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How do I perform an accurate internet speed test?

Updated

An internet speed test measures how quickly data travels between your device and a test server.

For a meaningful result, the test must be performed under controlled conditions. A test over weak or congested Wi-Fi may show the performance of the wireless connection rather than the speed of the fibre line.

What does a speed test measure?

A standard speed test normally shows three main results.

Download speed

Download speed measures how quickly your device receives data.

It affects activities such as:

  • Streaming
  • Browsing
  • Downloading files
  • Loading online content
  • Receiving cloud data

Upload speed

Upload speed measures how quickly your device sends data.

It affects:

  • Video calls
  • Cloud backups
  • Uploading files
  • Sending large attachments
  • Security cameras
  • Live streaming

Latency or ping

Latency is the time taken for data to travel to the test server and back.

Lower latency is generally better for:

  • Online gaming
  • Video calls
  • Remote-desktop sessions
  • Other real-time services

Before running the test

For the most accurate result:

  • Use a computer with a Gigabit Ethernet port
  • Connect directly to the PacketSky router
  • Use a Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable
  • Switch off Wi-Fi on the testing computer
  • Pause streaming and downloads
  • Stop cloud backups and software updates
  • Disconnect from any VPN
  • Ask other users to avoid heavy internet use
  • Close unnecessary applications and browser tabs

Important: A test performed over Wi-Fi is useful for checking Wi-Fi performance, but it is not a reliable way to prove the speed of the fibre line.

Step 1: Connect using Ethernet

Connect the computer directly to one of the router’s LAN ports.

Do not connect through:

  • A Wi-Fi extender
  • A mesh device
  • A powerline adapter
  • A network switch that may be limited to 100 Mbps
  • A USB adapter unless it supports Gigabit Ethernet

Confirm that the computer is using the wired connection before continuing.

Step 2: Check the wired connection speed

If your package is faster than 100 Mbps, confirm that the device has negotiated a Gigabit connection.

A wired link showing 100 Mbps will prevent the test from exceeding approximately that speed.

Possible causes include:

  • A non-Gigabit network port
  • An old or damaged Ethernet cable
  • A cable with missing wire pairs
  • A 100 Mbps switch or adapter
  • Incorrect network-adapter settings

Step 3: Open the speed-test service

Use SpeedTest.net.

Allow the page to load fully before beginning.

Where the test allows server selection, choose a nearby South African server unless our technician asks you to use a specific server.

Step 4: Run more than one test

Run at least two or three tests.

Allow each test to finish completely and record:

  • Download speed
  • Upload speed
  • Latency
  • Test server
  • Date and time
  • Whether the test was wired or wireless

A single test can be affected by temporary server or network conditions.

Step 5: Take a screenshot

Take a screenshot showing the full result.

Make sure the screenshot includes:

  • Download speed
  • Upload speed
  • Ping or latency
  • Test server
  • Time of the test, where available

Do not crop out information that may help our Support Team assess the result.

Why is my Wi-Fi result lower?

Wi-Fi performance depends on more than the fibre package.

It may be reduced by:

  • Distance from the router
  • Walls and floors
  • Wireless interference
  • The Wi-Fi standard supported by the device
  • The number of connected devices
  • Whether you are using 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz
  • The router’s placement
  • The capabilities of the phone or laptop

It is normal for Wi-Fi results to differ from wired results.

Should the result exactly match my package speed?

Speed-test results can vary slightly because of protocol overhead, test-server performance, device limitations and network conditions.

A small difference does not necessarily indicate a fault.

However, a wired result that is repeatedly and substantially below the expected speed should be investigated.

Sending results to PacketSky

Log a support ticket through the PacketSky Customer Portal and include:

  • The screenshots
  • Which service this relates to
  • The device used
  • Confirmation that Wi-Fi was disabled
  • The date and time of each test
  • Details of any VPN, switch or additional router in use

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