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KNOWLEDGE BASE

Understanding Speed Test Results

A speed test measures one path at one moment — not your plan. A result below your subscribed speed usually has an explanation closer to the device than the network.

The common gaps

  • Testing over WiFi — walls, distance and interference all take a cut
  • Device limits — older laptops and phones top out below modern plan speeds
  • A nearby test server flattering the result, while your real workload talks to a distant one
  • Other users and devices on the LAN mid-test
  • A busy server on the other end of the test

How to test fairly

Plug directly into the router with a cable, test from one device with everything else quiet, and run a few tests at different times of day. Still off after that? Contact support and we will investigate.