SPEED TEST

How does Online Internet Speed test works?

Before understanding how Speed Test works one should know that there is a huge difference in Kbps/Mbps and kbps/Mbps.

Kbps stands for Kilobytes per second whereas kbps stands for kilobits per second and 1 byte= 8 bits. It means if you have an internet speed of 40 kbps it is equal to 320 Kbps.

Online speed testing software show internet speed in Kbps/Mbps.


Most of the online speed test actually give a download and an upload speed. To calculate both the speed they first send some sample file that is in binary form to your computer. It also sends instructions to send the file back again.

In the above image, you can see that there is a ping result also. Ping is basically a measure of latency. It has a huge impact on the internet speed.

Latency-For Speed Test

Every time you visit a website, your computer contact the host and start the process of  receiving data. How long it takes to receive data is important for internet speed. If one plays some online game then latency has more importance.

Ping -Internet Speed Test

Every O.S has ping command that can be accessed from the terminal.

In this image time or ping rate ( latency) between my computer and google.com(8.8.8.8) is of 68ms.
Ping rate is equivalent to latency.

In online speed tests, latency is estimated by sending HTTP requests to the server and by measuring the time it takes to response.

Factors which can affect speed test:

1. Distance b/w your computer and the server

You'll get a much faster reading if the server is nearby you. Most test services automatically select the closest server to your computer.

2. What you are doing online

To get the most accurate speed test you should close all other devices the are using your internet or make the used minimum.