How to Run An Internet Speed Test (and Why You Should)

Internet is now the fourth utility in every home

After gas, water and electricity, we all depend on the internet to stay productive. It helps us connect to each other, work, learn, play, and entertain. A strong internet connection is now more important than ever, and will only become more important in the future as we become more connected. For this reason, the speed in your home should be frequently tested to ensure you’re getting the most out of your internet.

It’s never been easier to test your internet speed – simply go here (save this link) and click the big purple “Go” button. The IQ Fiber speed test has an easy-to-read needle and gives download and upload speeds Just watch the needle move and it will quickly give you accurate download, upload, and jitter and ping results.

 

What do my speed test results mean?

In short, you want the highest download and upload speed possible, especially if you stream a lot of video. Download speeds of 100 mbps (Megabits per second) and upload speeds of 10 mbps are considered fast, but if you’re running multiple devices, you’ll likely need more.

 

speed test graphic depicting that fiber speed is more efficient than traditional cable internet.

IQ Fiber has all the internet speed you need

This means you’ll never worry streaming video over multiple devices. Here’s a quick rundown on download speed, upload speed, jitter and ping:

Download speed is how fast data is received. Streaming video, updating a game, or opening up a file are all acts of downloading.

Upload speed is how you send data. Video conferencing (Zoom, Teams, etc.) and the sending of large files for work or school depends on upload speed for clear transmission.

Jitter is the interruption of signal. Jitter is measured in milliseconds, and any interruption should be minimal.

Ping is the how quickly your device gets a response after a request is sent. Ping is also measured in milliseconds, and the shorter, the better. For the most accurate data, run the test at least twice.

Fiber-optic internet offers the best internet experience available because the download and the upload speeds are symmetrical. With traditional cable internet, upload speeds are often much slower, and that is a huge problem for those who work from home and are often on video chat calls for work.

Traditional cable internet often has data caps, and the internet speeds will decrease as you use it more and more for the multiple devices in your home.

With IQ Fiber, none of these issues exist. Download and upload speeds are similar, and with no data caps, a dozen devices can connect and use a large amount of bandwidth without slowing you down.

Finally, it’s a good idea to test your internet speeds every few months and make sure you’re getting the speeds you signed up for. With IQ Fiber, we have three stress-free plans for you to choose from, and our reliable network is built from the ground up to optimize for speed.