When it comes to the Internet, a reliable connection is crucial for smooth online activities. Whether you're streaming your favorite TV shows and movies, video calling for work, or competing in intense online gaming sessions, you need a connection you can count on. But how do you know if your Internet is moving as fast as it should? That's where Internet speed tests come in handy, offering a quick assessment of your network connection.

In this article, we'll walk you through the basics of Internet speed tests, tell you how to interpret the test results, and help you to understand how accurate speed testing can improve your online experience by identifying issues with your Internet services. Speed tests can also show users if they’re actually getting their advertised speeds or if their Internet service providers (ISPs) are throttling their connections.

What is an Internet Speed Test?

Internet speed tests are online tools that check your connection's performance. They assess download and upload speeds by mimicking online activities in a controlled setting and help show how data is currently traveling between your device and the test server. Widely accessible through web browsers for free, these tests are a vital asset for Internet users looking to understand just how their household Internet is performing. While  running a speed test won't tell you your absolute speed, they offer a close approximation of your connection’s bandwidth, empowering you with valuable insights to optimize your online experience. 

What is a Speed Test Measuring?

When you run an Internet speed test, your system will send data to a test server to measure three aspects of your network connection: download speed, upload speed, and ping (or latency). Here is what these metrics mean:

• Download Speed: This represents how quickly data can be transferred from the Internet to your device. The higher the download speed, the faster your Internet connection is. When you experience slow Internet, it’s usually because of your download speed.
• Upload Speed: This represents the speed at which data can be sent from your device to the Internet. While upload speeds are generally lower than download speeds, they are still crucial for cloud storage, sharing files, video conferencing, and live streaming content.
• Ping: Also known as latency, ping refers to the time it takes for a data packet to travel from your device to the test server and back. Lower ping values indicate a more responsive Internet connection and are preferable for online games and video conferencing as they reduce lag, delays and video buffering

Interpreting Your Speed Test Results

Now that you have your Internet speed test results, you might be wondering if they are good or bad, and if they fall within the ideal speed range for your internet usage.. While optimal speeds can vary based on your specific Internet needs and service plan, here are some general guidelines to give you an idea of how your Internet is performing:

Download Speed:

• 1-5 Mbps: Good for basic web browsing and emails
• 10-25 Mbps: Great for browsing, social media, and standard-definition video streaming
• 25-50 Mbps: Ideal for HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.
• 50-100 Mbps or higher: Excellent for multiple household devices streaming in 4K or downloading large files simultaneously

Upload Speed:

• 1-3 Mbps: Sufficient for basic email and light file uploads
• 3-10 Mbps: Good for general Internet use, email, and light video calling
• 10-25 Mbps: Good for video conferencing, online collaboration and HD video streaming
• 25 Mbps or higher: Ideal for uploading large files, video conferencing, and HD online streaming across multiple devices

Ping (Latency):

• Below 50ms: Excellent for smooth online gameplay and video calls
• 50ms to 100ms: Good for most online activities, including video streaming, web browsing, and social media
• Above 100ms: Higher than the recommended value, and you may experience noticeable delays, especially in real-time applications like video calls and online gaming

Are Internet Speed Tests Accurate?

Internet speed tests are generally reliable tools to check your Internet speed. But a few factors can influence the results, so it's important to consider the following:

• Test Server: When running a speed test, your signal will be routed through a nearby Internet server. The location and capacity of the test server can potentially impact the results, so choosing a server that is geographically close to your location will allow for more accurate results. If you’re testing the speed of your Shentel home Internet service, the server used for testing should have “Shentel” or “Glo Fiber” in the name for the most accurate results.
• WiFi Connection: If you're running the test on a wireless connection, your test will be affected by not just the speed of your Internet but the speed of your WiFi as well. Distance from the router, signal interference, and the number of connected devices can affect the results, so a wired cable connection is generally recommended for the most accurate results.
• Time of Day: Internet speeds can fluctuate depending on network congestion. Running tests at different times, including peak and off-peak hours, can help identify any significant variations in network performance.

By taking these factors into account, you can gain a clearer understanding of your Internet speeds and make informed decisions about your Internet plan or any necessary optimizations.

Experience the Shentel Difference

Internet speed tests offer valuable insights into your Internet connection's performance. By understanding how to interpret the results, you can determine if your current bandwidth meets your needs and take the necessary steps to optimize your internet speed. 

At Shentel, we've got you covered for all your Internet, television, and phone needs. Our easy-to-use mobile app, comprehensive services, and dedicated team are ready to assist you, making staying connected easier than ever before. Experience a more reliable, convenient, and efficient Internet journey — contact Shentel today!