Understanding WiFi Speed Tests
When people talk about internet service, one word comes up again and again: speed. Whether you’re streaming shows, working from home, gaming, or scrolling social media, your internet speed plays a big role in how smoothly everything runs.
Understanding what speed you currently have, what speed your household actually needs, and how to test it correctly can help you get the best performance from your WiFi network.
What Is a Speed Test?
A speed test measures how fast data travels between your device and the internet. Most tests focus on three key results:
- Download speed – how quickly your router receives information (important for streaming, browsing, and downloads)
- Upload speed – how quickly your router sends information (important for video calls, uploads, and smart devices)
- Latency (or ping) – how responsive your connection is, measured in milliseconds (important for gaming and real-time communication)
These numbers give you a snapshot of your internet performance at the moment the test is run.
Why How You Test Matters
Not all speed tests are created equal. Several factors can influence your results, which is why the way you conduct a speed test is just as important as the test itself.
Here are a few things that can impact your results:
The device you’re using
Phones, tablets, laptops, and computers all have different hardware capabilities. Older devices may not be able to register higher speeds, even if your internet connection is fast.
Wireless vs. wired connection
A hardwired (Ethernet) connection will always provide the most accurate speed test results. Wireless speed tests tend to be less consistent because results can vary based on how far away you are from the router, how many walls are in between you and the router, and the WiFi capabilities of the device being used.
For the most reliable results, we recommend running a wired speed test or our WiFi X app.
Location in your home
Walls, floors, and distance from your router can all affect WiFi performance. Testing in different rooms can help identify coverage issues.
WiFi X App for Most Accurate Results
One advantage of our router is the WiFi X app, which connects directly to your router. The app allows you to see internet speeds for each connected device, helping you understand how your network is being used.
Many devices can’t handle higher speeds, even if your plan supports them. Because WiFi X measures performance at the router level, it provides clearer, more accurate insights into your overall network.
Understanding Your Results
If your speed test results match or comes close to the speeds in your internet plan, your connection is likely performing as expected. If speeds are consistently lower, it may be time to reach out for support.
Running regular speed tests helps you stay informed, troubleshoot issues early, and ensures your internet service is keeping up with your household needs.
A simple way to think about internet speed is like a tunnel. The less speed you have, the smaller the tunnel for your devices to share. The more speed you have, the larger the tunnel – allowing data to move more smoothly and keeping everything running efficiently.