worse, but if your internet speed is really very slow, then the internet may stop functioning completely.

You may experience some of these problems due to slow internet speeds:

• Sites are timing out and sites are not loading properly
• Inability to stream video or use Skype or Netflix. Videos can also take a long time to load and appear in poor quality
• Large sites (which often have a lot of images) load slowly
• Delayed response of the site when entering text or mouse movements

If you notice these problems, then you can be almost sure that your internet speed is too slow to support your internet needs.

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting your Internet connection

When your internet goes out, you can't connect to a particular site, or the internet just won't load normally, you'll need to troubleshoot to get to the root of the problem. Because there are many working parts that make up an Internet connection, and because there are many other factors like Internet speed and site functionality that also play a role, you really need to go through many steps to identify potential problems.

Here step-by-step instruction to troubleshoot a slow Internet connection or non-functional Internet.

Signs of Internet connection problems

You'll probably first notice an internet problem when you can't connect to a website or access your e-mail. The site may take longer to load than usual, or you may receive a message that the site is unavailable.

Before you start troubleshooting your Internet connection, first make sure that the site is truly unavailable. Sites sometimes crash, so check that site again, then try a few other sites to make sure the problem is present on all sites.

You can also visit downforeveryoneorjustme.com. This site allows you to check whether the site is really faulty, or whether you are the only one having problems visiting this site.

If other sites do not load, you receive a message that you have no internet connection or that the site is unavailable, then you most likely have problems with your internet connection.

Here's how to solve them.

1. Check the connection between your computer and router.
   First, you will need to make sure that the internet is properly connected to your computer. How are you trying to connect - via local network or WiFi? If you are using a LAN cable, then make sure that the cable is properly connected to the computer and modem. If you are using WiFi, then open the device settings and check the connection. Then look for an indicator that your computer is connected to the network and that the network is available. You may receive a “No connections available” message, which means there is a problem with the network itself, or the way your computer is trying to connect to the network. Unplugging and reconnecting sometimes helps resolve the problem. If you still cannot connect to the network, you will need to check the IP address of your computer or device. In fact, you have two IP addresses: one identifies your device with the modem or router, and the second identifies the modem with the Internet. When we talk about identifying your IP address, we are talking about the local IP that identifies your device to your modem or router. You think “What is my IP?” Don't worry - it's quite easy to view. To check the local IP address of your device, open Settings. Then select “Networks or WiFi”, then “More”, where you will see the IP address assigned by the modem or router. Check and make sure your IP address is valid. The address looks like a series of numbers separated by spaces, such as 192.168.1.104 or 10.0.1.8. If your address looks like 0.0.0.0, it means it is invalid. You will need to update or reconfigure your IP address in order to connect to the Internet. How you do this depends on the type of connection.
2. Make sure your router is connected to the Internet
   If your router is not connected to the modem or the Internet, then your computer will also not be able to connect. First, check all of your router's wires to make sure they are properly inserted into the router and modem (if your router and modem are separate from each other). Then check the lights on the router and modem. A red or yellow light, or a light that doesn't light up, may indicate a problem. Now unplug the wire from the modem, then plug it back in. This will help reset the system and can sometimes solve connection problems. If you still can't connect, unplug the cable from the router, then plug it in again. If you have another router on hand, try replacing it to determine if the router is the source of the problem. Still can't connect? Try connecting your laptop directly to the modem via cable. You can also wirelessly connect other devices, such as a tablet or phone. If you can connect other devices but cannot connect your computer, there may be a problem with your computer's wireless card or your computer's settings. However, if you can only connect your computer using a cable, then this may mean that there is a problem with the WiFi signal generated by the router. If you are still unable to connect your computer or any other device using the above methods, then there may be an outage problem with your ISP. Call the ISP and explain the problem. They can give you information about current outages in your area.
3. A note about satellite internet
   If you receive internet via a satellite connection, then troubleshooting your internet connection may be a little more difficult. Satellites are affected by rain, snow and even thick clouds. If the internet goes out during bad weather, you most likely have to blame the weather conditions. You should also check your satellite dish for dirt and clear any snow. As annoying as it may seem, you will need to wait for weather conditions to improve before troubleshooting your satellite internet. It's possible that the internet will simply return when weather conditions improve. Your ISP can also provide you with information if you call them.

How to speed up a slow Internet connection

If you're dealing with a slow Internet connection, these tips can help you diagnose what's causing it and determine how to speed up your Internet connection.

• Do multiple internet speed checks throughout the day. Speedcheck automatically records the results of each test so you can easily review your results in the future. These checks can also help you consider and understand the actual speeds you are dealing with. If speeds are too slow, then upgrading your data plan or buying a new router may help.
• Evaluate your router. Sometimes a slow or damaged router can lead to slow internet speeds and connection problems. Make sure your router is not old or outdated and that it provides the speed you need. Try replacing it with another router if you have one to see if it speeds up your connection
• Reduce the number of people connected to the network. If you have a lot of people with a lot of devices connecting to your home network, this can also slow down your internet speed. When used simultaneously, phones, tablets, and computers require faster speeds than you would need using a single computer. Try reducing the number of devices you use simultaneously and see the difference. If there is a difference, then you may need to upgrade your data plan for better support all devices.
• Try using the Internet at different times. Remember, during busy periods of Internet use, Internet speed may decrease. Try using the internet at different times when fewer people are using the internet, such as late at night or early in the morning.
• Create a strategic download schedule. If you need to download a heavy program, create a download schedule to distribute it across early morning when fewer people use the Internet. This will save you time and also give you the opportunity to use the Internet during off-peak hours when it is the fastest.

If you suspect that the ISP is the source of the problem, you will need to contact the company directly. In general, it is faster and better to go to the nearest office in person (and sometimes better) than to call customer service or department Maintenance. Of course, this is only an option if there is a service office nearby and if you have time to visit it.

Whether you call customer service or visit the office in person, you should always keep your case number with you. You will need this information if you are going to pursue this matter, and it can save a lot of time during future calls.

If you don't have internet for a few days, many companies can give you a refund, but you'll need to request it. Determine how many days you are without services, then request a refund for that number of days.

• Not correct settings on your computer
• Incorrectly configured network
• Faulty wireless cards
• Faulty router or modem
• And others

If you are upset and don't know what to do, you can hire an IT company or specialist who can help you. An IT expert can come to your home and solve your connection problems. They can also evaluate your equipment, make modifications, make the right adjustments and offer you best ways to get reliable home network performance. (The same is true for businesses if you're trying to identify problems with your company's internet.)

If you need an IT specialist, first visit your local computer repair store. The store may even suggest these services to you, but even if they don't provide these services, they will likely know local suppliers. Need more ideas? Then check with your local business directory or Google for help. Small companies usually provide more affordable services than large IT companies.

We hope these troubleshooting tips help you speed up your slow Internet connection.

Before we figure out how to check Wi-Fi speed, let's decide on a couple of details. These nuances are important to understanding what is being measured. To measure Wi-Fi speed, it is enough to measure the exchange speed within the network. However, it will not be possible to work with the Internet at the same speed. Therefore, existing tools work with the global network.

A common mistake is trying to look at network speed through connection status. This error lies in the fact that the user sees the inscription “Speed ​​100 Mbit/s” and considers this to be the network speed. In practice, this is the speed of the network, and not the connection to the global network. This window will show the same speed if you turn off the Internet.

The speed indicated in the “Network Status” only shows that this network cannot have a higher speed. It happens less often. For example, when a speed limit is set on the provider’s equipment. The window shown above will show 100Mbps. In fact, the data transfer rate will be equal to the specified limit.

The second nuance follows from the first. If WiFi is connected to the Internet, then it shows the speed that it can support itself. So, 100 Mbit/s can turn into 56 if the router is not capable of “distributing” at a higher speed. Wireless connections can take a bite out of the speed themselves. If the test is carried out over a wired connection, it will show one value. If via wireless, then it will show what part of the speed the router “pinched off”.