- Ensure that you are subscribed to an internet plan that meets your needs. Sometimes, slow speeds can be attributed to a plan with low bandwidth.
Performing a proper speed test using a wired connection is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you conduct a speed test with accuracy:
Requirements:
- A computer or device with an Ethernet port.
- An Ethernet cable.
- A web browser.
Steps:
Prepare Your Equipment:
- Ensure that your computer or device has an Ethernet port (most laptops and desktops do).
- Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your computer or device.
Connect to Your Router:
- Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into an available LAN port on your router. Make sure it's securely connected.
Disable Wi-Fi:
- To ensure that your test is conducted solely over the wired connection, disable Wi-Fi on your computer or device. You can usually do this through your computer's network settings.
Choose a Speed Testing Service:
- Open your web browser and choose a reliable speed testing service. You can use Ookla's Speedtest (speedtest.net), Fast.com, or any other trusted speed testing website.
Run the Speed Test:
- Visit the chosen speed testing website.
- Click the "Go," "Start," or "Run Speed Test" button. The speed test will initiate and begin measuring your internet connection's performance.
Wait for Results:
- The speed test will display results for download speed, upload speed, and ping (latency). Wait for the test to complete, which usually takes just a few seconds.
Record the Results:
- Make a note of the download and upload speeds reported by the speed test. These speeds are typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).
Repeat the Test (Optional):
- For more accurate results, consider running the test multiple times at different times of the day. Network speeds can vary based on network congestion and usage patterns.
Interpret the Results:
- Compare the results to your internet service plan. Your speeds should be close to or match the plan's advertised speeds. If they consistently fall significantly below what you're paying for, you may want to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to address the issue.
Troubleshoot If Necessary:
- If your results are consistently lower than expected, you can follow the troubleshooting tips mentioned in the previous response to identify and address any potential issues.
By using a wired connection for your speed test, you eliminate potential Wi-Fi-related factors that can affect the results, ensuring a more accurate measurement of your internet speed.
¶ Restart Your Modem and Router:
- Power cycle your modem and router by unplugging them for about 30 seconds, then plugging them back in. This can help clear any temporary issues.
- Wireless networks can be affected by interference from other devices. Make sure your router is placed away from cordless phones, microwave ovens, and other electronic devices that can disrupt Wi-Fi signals.
- Ensure that your Wi-Fi network is password-protected to prevent unauthorized users from accessing it, which can slow down your network.
- Check if there is a firmware update available for your router. Outdated firmware can cause performance issues.
- Too many devices connected to your network can slow it down. Disconnect devices that are not in use or invest in a router with better capacity.
- If possible, connect your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. Wired connections are generally more stable and faster than Wi-Fi.
- Malware on your devices can consume bandwidth and slow down your network. Run antivirus and anti-malware scans to ensure your devices are clean.
- Make sure there are no ongoing large downloads or updates on your devices, as these can use up bandwidth.
- Some routers have Quality of Service (QoS) settings that allow you to prioritize certain devices or types of traffic. Configure these settings to ensure important activities get priority.
- If you've tried the above steps and are still experiencing slow speeds, contact Network Platforms Support Channels. There could be issues on the Fibre Network Operator end, such as network congestion or a problem with your Fibre connection.
- If your router or modem is old and outdated, upgrading to newer, more powerful equipment can improve your network speed and reliability.
- Network speeds can vary depending on the time of day due to peak usage times. Try testing your speed during non-peak hours to get a better sense of your actual connection speed.
¶ Monitor for Bandwidth Hogs:
- Use network monitoring tools to identify devices or applications consuming excessive bandwidth. Address these issues to free up network capacity.
Remember that network issues can be complex, and it may take a combination of these troubleshooting steps to pinpoint and resolve the problem. Start with the basics and work your way up to more advanced solutions if needed. If the problem persists, don't hesitate to contact us.
Cordless Phones: Cordless phones, especially older models operating on 2.4 GHz frequencies, can interfere with Wi-Fi signals in the same frequency range. Newer DECT 6.0 cordless phones operate on a different frequency and are less likely to cause interference.
Microwave Ovens: Microwave ovens emit electromagnetic radiation in the 2.4 GHz range, which is the same frequency used by many Wi-Fi routers. When a microwave is in use, it can disrupt Wi-Fi signals, causing temporary slowdowns or disconnections.
Bluetooth Devices: Bluetooth devices, such as headphones, speakers, and wireless keyboards, operate in the 2.4 GHz range as well. They can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, especially if they are in close proximity to the router or the device you're using to connect to Wi-Fi.
Baby Monitors: Analog baby monitors that operate on the 900 MHz frequency range can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Digital baby monitors are less likely to cause interference but can still disrupt Wi-Fi if used in close proximity.
Wireless Security Cameras: Some wireless security cameras operate on the same frequencies as Wi-Fi networks. When placed too close to a router or access point, these cameras can interfere with Wi-Fi signals.
Wireless Speakers: Wireless speakers that use Wi-Fi or other wireless technologies can potentially interfere with your Wi-Fi network if they operate on the same frequency bands.
Radar Systems: In some areas, radar systems used by military or aviation authorities can emit strong signals that interfere with Wi-Fi networks.
Other Wi-Fi Networks: Nearby Wi-Fi networks, especially those on the same or overlapping channels, can cause interference and reduce the performance of your network. Using a Wi-Fi analyzer tool can help you identify and select the least congested channel for your network.
Electronic Appliances: Certain electronic appliances with motors, like refrigerators or washing machines, can emit electromagnetic interference when they start up or run. While this interference is usually temporary, it can affect Wi-Fi signals during operation.
Fluorescent Lights: Some fluorescent lighting fixtures can emit electromagnetic interference, especially older models. However, this interference is typically less common in modern, energy-efficient lighting.
To mitigate interference issues:
Change Wi-Fi Channels: On your router, you can change the Wi-Fi channel to avoid crowded frequencies and reduce interference from neighboring networks.
Upgrade to 5 GHz: If your router supports it, consider using the 5 GHz band for Wi-Fi. It is less prone to interference compared to the 2.4 GHz band.
Move Devices: Relocate interfering devices away from your router or access point, or move your router to a more central location in your home.
Use Wired Connections: Whenever possible, use wired Ethernet connections for devices that don't require mobility. This can eliminate interference issues entirely.
Upgrade to Newer Devices: Upgrading to newer cordless phones, baby monitors, and other wireless devices that use different frequencies or advanced technologies can reduce interference.
So, which should you choose, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?
• If faster speeds are most important to you, 5GHz is usually a better choice than 2.4 GHz.
• If the wireless range is more important to you, 2.4 GHz is usually a better choice than 5 GHz.
• If you have a lot of devices that use 2.4 GHz and you are experiencing interference or intermittent connectivity issues, then 5 GHz is probably a better option.
5GHz provides faster data rates at a shorter distance.
2.4GHz offers coverage for farther distances, but may perform at slower speeds.
Range : how far your data can travel. In most cases, the higher the frequency of a wireless signal, the shorter its range.
The biggest reason for this is that higher frequency signals cannot penetrate solid objects like walls and floors as well as lower frequency signals. Thus, the 2.4 GHz has a farther range than the 5 GHz frequency.
Bandwidth (speed): Higher bandwidth means that files will download and upload faster, and high-bandwidth applications such as streaming video will perform much smoother and faster.
Higher frequencies allow faster transmission of data, also known as bandwidth. Therefore, the 5GHz with its higher bandwidth will provide much faster data connections than 2.4 GHz.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and Wireless Signal Strength
SNR is not actually a ratio but the difference in decibels between the received signal and the background noise level (noise floor). For example, if a radio (client device) receives a signal of -75 dBm and the noise floor is measured at -90 dBm, the SNR is 15 dB. Data corruption and therefore re-transmissions will occur if the received signal is too close to the noise floor. In 802.11 networks, re-transmissions adversely affect throughput and latency.
Acceptable Signal Strengths
Signal Strength TL;DR Required for
-30 dBm Amazing Max achievable signal strength. The client can only be a few feet from the AP to achieve this. Not typical or desirable in the real world. N/A
-67 dBm Very Good Minimum signal strength for applications that require very reliable, timely delivery of data packets. VoIP/VoWiFi, streaming video
-70 dBm Okay Minimum signal strength for reliable packet delivery. Email, web
-80 dBm Not Good Minimum signal strength for basic connectivity. Packet delivery may be unreliable. N/A
-90 dBm Unusable Approaching or drowning in the noise floor. Any functionality is highly unlikely. N/A
Wi-Fi Analyzer Apps:
- There are many Wi-Fi analyzer apps available for smartphones and tablets. Some popular options include:
- Android: Wi-Fi Analyzer, NetSpot, WiFi Overview 360.
- iOS: Airport Utility, Network Analyzer.
Wireless Site Survey Tools:
- These tools provide more advanced analysis of Wi-Fi networks and are commonly used in business environments:
- Ekahau Site Survey: A professional Wi-Fi site survey tool used for planning, designing, and troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks.
- NetSpot: Offers both free and paid versions for Wi-Fi analysis and site surveys.
- iBwave Wi-Fi: A comprehensive solution for designing and optimizing Wi-Fi networks in large or complex spaces.
InSSIDer:
- InSSIDer is a popular Wi-Fi scanning and analysis tool available for Windows, macOS, and Android. It provides detailed information about nearby Wi-Fi networks, including signal strength, channel usage, and security settings.
Netspot:
- Netspot is available for both Windows and macOS and provides comprehensive Wi-Fi site survey features. It can help you visualize signal strength and coverage areas, making it useful for optimizing Wi-Fi in both home and business environments.
Wi-Fi Heatmap Software:
- Wi-Fi heatmap software allows you to create visual representations of your Wi-Fi signal coverage. Popular options include Ekahau HeatMapper, VisiWave, and TamoGraph.
Wi-Fi Signal Strength Meters:
- These handheld devices can be used to assess Wi-Fi signal strength and quality at various locations. Examples include the Wi-Fi Signal Strength Meter from GNS Wireless and Wi-Spy from MetaGeek.
Router Management Software:
- Some advanced routers and access points come with built-in management software that provides insights into your Wi-Fi network's performance. Examples include the Ubiquiti UniFi Controller and the ASUSWRT web interface for ASUS routers.
Wireless Site Survey Services:
- For larger businesses or complex environments, consider hiring a professional wireless site survey service. They use specialized tools and expertise to analyze and optimize Wi-Fi coverage.
Built-in Operating System Tools:
- Many operating systems have built-in Wi-Fi analysis tools. For example, on Windows, you can use the Command Prompt to run "netsh wlan show all" to view details about available Wi-Fi networks. On macOS, you can use the Wireless Diagnostics tool.
Portable Wi-Fi Signal Strength Testers:
- These handheld devices are designed for on-site Wi-Fi signal testing and can provide real-time data on signal strength, interference, and channel usage.
When using these tools, keep in mind that the goal is to assess signal strength, identify dead zones, and optimize your Wi-Fi network for better coverage and performance. This is crucial for both home and business environments to ensure a reliable and efficient wireless network
MTR (My TraceRoute) and traceroute are network diagnostic tools used to trace the path packets take between your computer and a destination server or website. They help identify network issues, such as packet loss, latency, and routing problems. Here are some tips on how to use MTR or traceroute effectively:
Using Traceroute:
Open the Command Prompt or Terminal:
- Traceroute is typically run from the command line interface. On Windows, open the Command Prompt. On macOS and Linux, open the Terminal.
Run the Traceroute:
- Type the following command followed by the domain or IP address you want to trace:
traceroute example.com
- Replace "example.com" with the target destination.
Interpret the Results:
- Traceroute will display a list of hops (routers) that packets pass through on their way to the destination. Each line represents one hop and provides information about the round-trip time (in milliseconds or ms) it took for packets to reach that hop.
Look for Issues:
- Pay attention to any asterisks (*), timeouts, or excessively high latency values. These can indicate packet loss or network problems at a specific hop.
Note the Last Hop:
- The last hop represents the destination server or website. If the traceroute reaches this point without issues, it indicates that your connection to the destination is functioning correctly.
Using MTR (My TraceRoute):
Install MTR:
- MTR is a more advanced version of traceroute. You may need to install it on your system if it's not already available. On Linux, you can typically install it using your package manager (e.g.,
apt, yum, brew). For Windows, you can download it from the official website.
Open MTR:
- Open the Command Prompt or Terminal.
Run MTR:
- Type the following command, replacing "example.com" with your target destination:
mtr example.com
Interpret the Results:
- MTR provides continuous updates on the path and statistics. It combines the functionality of traceroute with continuous monitoring. It's useful for identifying trends over time.
Analyze the Statistics:
- MTR provides detailed statistics for each hop, including packet loss percentage and round-trip times. Look for patterns of packet loss or significant latency spikes.
Stop the Test:
- To stop the MTR test, press Ctrl+C (or equivalent) in the command prompt.
Tips for Using Traceroute and MTR Effectively:
- Perform multiple tests: Run traceroute or MTR multiple times to identify consistent issues. Network conditions can change, so it's essential to establish a pattern.
- Test both domain names and IP addresses: Sometimes, issues may be DNS-related. Testing both domain names and IP addresses can help isolate the problem.
- Start from the outside in: If you suspect issues with a specific hop, investigate from the outside in. Run traceroute or MTR tests towards that hop to pinpoint the problem.
- Share results with your ISP: If you encounter persistent issues, especially at specific hops, share the results with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network administrator. They may be able to address the problem.
- Understand network terminology: Familiarize yourself with networking concepts such as hops, latency, and packet loss to better interpret the results.
- Be cautious when sharing results: Traceroute and MTR tests reveal the network path to a destination, so be mindful of sharing sensitive information when sharing results publicly.
Using traceroute and MTR can help you diagnose network issues, but it's important to interpret the results accurately and understand the limitations of these tools. They provide valuable insights into network performance and routing but may not always pinpoint the root cause of a problem.