How Do Speed Tests Work?

1,897 Views Updated: 10 May 2018
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How Do Speed Tests Work?

There are many times when we feel the urge to calculate the internet speed we are working on, especially when the internet is going extremely slow or fast. There are many speed test websites out there that calculate the speed of our net instantly.

These websites often tell you the upload and download speed of your internet. But have you ever wondered that how do these speed test sites work? No? We’ll tell you how.

How do they Work?

There are certain HTTP samples requests that are sent to your computer by the internet speed test site’s server and back to the server by your computer. The time taken by your internet to receive and send these requests is what helps the calculation. And this is how the upload and download speeds are measured.

(Image Courtsey: internet.network)


Are they Always Accurate?

As humans, our doubt for these Speed test apps and sites is pretty obvious. In fact, you might find a huge difference in the calculated speed from two different speed test sites. It’s because they might not be accurate at times. You must be thinking, what causes all this fuss.

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There can be many factors, like:

#1. Sample files don’t count!

The sample files that are an integral part of the test process differs from the big-fat content that you are dealing with, on the internet.

#2. Where are you and what time is it?

The speed test is wholly dependent on the sending and receiving process. But what if your internet and the test server are too close or too far? Not to mention the speed differs in peak times and other ordinary hours.

#3. Age of your phone/computer on which you are running the net

The speed test’s accuracy will vary quite a lot in latest and old devices. The reason is the compatibility factors.

(Image Courtesy: i-cdn.phonearena.com)

Most Well-known speed tests to rely upon are:

#1. SpeedOf.me

(Image Courtesy: domain.me)

With a total of 59 servers, this site is considered to be perfect for non-ISP internet speed test. Its working is based on HTML5 for smooth and fast browsing.

#2. TestMy.net

It has a unique approach to test speed where it provides a single result with multiple server test inputs.

Image result for testmynet

(Image Courtesy: Accesify)

#3. Speedtest.net

It is probably the most well-known speed test site of today. It shows the results in graphics that makes it even more attractive. And the most interesting part, it’s absolutely free!

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(Image Courtesy: App4Smart)

Do you have any site in mind that is really great and not mentioned here? Then go ahead and comment in the section below.

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