The responsiveness of various websites or Internet services are affected by a large number of factors. When experiencing a suspected slowness with a website or online service it can be helpful to run a speed test to determine if the network or Internet connection is one of these factors in that case.
To run the test go to the website https://www.speedtest.net/
Before starting the test ensure the computer isn't running any file transfers or other network or processor intensive activities or software. Closing all other programs and browser tabs should be sufficient for this.
Click the large "Go" button and watch as the site runs two tests, one for the download speed, and one for the upload speed. This takes about 30 seconds.
At the end of the test a report will be displayed. The important information looks similar to the following image...
This specific report shows a healthy connection.
Some guidelines to remember :
- For download about 50Mbps or higher is good
- For upload we expect around about 10Mbps
- The ping and latency numbers can largely be ignored unless otherwise advised
What to do with the report next :
Does the speed test report meet the guidelines above?
- Yes - The problem is not the network or the Internet connection; contact the website administrator or the service vendors help desk.
- No - The problem may be with the network or Internet connection.
- Rerun the same test but this time use the following URL https://www.speedtest.net/server/bcnet (this is a more specific target which may help further narrow where the problem may be)
- Contact the ITS help desk, offer both test reports in the ticket.