How to run an accurate broadband speed test

For the most accurate picture of the broadband reaching your home, connect a suitable computer to your main router with an Ethernet cable, pause other internet activity and run several tests at different times.

A test over wifi measures the performance reaching that device in that location. It does not isolate the broadband connection itself.

Before you start

Check that the device and cable can support the speed you are testing. An older laptop, network port or cable can limit the result.

Then:

1. Connect to the main router by Ethernet if possible.
2. Disconnect from any VPN.
3. Pause streaming, downloads, updates, cloud backups and gaming on other devices.
4. Close apps and browser tabs you do not need.
5. Make sure the test device is not installing an update.

How to run the test

1. Open a reputable speed-test service 
2. Check that it has selected a nearby test server where the option is shown.
3. Start the test and wait for download, upload and ping results.
4. Record the time, result and whether the device was wired or using wifi.
5. Repeat the test two or three times.
6. Test again at different times if the problem is intermittent.

Ogi customers can also use the eero app to see the speed reaching the main eero. That is useful for checking the incoming connection, but it is different from testing the wifi speed on a phone or laptop in another room. Check out our trouble shooting guide, or contact Ogi customer care here 

What do the results mean?

• Download speed is how quickly data travels from the internet to you.
• Upload speed is how quickly data travels from you to the internet.
• Ping or latency is the response time of the connection, measured in milliseconds.

Read our guide to download speed, upload speed and Mbps for a fuller explanation.

Why is my Wifi speed test lower?

Wifi results can be affected by distance, walls, floors, interference, router position and the capability of the device. Some difference between a wired test and a wifi test is normal.

Test close to the router and then in the room where you have a problem. If the result is strong nearby but falls sharply elsewhere, the likely issue is wifi coverage rather than the connection entering the home.

Why do speed-test results change?

Results can vary because of activity on your network, wifi conditions, the chosen test server, the test device and normal changes in network traffic. That is why one result should not be treated as definitive.

What should I do if the result is low?

1. Repeat the test with a wired connection.
2. Restart the router once, following your provider’s instructions.
3. Check whether the device or cable is limiting the result.
4. Record results across more than one time of day.
5. Compare them with the expected or guaranteed information supplied for your service.
6. Contact your provider with the results if the wired speed remains consistently low.

If wired performance is healthy but wifi is poor, follow our guide to improving wifi speed and coverage.

The best way to achieve lightning fast, reliable speeds, is switching to a full fibre network like Ogi. Contact us today to learn more about our ultrafast plans simply pop in your postcode and choose your plan.