Testing your internet download speed

Download speed tests let you test your internet speeds and help show you what your real download speeds are. Many speed tests are available online but want to charge you to use them.

Internet connection test software is currently very popular. Whether it is software or web based there are many users flocking to sites that can test just how fast your Internet connection is.

Your results may vary if you run a test more than once on the same connection. This is due to the test measuring how fast a certain amount data can travel across the live Internet and back to your computer. It doesn't measure the theoretical speed (Usually Documented by your ISP) of your connection, but the speed at which your computer receives and transmits data over the Internet.

This fluctuation is uncontrollable due to internet congestion. Whenever you run an Internet speed test, the data could travel over the Internet through one path (this path includes servers, switches and routers) and can be routed through a totally different set of communication equipment or location upon your second test.

You need to test your download speed if you thinks pages are taking too long to load or if you are just curious to know your true download speeds. ISP's limit your connection speeds at certain caps through their QOS (quality of service) file.

Keeping an eye on your download speeds by using online speed tests can help you determine the quality and consistency of your internet connection.

There are many popular speed tests available, just search google for internet speed test.