Understanding Your Speed Test Results
When you run our speed test, you'll receive three key measurements that tell the story of your network performance:
Download Speed
This measures how quickly data travels from the internet to your device. For businesses, adequate download speed is crucial for:
- Loading web applications and cloud services
- Downloading files and software updates
- Streaming video content for presentations
- Receiving large email attachments
Recommended minimums: 25 Mbps for small offices (1-5 users), 100 Mbps for medium businesses (6-25 users), 500+ Mbps for large operations.
Upload Speed
Upload speed determines how fast you can send data to the internet. This is critical for:
- Video conferencing and screen sharing
- Cloud backup and file synchronization
- Sending large files to clients
- VoIP phone calls
Recommended minimums: 5 Mbps for basic operations, 25 Mbps for regular video calls, 50+ Mbps for frequent large file uploads.
Ping/Latency
Ping measures the time it takes for data to travel to a server and back. Lower numbers are better. This affects:
- Real-time communication quality
- Cloud application responsiveness
- Video call stability
- Remote desktop performance
Ideal ranges: Under 20ms is excellent, 20-50ms is good, 50-100ms is acceptable, over 100ms may cause issues.
Common Network Issues and Solutions
Slow Speeds Throughout the Day
If your internet consistently performs below your plan's advertised speeds:
- Check your plan: Ensure you're subscribed to adequate speeds for your business needs
- Test at different times: Network congestion can slow speeds during peak hours
- Examine your hardware: Outdated routers or modems can create bottlenecks
- Consider your location: Distance from your ISP's infrastructure affects performance
Intermittent Connection Problems
If your connection drops frequently or becomes unstable:
- Check cable connections: Loose or damaged cables are common culprits
- Monitor WiFi interference: Other devices or networks can cause wireless issues
- Update equipment firmware: Outdated firmware can cause stability problems
- Review bandwidth usage: Heavy users or applications might be consuming available bandwidth
Optimizing Your Business Network
Hardware Recommendations
Your network is only as strong as its weakest component. Key hardware considerations:
- Router: Choose business-grade routers with adequate WiFi standards (WiFi 6 or newer)
- Modem: Ensure your modem supports your internet plan's full speed
- Cables: Use Cat 6 or newer Ethernet cables for wired connections
- Switches: Add managed switches for larger offices to control network traffic
Network Configuration Best Practices
Proper configuration can significantly improve performance:
- Quality of Service (QoS): Prioritize critical business applications
- Separate networks: Create dedicated WiFi networks for guests and IoT devices
- Regular monitoring: Track network performance and usage patterns
- Security measures: Implement proper firewall and access controls
VoIP and Video Conferencing Requirements
Modern businesses rely heavily on voice and video communications. Here's what you need for optimal performance:
VoIP Phone Systems
- Bandwidth per call: 100 Kbps upload and download minimum
- Latency: Under 150ms for acceptable call quality
- Jitter: Less than 30ms for clear audio
- Packet loss: Under 1% to avoid call quality issues
Video Conferencing
- Standard definition: 1 Mbps upload/download per participant
- High definition: 2-3 Mbps upload/download per participant
- 4K video: 8-10 Mbps upload/download per participant
- Screen sharing: Additional 1-2 Mbps for presenter
When to Upgrade Your Internet Plan
Consider upgrading if you experience:
- Consistent speeds below 80% of your plan's advertised speed
- Frequent buffering during video calls or streaming
- Slow cloud application performance
- Difficulty with multiple users online simultaneously
- Poor VoIP call quality
Ready to test your current setup? Run our speed test to get personalized recommendations for your business.