Your business needs a fast, reliable internet connection – but a game plan if something happens to that connection is important too. Most of the time the internet in your office works great, but what do you do when it’s slow? Do you reboot the router? Unplug the modem? If you’re experiencing a slow internet connection, the first thing you should do is run a speed test. Speed tests are a good way to start troubleshooting, and they only take about a minute to complete.
Speed tests measure your current connection’s maximum speed – how fast your device can upload and download information – by accessing nearby test servers. The test mimics your online activity in a controlled setting by downloading sample files and recording speeds.These tests are a quick way to isolate your ISP’s performance as a variable in the quality of your connection, and they can put your mind at ease.
Speed tests won’t tell you your absolute internet speed, but they will give you a close approximation. It’s a good practice to try multiple tests because the results can vary depending on your location and the time of day. Also, different tests highlight different aspects of your connection.
Overall, web surfing requires relatively little bandwidth, although a somewhat faster connection is required for videos.When picking a plan with data upload and download speeds that match your needs, consider your day-to-day internet activities and choose accordingly. With some quick math, you can determine what you use; for instance, sending a text-only email uses only about 10 kilobytes (KB), according to Verizon Wireless.
A typical web page might require 1 megabyte (MB) to load, audio streaming uses about 51 MB per hour, streaming standard-definition video uses 500 MB per hour, and streaming high-definition video uses up 1.6 gigabytes (GB) per hour.Users who buy less broadband capability than they need may end up disappointed with the result.Working from home requires, at minimum, reliable internet service for email and a strong cellular signal or landline. It also often requires sharing large files and participating in videoconferences, both of which use considerable bandwidth.