Check Broadband Speed

You can find many ways to check broadband speed, from the service providers themselves as well as from independent third parties.

The speed tests test throughput, the amount of data moved successfully from one place to another (e.g. from your computer to any web site in the web) in a given time period.

The actual throughput of your DSL Internet service is based on a number of factors.

These factors include:

• the distance between your home/office and the network location,
• the number of hops from the network location to your computer,
• the performance of network servers and routers,
• the condition of any lines between these two points,
• environmental factors,
• and your computer performance.

Because so many factors affect the results, your actual experience may vary (by wide margins).

To minimize the variation in test results, choose test services that are located close to you. Many services allow you to choose a server nearest you for the test.

Where to Check Broadband Speed

Many broadband speed test services are available from the ISP companies themselves.

This is partly because this allows them to improve their service through feedback and because customers demand proof of the advertised transfer rates.

Available speed tests in the U.S. include:

• support.sbcglobal.net/dsl/speedtest/index.shtml
• blt.speakeasy.net
• us.mcafee.com/root/speedometer/
• webservices.cnet.com/Bandwidth/
• 2wire.com/meter/bm.html
• speedtest.oceanic.com
• speedtest.umnet.umich.edu

Road Runner Internet service from Time Warner cable has several local sites for speed testing, including:

• www.triad.rr.com/speed_test/index.html (for North Carolina)
• www.cinci.rr.com/speedtest/ (for Cincinnati, Ohio)
• www.midsouth.rr.com/speed.asp (for Tennessee and Texas)
• www.new.rr.com/techtips/speedtest/speed.asp (for Wisconsin)