Test Your Internet Speed

by The Mystic OverClocker

Have you ever wondered how fast (or slow) your Internet connection really is? MSN Computing Central has a Web site that will test your bandwidth for you. Surf over and wait for the results...

When you click through to the Bandwidth Speed Test page:

The site will send your computer some data, and then display the results of the test. This test works if you're connected via a cable modem, an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), a digital subscriber line (DSL), integrated services digital network (ISDN) connection, or a dial-up modem. Figure A shows an example of an office PC connected to the Internet via an NT network and a T1 connection. Figure B shows the Speed Test Thermometer that shows the range of possible results.

Figure A:

The results of the Bandwidth Speed Test reflect the status of your connection at any given time.

Figure B:

The Speed Test Thermometer shows the range of results you might obtain.

Results may vary
The "information highway" metaphor is probably the best way to explain why you can get different results every time you visit the Bandwidth Speed Test page or refresh it. Cyber-traffic jams can drastically affect your connection. The site offers links to answers to the most frequently asked questions, including how the page calculates bandwidth speed.

.