1. How to test correctly (Step by Step)
A speed test is a "snapshot" of the moment. For that snapshot to be clear, the environment must be clean.
Physical Connection
Whenever possible, use an Ethernet cable (CAT5e or CAT6). WiFi is naturally unstable and rarely reflects the true speed of fiber optics.
If using WiFi
Stand close to the router. ALWAYS connect to the 5 GHz network (usually ends in _5G). The 2.4GHz network is slow and congests easily.
⛔ Close these before starting:
- Netflix, YouTube, Twitch (4K Streaming)
- Steam, Epic Games (Background downloads)
- VPNs (Drastically reduce speed)
- Active video calls (Zoom, Meet)
Run the test
With a clean environment, run the test and write down all four numbers: download, upload, ping and jitter. Repeat it at another time of day to compare.
2. Understanding the AI (Vera)
Vera is our expert network analyst. It not only measures your speed but diagnoses the real health of your connection. Here we explain its most common diagnoses:
🤖 Vera says: "CRITICAL: Packet Loss"
🤖 Vera says: "Latency spikes under load (Bufferbloat)"
🤖 Vera says: "High Jitter / Instability"
Vera uses artificial intelligence to interpret your test results and explain them to you in plain language. It's a great first read, but for complex doubts it's best to verify with a human technician.
3. Glossary & Key Concepts
Speed: Download vs Upload
Download
How fast you receive data from the internet. Used for:
- Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ (4K)
- Browsing social media (Instagram, TikTok)
- Downloading games (Steam, PS5)
Upload
How fast you send data to the internet. Crucial for:
- Video calls (Zoom, Google Meet)
- Uploading files to Google Drive / iCloud
- Live streaming (Twitch, YouTube Live)
Ping, Jitter & Bufferbloat
Ping (Latency)
Your connection reaction time. Imagine it as an "echo". If it takes long to return, you have high ping.
Vital for: Online Gaming (Fortnite, CS:GO, Valorant).
Jitter (Instability)
Ping variation. Having 20ms ping is good, but if it jumps to 100ms and back constantly, you have high Jitter. This causes "lag spikes" or rubber-banding.
Bufferbloat (Ping under load)
When ping spikes drastically while downloading. Ever happened that someone watches Netflix and your game starts lagging? That is Bufferbloat.
Packet Loss
Happens when data you send or receive gets lost on the way and never arrives. The worst enemy of a connection.
- Robotic audio in calls
- Shots not registering in games
- Websites loading partially
- Weak WiFi signal or interference
- Damaged ethernet cable
- ISP street issues
Infrastructure & Concepts
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Your Internet Service Provider (e.g., Comcast, AT&T). They are responsible for bringing the cable to your house and assigning you an IP address.
Bandwidth vs Throughput
"Bandwidth" is the theoretical maximum capacity of your cable (e.g., a 4-lane highway). "Throughput" is the actual speed at which data travels (how many cars actually pass per hour). Factors like WiFi or congestion reduce throughput.
Firewall / Antivirus
Security software that inspects every data packet. Sometimes, a very strict antivirus can artificially slow down your connection by "reading" everything you download before letting it pass.
4. Best Practices & Optimization
Cable > WiFi
For work, gaming or streaming, always use Ethernet. WiFi is convenient but unstable for critical tasks.
Router Placement
Place it in the center of the house, elevated and away from mirrors, microwaves or fish tanks that block signal.
QoS (Quality of Service)
If your router supports it, enable QoS. This prevents a Steam download from clogging the network and killing your internet.