Most people only think about their internet speed when something goes wrong. A video call freezes, a series keeps buffering or a large file takes forever to upload, and suddenly you want to know whether your connection is really delivering what you pay for.
Below, we look at how to prepare your setup, why a cable gives more accurate readings and which testing tools are worth using. We also explain what download speed, upload speed, ping and jitter mean so that you can read your results with confidence.
Preparing Your Setup Before You Test
A speed test measures everything happening on your connection at that moment, not only the device you are testing on. If someone is streaming in the lounge or a laptop is downloading updates in the background, that activity will eat into your results. Pause downloads, close streaming apps and ask others in the house to hold off for a few minutes.
It also helps to restart your router before running an internet speed test. Routers can slow down after weeks without a break, and a quick restart clears out small glitches. Give it a couple of minutes to reconnect fully before you begin.
Your device matters too. An older phone or laptop may not be able to handle high speeds, especially on faster packages. Close unnecessary browser tabs and programmes, and use a newer device where possible so that the hardware is not what is holding your results back.
Why a Cable Beats Wi-Fi for Accurate Results
Wi-Fi is convenient, but walls, distance from the router and interference from neighbouring networks all affect it. Testing over Wi-Fi often shows your wireless performance inside the home rather than the speed actually arriving at your router.
For the most accurate reading, connect your computer directly to the router with an Ethernet cable. This removes the wireless variables and shows what your line is truly delivering. If the wired result looks good but Wi-Fi feels slow, the problem is likely router placement or coverage rather than your internet service.
It is still useful to test over Wi-Fi in the rooms where you use the internet most. Comparing results from different spots can reveal dead zones and show whether a mesh Wi-Fi system or a better router position could help.
Choosing a Reliable Testing Tool and Server
Free tools such as Speedtest by Ookla and Fast.com are popular and easy to use. Sticking with the same tool each time makes it much easier to compare results over days or weeks.
Pay attention to the test server. Most tools pick the nearest one automatically, which is usually best. A local server in Cape Town or Johannesburg gives a more realistic picture than one overseas, since international traffic travels further and passes through more networks along the way.
One test on its own does not tell the full story. Try testing early in the morning, at midday and during the evening peak between 7pm and 10pm. When you check your connection speed a few times and note the results, patterns start to appear quickly.
Understanding Download and Upload Speeds
Download speed, measured in megabits per second (Mbps), shows how quickly data reaches you. It affects streaming, browsing and downloading files, and it is usually the headline figure on any internet package.
Upload speed shows how quickly you can send data out. This matters for video calls, cloud backups and sending large files. Some packages offer symmetrical speeds, meaning upload and download are the same, while others have a much lower upload figure.
It is normal for results to land slightly below your package speed because of network overheads. On a wired connection, around 80% to 90% of the advertised speed is generally healthy. If results are consistently much lower, contact your provider and share your test records.
Making Sense of Ping, Jitter and Packet Loss
Ping, also called latency, measures how long data takes to travel to a server and back, shown in milliseconds (ms). Lower is better. Under 20ms is excellent for gaming and video calls, while anything above 100ms can cause noticeable delays.
Jitter shows how much your ping changes from moment to moment. A stable connection has low jitter, ideally under 30ms. High jitter causes choppy calls and robotic sounding audio, even when your speed looks fine.
Some tools also report packet loss, which is the percentage of data that never reaches its destination. Ideally this should be zero. Even small amounts can cause stuttering in games and dropped calls, so it is worth checking when reading your speed test results.
In Conclusion
A proper speed test is simple once you know the steps. Prepare your setup, use a cable where possible, choose a nearby server and test at different times of day. Then look beyond the download figure to upload speed, ping, jitter and packet loss for the full picture of how your connection performs.
If your results keep falling short, it may be time for a connection that delivers. At ON Fibre, our fibre and wireless solutions offer fast, reliable speeds, low contention ratios and 24/7/365 support with no credit checks. Get in touch with our team today and sign up for internet you can count on.
