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A fast and reliable Internet connection is essential for home and business use in our digitally connected world. Online activities depend on a quick connection, from video conferencing and online gaming to streaming and large file transfers. But what happens when your Internet connection is slower than you would like it to be? The truth is, speed matters! One of the best ways to determine the speed of your current network connection is to run a speed test. In this blog, we will explore the importance of speed testing and provide a comprehensive guide on how to do it effectively.
Your Internet speed significantly impacts your online experience. Slow speeds can lead to buffering during streams, online gaming lag, and video call disruptions. By performing speed tests, you can compare your Internet speeds with the speeds set up by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Regular speed tests help you identify potential issues and optimize your connection.
The simplest way to run a speed test is by downloading our My Westman Wi-Fi app. In just a few seconds, you can view your speed test results. The app sends data to a test server and measures how quickly it returns.
NOTE: Test your speed with a device directly connected to your modem via an Ethernet cable for the most accurate results. Wi-Fi connections may not reflect your actual speeds as accurately as a direct-wired connection.
If you do not have the My Westman Wi-Fi app, you can also use our desktop speed test: Speedtest.net.
Check Your Connection: Wi-Fi Test: Use the My Westman Wi-Fi app to get a rough estimate of your current Wi-Fi capabilities. This method is quick and convenient but may show lower speeds due to factors affecting Wi-Fi performance.
For a True Test:
Wired Test: Connect a device directly to your modem via an Ethernet cable and use Speedtest.net or the My Westman Wi-Fi app to run the test. This method provides the most accurate results, giving you a clearer picture of your Internet speed.
What Does a Speed Test Tell Me?
An Internet speed test measures several key aspects to determine how fast your Internet is. First, let's understand the basics:
Mbps (Megabits per second): The standard unit of measurement for Internet speed.
Download Speed: How quickly data is transferred from the Internet to your device.
Upload Speed: How quickly data is transferred from your device to the Internet.
Ping: The response time of your connection.
For more in-depth information, check out our blog article: Understanding Internet Connection Speeds
You may wonder if your speed test results match what you signed up for. If your results align with your Internet package speeds or are typical for your neighbourhood, that is considered a good test result. A good test result occurs when your speed test aligns within 15% of your expected speeds. So, for example, if you subscribe to a 100 Mbps package and get a test result of 85 Mbps, that’s within a normal range and is considered a good result. Keep in mind that speed test results can fluctuate and will not give the same result every time. If there is any activity on the network (e.g., another device streaming YouTube), it will impact the speed test results and the performance of the other device. Additionally, speed test results may be an approximation since the testing tool uses a test server rather than actual files, and the time of day you run the test can impact results due to bandwidth utilization.
Before contacting us about unexpected Internet speeds, check if anyone in your household is downloading large files, video chatting, or streaming activities that require high bandwidth. If these activities are not occurring and your Internet is underperforming, contact a technical service representative for further diagnosis and support.
Regular speed tests are an excellent way to ensure your Internet connection performs at its best. If your Internet speeds aren’t up to your needs, consider upgrading your plan. Your Internet needs may increase as your household or business grows, requiring a faster connection to keep up with demand. For those considering an upgrade, explore our Internet plans available at Westman Communications Group: Upgrade your Internet.
Internet Speed Test & Plan Disclaimers
Actual 
Internet speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. Devices dependent on Wi-Fi tend to have reduced Internet speed performance. Westman Communications Group (WCG) makes no guarantees about Wi-Fi speeds or service coverage delivered with a WCG-provided modem. Wi-Fi performance may be affected by many factors, including proximity to the modem, the number of connected users/devices, modem location, radio frequency interference, device capabilities or age, and the applications you use.
WCG's service is designed to provide customers with the highest speed available from the network at any given time, subject to various factors that can affect network performance. WCG advertises its speeds as "up to" a specific level based on customers' Internet plans. The speeds advertised are based on the speed you get with a device wired directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.
If you have any comments or questions, or you have a topic that would make a good blog post, please email us at marketing@westmancom.com
