Internet performance today plays an essential role in supporting key business functions, both operationally and in service to customers. A cloud-based environment that supports video conferences, real-time collaboration, VoIP calls, and other forms of communication all require a reliable high-speed connection. All these activities become cumbersome with an unstable or slow connection, which is why you should frequently test your broadband speed to make sure you are getting the appropriate level of service. Regular testing helps diagnose performance issues and make rational decisions about provider upgrades or changes.
Why Should I Test My Internet Speed Regularly?
Regular testing helps maintain an organisation’s desired level of performance. And if not, it helps pinpoint issues like increased latency, poor upload/download speeds, or even congestion at the network.
How Frequently Do I Need to Conduct a Speed Test on a Business Network?
A business environment ought to conduct speed tests once a week, although they can also be conducted any time users report any sluggishness or slow loading across devices. Regardless of the reason for testing, doing so at different times of the day builds baselines of network performance, which reveal the presence of sluggish peak times and unstable operating periods.
Can Broadband Speed Tests Help With Choosing or Changing Providers?
Yes, because broadband speed tests provide helpful information that can assist with provider comparisons. If your current service consistently delivers poor results when tested, these outcomes can help justify a switch to a provider with superior infrastructure or service-level guarantees.
6 Tools to Test Your Business Broadband Speed
Here we have listed some great free broadband speed tests for a range of different users, from individuals, households, freelancers, small business owners and more:
1. Speed test by Ookla
Best for: Global servers and checking the performance of various regions and retaining historical records.
One of the most popular broadband testing tools is Speedtest, which is provided by Ookla. Its online interface is simple, yet very accurate. Moreover, download speed, upload speed, ping and a myriad of other factors are calculated in mere seconds. If you sign up, Speedtest creates a history of each of the tests conducted, so you can track your progress over time.
2. Fast.com (by Netflix)
Best for: All users who need quick tests that concentrate on download speeds.
Netflix has developed Fast.com, a no-frills broadband speed test aimed at providing ease to users. It is especially useful for businesses precisely because it allows them to quickly assess their download speeds, which is oftentimes needed when they are streaming or participating in a video call.
3. Google Speed Test
Best for: Having an effortless testing experience through a browser directly via Google.
Simply type “speed test” in the Google search box and you will find Google’s self-installed speed test that uses Measurement Lab (M-Lab). This is a quick and easy way to check your broadband speed and offers its service for free.
4. ThinkBroadand Speed Test
Best for: UK businesses seeking a range of advanced data insights in addition to basic speed metrics.
ThinkBroadband is a broadband speed test service based in the UK, which gives users additional information like packet loss, latency, and buffer bloat. This is especially useful for users with more complex diagnostic requirements and for business users.
5. SamKnows RealSpeed Test
Best for: In-depth troubleshooting of numerous devices that are used simultaneously in an office setting.
This free broadband test tool was developed alongside Ofcom, and provides detailed information on the speeds of routers and connected devices to help determine if the performance problems are due to the connection or the internal network.
6. TestMy.net
Best for: Manual detailed testing and historical tracking for small IT groups and advanced users.
TestMy.net is a non-Flash or Java reliant browser-based speed test. The application claims to check true speeds, hence it is useful in identifying periods of inconsistent performance on the network.
