Internet speed is basically the performance capability, in bytes per second, of an Internet connection as it transfers data between the Internet and a user’s device. In modern terminology, the data speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and kilobits per second (Kbps). One megabit equals 1,024 kilobits, so a 1.0 Mbps connection is more than 1,000 times faster than one running at 1.0 Kbps.
Your Internet connection actually has two different speeds. Download speeds and upload speeds are measured separately. In most cases, the download speed of a connection is faster than its upload speed. For most users, this speed balance provides bandwidth for the streaming and downloading which make up a large part of our online activities.
There is no definitive answer to this question. In general, faster is always better when talking about Internet speed. But speed often comes at a price, so employing an Internet connection that provides excessive speed can be a waste of money. Based on the type of activity for which you use your Internet connection, here are some guidelines as to a minimum speed that should be sufficient for your needs.
If you are in the habit of uploading a lot of files you also want to ensure that your upload speed is adequate. Since by default it is usually slower than your download speed you may need to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to increase the upload speed your connection is capable of achieving.
The United States’ Federal Communication Commission (FCC) updated specifications for “broadband” Internet connections in 2015 and set the minimum speeds at 25 Mbps for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads. This high-speed type of Internet connection is usually obtained through cable or telephone companies using cable modems and DSL to provide the connections.
The best way to find out how fast your Internet is performing is to test it. There are a number of reasons that you might want to conduct an Internet speed test, such as:
If you are wondering how to test your Internet speed there are a number of online testing options available. In order to get the most accurate results possible from an Internet speed test here are some rules that you should follow.
Taking these steps prior to commencing with your Internet speed test will result in a more accurate test that reflects the true speed of your connection. A quality test will display download speed, upload speed, and ping speed.
There are many factors that can affect the speed of your Internet connection. This can make it difficult to pinpoint where the problem lies if you are not getting the speed you expect. Some of the reasons you might be experiencing slow Internet speeds are:
If you are unsatisfied with your Internet’s connection speed there are a number of remedies that can be tried to resolve the issue.
Now you know about Internet speeds and how you can test and potentially improve your connection. If you are not satisfied with the speed at which your online activities are being performed, it might be time for a little troubleshooting. Good luck!