If you are unsure that the internet speed that your connection is attaining is the same as what your internet service provider states that you should be able to get, then a broadband speed test may be in order. This test is carried out by sending and receiving packets of data to and from internet servers around the world. There are many internet web sites that offer reliable broadband speed tests for users to check their data transfer speeds with servers in different parts of the world. There is also software that has been developed to do the same thing, though web sites are much more popular. Follow the below steps to carry out a broadband speed test:

-First connect to the web site or load the software you want to use to test you broadband speed.

-Some applications will then ask you what area in the world you would like to test the data transfer speeds with your connection. Though with most applications, there is a default server attached to the website or software that you are using.

-The first step of the test is to determine your connection latency. This is the length of time it takes for the server you are testing with to receive packets from your computer. The latency, or ping, could range from 20ms for a good connection, up to 1000ms and over for a very bad connection. Generally, countries with well established internet infrastructure will average around 30 to 100ms, and developing countries may range from 50ms up to 350ms. In some areas of the world with poor infrastructure, latency could easily be above 800ms.

-The download speed test will be carried out after the latency test. For the download test, the server you are connecting to will transmit packets of data to your computer, thus determining your download speed.

-The next test will be an upload test. Data packets will then be sent from your computer, up to the server. The speed at which they are received will ascertain your data upload capacity.

-The application will then tell you your maximum upload and download speeds which will be taken from the highest speed reached in the upload and download tests.

It is important to recognize that the highest attainable speed will generally be with a server located in your country of residence. Distance obviously has an affect, though less so as technology improves.

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