DSL Speed Test
Performing a DSL Speed Test
The days of dial up internet service are, for the most part, gone. Broadband internet service is also known as high speed internet, and broadband internet users have a need for speed. As a general rule, broadband internet providers offer a specific download and upload speed as part of the internet service packages that they offer to consumers. Basic packages begin at slower download and upload speeds, while medium to premium packages offer faster speeds and along with them, higher prices. When advertising connection speeds, most providers will express the speeds in the following manner “1.5 Mbps / 128 Kbps”. In this expressed example, the service provider is indicating a maximum download speed of 1.5Mbps and a maximum upload speed of 128Kbps. It is a good idea to perform your own internet speed test periodically in order to ensure that you are getting the speed that you are paying for.
- A DSL Speed Test is a test that will indicate how fast your broadband connection – specifically your DSL – speed is running. Most everyday internet users utilize the download portion of their service much more than their upload portion. Surfing internet web pages, as well as streaming live video or audio are common examples of instances where your computer would be downloading data, and thus, instances where download speeds would be important. Upload speeds would be a consideration for web designers or internet users that are otherwise uploading files for use on another server. How often you test your broadband speed should be directly related to how often you utilize your internet connection. As you review your DSL Speed Test results, keep your specific internet usage needs in mind.
- A slow download or upload internet connection speed can indicate a problem with your computer locally, or a problem with your internet provider’s service. The first step in the process is to determine the baseline speed of your internet connection. A quick internet search will produce a listing of websites that offer visitors the opportunity to test their download and upload speed for free. A DSL Speed Test can be performed simply by visiting one of these websites. Once you perform your DSL Speed Test, you will need to analyze your specific results, and how to improve upon those results if you are unhappy with them
The type of broadband internet connection that you are using will be a factor in determining the connection speeds that you can expect. DSL download speeds in particular, can vary from 128K to 3Mbps, so keep this in mind as you review the results. As a general rule of thumb, a connection with downloads under 1Mbps would be considered poor, while download speeds in the 1-2Mbps range are good, and anything over 2Mbps is excellent. As you move into the diagnostic phase, compare the results of your DSL Speed Test to these ranges.
If your results are well below your provider’s maximum download and upload speeds, before calling your provider to complain, it is time to do some diagnostic work on your end. Think about your home computer configuration. It is not uncommon to be running multiple devices off of one modem using a router with the result being a basic home network. Multiple devices running simultaneously off a router are competing for available bandwidth. Too many devices running off of one router can easily max out your bandwidth. Improving your download speed in this instance may be as simple as upgrading your router, or using one device at a time when performing large downloads.
