Many factors can impact a speed test result. It’s always good to do multiple speed tests over a period of time using a different device, if you can. This can help narrow down any issues to a particular device or connection. The most reliable way of speed testing is using your intellifi app – this ensures that speed tests are completed from the router.

Devices

All devices have different capabilities, and some may not be able to measure the full speeds of your broadband service. Your test result will only be as fast as the slowest part of the connection between your device and the speed test server. Older devices typically operate at slower speeds than newer devices.

Wired or wireless

How your device connects to your broadband will make a big difference. Always test using a wired connection first, if possible. WiFi speeds will be slower than a wired connection and can be affected by objects in your home including walls, doors, floors and even radiators.

Cables

Not all ethernet cables are capable of carrying the full speeds of your broadband service. Cat5 can carry 100Mbps, Cat5e can carry 1000Mbps and Cat6 can carry 1000Mbps+.

Timing

A speed test measures the connection at that point in time and will vary based on what’s happening at that time, both on the device and within the home. More devices on the network in your home means more devices sharing the internet connection. This will affect the speed any single device can achieve. If the device is occupied doing something at the same time as the speed test, it will react slower to the speed test, giving a lower speed than is actually available.

Your device

Mobile device test results will usually be different than tests using a computer or laptop due to the hardware processing limitations and may provide lower results than your broadband service speed. As an example, the Apple iPhone 6 has a maximum Wi-Fi connection speed of up to 120Mbps whereas recent laptop and desktop computers can achieve up to 1Gbps via a wired connection.