Perfect Numbers Don’t Exist
It’s important to understand that internet service from every provider is delivered on a best-efforts basis. This means speeds and ping times can vary due to factors like network congestion, server performance, routing paths and just the pure distance your device is from the site you’re trying to connect with. No technology can guarantee a fixed “perfect” number due to the countless technological limitations of modern networking. Even major ISPs and governing bodies like the FCC acknowledge that broadband performance fluctuates based on conditions beyond the provider’s control (https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/guides/broadband-speed-guide, How-To Geek).
Why Speed Tests Aren’t Meant for Regular Use and Why Wi-Fi Makes Them Worse
Internet speed tests are everywhere. They promise quick answers to the question: “Am I getting the speed I pay for?” While they can be useful in certain situations, speed tests are often misunderstood and misused. Running them regularly, or over Wi-Fi, can lead to misleading results and unnecessary frustration. Here’s why:
Speed Tests Measure Ideal Conditions, Not Everyday Reality
A speed test is like taking your car to a racetrack to see how fast it can go under perfect conditions. It measures the maximum potential speed between your device and a nearby test server, not the real-world performance you experience when streaming, gaming, or working online. Everyday internet use involves multiple hops across the network, congestion, and varying server loads, none of which are reflected in a typical speed test (How-To Geek).
Why Frequent Testing Doesn’t Help
Running speed tests repeatedly can create more confusion than clarity. Results fluctuate based on time of day, network congestion, and even the test server’s performance. Whether it’s a single test or a handful, it will never provide a complete picture of your internet quality. In fact, speed tests consume bandwidth and can contribute to network congestion during peak hours (Easy Tech Solver).
The Wi-Fi Problem
There will never be an accurate reflection of how fast your internet package is by testing over Wi-Fi, as it introduces a host of variables that distort results. Items like your wireless device’s signal strength can be impacted by factors like the distance from the router and physical barriers like walls reduce speed. Other devices from microwaves to neighbouring networks can interfere with your signal. Device limitations can play an important role as well. Older phones or laptops may not support the latest Wi-Fi standards or do not have the processing power, which results in capping your maximum speed.
Even under ideal conditions, Wi-Fi speeds are almost always lower than wired speeds. For accurate results, connect your device directly to the modem or router using an Ethernet cable (MakeUseOf, CNET).
Best Practices for Accurate Testing
If you must run a speed test, please consider following these steps to optimize your results:
- Use a Wired Connection.Ethernet eliminates Wi-Fi interference and inarguably provides a more reliable reading.
- Disconnect your router from your modem if possible and connect a wired device directly
- Close Background Apps & Turn Off All Other Household Devices.Streaming, downloads, and other devices in use while you’re testing will skew your results.
- Test at Different Times. Network congestion and local interference can vary throughout the day.
- Use a Trusted Tool. Our strongest recommendation is to use Truespeed’s Ubiquiti speed testing tool, here. Services like https://www.speedtest.net/ or https://fast.com are also widely recognized as trustworthy (Lifewire).
The RIght Tool For the Job
Speed tests are a diagnostic tool, not a daily ritual. They provide a snapshot under controlled conditions, not a guarantee of real-world performance. If you’re running them over Wi-Fi, you’re going to get an incomplete and possibly misleading picture of your connection.
For the most accurate results, test sparingly, use a wired connection, and remember that consistency and reliability matter more than a single flashy number.
We Are Here To Help
If you are experiencing a problem that impacts how you use the internet, please reach out to a Truespeed support representative at support@truespeed.ca. You can also call (613) 865-7733 and press extension 4. Our team is here to help you troubleshoot and get the most out of your connection.
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