How do I run a speed test?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Steps to run a Speed test
• How the Speedtest Server Network ensures accuracy
• Why do we use speedtest.net for our service?
• What is download speed?
• What is Upload speed?
• What is Latency (or Ping)
• What is Packet loss
• What is Jitter
• What is Mbps
• What is Kbps

Steps to run a Speed test

1. Make sure you are connected to your Connexion Wi-Fi or ethernet connection. 
2. Click this link to open our Connexion speed test website.
3. Look to make sure that you are running the test on the Fort Collins Connexion speed test server (you should see FC Connexion listed)
   1. 
4. Click or tap on the "GO" button and wait a few seconds until your download and upload speeds have been analyzed. (This will fluctuate as the test is running)
5. Once this is completed, you will see your speeds at the top, along with ping and jitter.

Free Speedtest.net apps are also available for Windows and macOS, also on other platforms.

How the Speedtest Server Network ensures accuracy

Testing to the correct server eliminates latency and bottlenecks that can skew performance metrics.

Each link and node through which data is transferred can affect the final measurements. The link with the most constraining characteristics (highest latency, lowest bandwidth, or highest packet loss) will typically limit the final measurements. Therefore, the fewer links between a device and a server, the more relevant the measurement are to quantifying and understanding the networking capability of a particular device.

Each test connects the Speedtest client to a nearby server in Ookla's global network of over 14,000 servers in more than 190 countries. This local connection allows us to ensure an accurate view of network performance that isn't tarnished by external factors. Ookla takes comprehensive steps to ensure our traffic is indistinguishable from other applications or browser traffic to the server.

Why do we use speedtest.net for our service?

Speed test services measure the last-mile service provided to the end-user by their ISPs. The last mile is the part of a user's internet experience that a ISPs has the most control over. Consumers can more accurately measure and troubleshoot the network connection they're paying for based on the location from which they are testing. Connexion has a dedicated local speed test server. 

What is download speed?

How quickly you can pull data from a server on the internet to your device. Most connections are designed to download much faster than they upload. This is because most online activity consists of downloads like loading web pages or streaming videos. Download speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

What is Upload speed?

How quickly you send data from your device to the internet. Upload speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). A fast upload speed is helpful when sending large files via email or video chat to talk to someone else online (since you have to send your video feed to them).

What is Latency (or Ping)?

Latency (or Ping) is the reaction time of your connection-how quickly your device gets a response after you've sent out a request. A low latency (fast ping) means a more responsive connection, especially in applications where timing is everything (like video games). Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms).

What is Mbps?

Megabits per second. A megabit is 1 million bits of information. This is a standard measure of internet speed, and 1 Mbps is 1,000 times faster than 1 Kbps. Not to be confused with megabytes (MB) which is a measure of size rather than bandwidth. Because a megabyte is larger than a megabit, and to avoid confusion, MB/s is not used to denote internet speeds.

What is Kbps?

Kilobits per second. A kilobit is 1,000 bits of information. This older measure of internet speed is only used when needed to describe slower connections. Not to be confused with kilobytes (KB) which is a measure of size rather than bandwidth. Because a kilobyte is larger than a kilobit, and to avoid confusion, KB/s is not used to denote internet speeds.