#Internet connection speed test how to#

Your router connects to that modem and turns your hardwired internet connection into a wireless connection: Wi-Fi. First, a router is different than your modem, which translates your internet provider's signal into an internet connection you can hardwire into.

#Internet connection speed test how to#

If you're wondering how to fix slow internet, your router needs to be on your checklist.īut before you can tell whether you need a faster router or not, you need to understand a few things. 25Mbps might be just fine for one or two people who use the internet mostly for email or posting on Facebook, but if you like streaming movies and downloading all kinds of files, it might just be time to get that plan with a higher Mbps.įor more detailed options, check out our Internet Troubleshooting guide. It could be that you've just got a slower speed plan than you need for your daily activities. That should get out all the cobwebs and help your internet connection start afresh. If your speeds seem to be slower than usual, try unplugging your modem/router and give it a couple minutes break before plugging it back in. Modems and routers need a break just like any machine. Debris can interrupt your signal and cause slowdowns.

If you've had a storm recently, you and satellite dish has dirt, branches, leaves, or other debris on it, carefully remove it. Starlink has more generous data caps than either, so you probably won't run out of that one, but you can buy more Starlink data if you need, as well. If you've exceeded your monthly provider's data limit, your speeds could easily be slowed.įortunately, you can always buy more HughesNet data or purchase more Viasat data if either is your provider. By that we mean these providers don't cut you off when you exceed your monthly data limit you're just downsized from priority data (full-speed data) to standard data (slower data). Check your monthly data usage.Īlthough providers often say they offer unlimited satellite internet, they only do so technically. But never fear! Here are our top three tips for increasing your satellite internet speed. Satellite internet is a special breed in the industry, so it's never quite as fast as land-based alternatives. Try it before a speed test for best results. Sometimes this helps restore normal speeds. This will reset your modem (also known as power cycling). Reset your modem. If your speeds are slower than expected, unplug your modem/router and wait a few minutes.Compare the tests to see if you’re having problems with your Wi-Fi network, which could be a sign you need a better router. Then connect to your home Wi-Fi network to test your Wi-Fi speed. Use an Ethernet cable plugged into your modem and your computer to run the wired connection test. Use an Ethernet cable. It’s also a good idea to test your internet using both your home Wi-Fi network and a wired connection to your modem.Each device eats up some of the bandwidth, so it’s best to disconnect everything temporarily to get a clear indication of the speed your internet provider is delivering. This includes laptops, phones, desktop computers, tablets, wearables, gaming systems, smart appliances, security systems, smart TVs, DVRs, and more. Switch off other devices. When testing your internet speed, we recommend turning off all other devices in your home that access the internet.And if nothing is helping to restore speeds, contact your internet provider to find out what’s wrong. If your speeds are consistently a lot lower than what you’re paying for, check out the internet speed troubleshooting tips below. Keep in mind that evening and weekend speeds might be slower. Internet speeds often vary throughout the day, so test your internet speed several times during the day to get a good indication of the average speeds you’re getting from your internet provider. It could be caused by something on your end or on the internet provider’s end. If your internet isn’t delivering speeds close to advertised speeds, find out what’s causing the problem. That’s why you’ll see internet companies advertising “speeds up to.” Most providers deliver speeds close to what they advertise-although speeds aren’t actually guaranteed.

So, before you call your internet company to complain about slow internet, take a one-minute internet speed test. Are your internet speeds as fast as what you’re paying for? It’s easy to check up on what speeds your internet provider is actually delivering to your home.