How to Monitor Internet Speed

If you have a feeling your internet service provider is short changing you regarding the internet connection speed you are getting on the ground, you should find out how to monitor internet speed on the computer in question. Before starting an internet connection speed monitor test to run, keep a few things in mind. Viruses and malware can slow down your computer and internet speed so make sure to scan your computer and get rid of those offending parasites. Also, your internet speed will slow down if others on your network are downloading big files. If you've checked these different variables and you are still being disconnected periodically or your connection speed seems slow, a test to monitor internet speed is in order.

Results of Internet Speed Monitors

Interpreting the results of internet speed monitors is pretty straight forward. Even though each test has it's own interface, the basic results are universal. Your test results will tell you your download and upload speed measured in Mb/s -- megabytes per second or kbps -- kilobytes per second. If the resulting numbers are kbps you need to divide the numbers by 1,000 to get Mb/s. Your service provider generally talks in Mb terms so it is important to understand your results in the same lingo. Some tests will tell you the name of your provider and the distance between your home on the closet server. In addition, your test may indicate how fast you can expect to download a 5 mb MP3 file at our current speed or a 50 mb video clip. Using these tests to monitor internet speed on a regular basis will keep you up to date of the speed and quality of service you are getting from your ISP.

Test for Monitoring Internet Speed

The first thing you need to do before you begin your test for monitoring internet speed is to choose the geographic location where you want to test your connection speed against. Once you've chosen your location, start running the test to monitor internet speed. The first thing the internet speed monitoring test checks is the speed at which your internet connection can download files. This is the speed you pay for so it is the most important part of the test. The next thing the test checks is your upload speed. Upload speed is important for using FTP and for applications like VOIP. Before you even start the test you should make sure no downloads are in progress on your network or that no one is using a download or upload dependent application. These things will significantly effect the results. Closing your internet browser during the test will terminate the process.

Internet Connection Speed Monitor Sites

Internet connection speed monitor websites are plentiful on the internet. Whether you want to test your internet speed in your own geographic location or test against servers in other parts of the world, these free internet speed monitor tests provide both options. This is an important option to note. In today's global neighborhood people use the internet to live in one country but may live in another country. If the applications, sites and databases you'll be using are not in your home country, you'll want to monitor internet speed on servers in the country those applications exist in. If you want to see how your provider compares to others in your area, some internet connection speed monitor sites provide this comparison service.

Internet Speed Monitoring on a Regular Basis

If you want to keep on top of your ISP and make sure that they are providing the speed and internet quality that you are paying for, internet speed monitoring should be done regularly. Prior to running an internet speed test, make sure you've done everything possible to optimize your computer to get the best speed possible. This involves riding your self of any unnecessary toolbars or spyware that suck up your internet bandwidth. Once you've done that, start searching the internet for a free internet speed monitor test. There are plenty to choose from and some even test the quality of your connection for such applications as VOIP. You don't have to invest money or much time to monitor internet speed. Simply choose one of the many tests available online.