Buzz
Sometimes, you may suddenly face slow WiFi connection without knowing why. In such cases, the solution to confirm if there's an issue with WiFi is to check the network speed.
However, during WiFi speed tests, users often make certain mistakes that lead to inaccurate results. In this article, Mytour will introduce you to 5 mistakes to avoid when testing WiFi speed.
1. WiFi Speed Check
There are 3 core tests you can perform to check WiFi connection speed, including download speed test, upload speed test, and ping test.
- Ping Test: This test relates to network latency. Latency is the time it takes for a data packet to travel from one computer to another through the network.
- Download Test: This test checks how quickly content is downloaded from the Internet to your computer, including streaming video directly on your computer or downloading files.
- Upload Test: This test checks how long it takes to transfer files or content from your computer to the Internet.
Speeds in all download and upload speed tests are measured in megabits per second (Mbps), and ping time is measured in milliseconds (ms).
2. Online WiFi Speed Test Tools
There are many online speed test services available on the market that can run directly in web browsers, such as:
- Speedtest.net: A service provided by Ookla, allowing users to perform parallel testing to return accurate results or single connection testing to simulate the process of downloading large files.
- AT&T Speed Test: AT&T provides an online speed testing service directly on the browser, enabling users to check upload and download speeds between their computer and the Internet.
- SpeedOf.Me: This WiFi speed testing service offers a more engaging interface compared to other online tools and services.
- TestMy.net: This service offers 3 separate tests to check upload and download speeds, and automatic speed testing to assess WiFi speed over a period of time.
- Fast.com: For the easiest online WiFi speed test experience, you can visit Fast.com.
3. 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Testing WiFi Speed
In reality, WiFi speed tests are quite simple. However, there are many factors that can affect and slow down the Internet connection, impacting the tests and returning inaccurate results.
Here are 5 mistakes to avoid when testing WiFi speed:
3.1. Testing Location for WiFi Speed
To obtain accurate WiFi speed test results, the location where you place your computer or mobile devices for testing can also have an impact. Standing in different locations will yield different results. Additionally, factors such as walls, microwaves, etc., can obstruct or reduce WiFi signal strength.
Solution: Choose an appropriate testing location, ideally placing your computer or mobile devices in the same room or where the WiFi router is located for testing.
3.2. Performing Tests on Slow Computers
The biggest mistake many users make when performing WiFi speed tests is doing so on old computers or computers using outdated network cards, unable to utilize the Internet speed supported by the Internet service provider.
Modern network cards can handle data transmission speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. On older computers, network cards can only handle speeds from 1 Mbps to 10 Mbps.
Solution: Conduct WiFi speed tests on multiple different devices. Then, calculate the average of all results from tests on various devices to obtain the most accurate speed result.
3.3. Bandwidth-Intensive Applications
One of the biggest issues that users often overlook when conducting network speed tests is devices running bandwidth-intensive applications.
Solution: Identify and close bandwidth-intensive applications on the testing device.
Follow the steps below to check and close bandwidth-intensive applications, connecting to the network via Task Manager:
Step 1: Right-click on any empty space on the Taskbar, select Task Manager.
Step 2: Select the Processes tab.
Step 3: Select the Network column to arrange processes by network usage.
Step 4: Save the processes at the top of the list, these are the most bandwidth-intensive processes.
Right-click on these processes, select End task to close them. The next step is to perform network speed tests.
3.4. Internal Access Traffic
There are two types of network access traffic that can negatively impact WiFi speed tests, including internal access traffic and external access traffic.
Solution: Stop all network access traffic during testing. Ensure all members of your household disconnect from WiFi while you are conducting the test.
3.5. External Access Traffic
Factors, the influence of your neighbors also affect Internet connection speed. This is especially true if you live in densely populated neighborhoods, where many families live close together. To mitigate this factor, you should regularly change your WiFi password so that if anyone knew the previous password, they won't be able to use your WiFi network after you've changed it. If you're unsure how to change your WiFi password, you can visit Mytour to learn more.
Solution: Conduct multiple tests at different times of the day and week.
By performing multiple WiFi speed tests, you will get different results each time. Then, by averaging the results, you will have a more accurate overview of your actual Internet speed.
4. Improving WiFi Speed
If you find that your WiFi speed is not meeting your expectations, below are some solutions to address the issue and improve your WiFi signal:
- Ensure that router settings are completely accurate and optimized.
- Troubleshoot WiFi configuration issues at your home.
- Contact Internet service providers for assistance.
These are the 5 mistakes to avoid when testing WiFi speed. Hopefully, this article from Mytour has provided you with useful information. Additionally, if you have any questions or need further clarification, readers can leave their comments below the article.
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