Not all internet is created equal. And if you’ve ever been in the middle of streaming a movie only to have it buffer for what feels like days, you know how frustrating a slow internet connection can be. That’s why it’s important to know how to test your internet speed—so you can troubleshoot any potential issues and ensure that you’re getting the best possible service. Here’s what you need to know.

How do I find out my internet speed?

When you sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a range of internet speed tiers. While your typical evening speed can vary because of a number of external factors, there are often at-home issues that are reducing your speeds. This is where internet speed tests are handy.

Speed tests are designed to measure your maximum connection speed by testing your ping, upload speed and download speed against a test server before giving you an almost instant report of the results. To get the most accurate results, it’s important to make sure that you’re not doing anything else online that could slow down your connection, like downloading large files or streaming video. 

Here are some numbers to look out for:

• Download Speeds: This measures how fast you receive data from the internet, and it’s used for everything from streaming videos to scrolling through social media.
• Upload Speeds: This measures how fast you can send data from your devices, and this is important when uploading photos, backing up to the cloud or playing online games.
• Ping Time: In the simplest terms, this is the amount of time it takes for a packet of data to travel from your computer to a server and back again. A low ping time is desirable because it means that data is being transmitted quickly and without any delays.

Once you’ve run the test and you understand your speed test results, you’ll know what your maximum speeds are which will allow you to compare them to what your typical evening speeds should be. If you’re not getting the speeds that you should be, you may need to contact your ISP to help troubleshoot the issue as there can be a number of reasons contributing to the slow speeds.

What’s the best way to improve internet speed?

While speed testing can show you the statistics surrounding your nbn speed, it can’t exactly fix the issue for you. Slow speeds can happen for a variety of reasons, from something as simple as a technical error to a larger-scale internet provider-based issue.

Turn it off and on again

One of the most common solutions is to turn your router off and then back on again. This process, known as a reboot, can often clear away any minor glitches that might be causing problems. By resetting the connection, you can sometimes get rid of any network congestion or conflicts that might be slowing things down. Of course, rebooting won’t always solve the problem, but it’s a simple and harmless solution that’s worth trying before trying more comprehensive tactics.

Close any unused tabs

Another easy way to improve your internet speed is by closing any programs or tabs that you’re not using. When you have too many programs and tabs open, it can slow down your computer and your internet connection. So, if you’re not using a program or tab, close it to help improve your speed.

Switch to a wired connection

Another way to improve your internet speed is by using a wired connection instead of a wireless one. Wireless connections are convenient, but they can be slower and more prone to interference than wired connections. If you have the option, use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your router. However, this might not be the best long-term fix if you’re looking to connect multiple devices.

Contact your ISP

Finally, if you’re still having trouble with slow internet speeds, you may need to upgrade your internet package or plan. If you’re on a lower-speed plan, upgrading to a higher-speed one can make a big difference. You can usually do this by contacting your ISP or Internet Service Provider.

At MATE, we have a range of nbn internet plans at different typical evening speeds and price points, which means you can find the plan that’s perfect for your household. If you need help with an ongoing plan or you’re just trying to work out what’s best for you, our Aussie customer service reps are just a call away. Choose speed and customer service; choose MATE!

By following these tips, you can improve your internet speed and enjoy a better browsing experience. Remember, an internet speed test can be a helpful tool in troubleshooting slow speeds. If you’re still having trouble after trying these tips, consider contacting your ISP for help.