DSL Speed Test

Where to Find a DSL Speed Test
There are a variety of DSL speed tests available. Most operating systems have a program that measures connection speed built into the control panel. These can be inaccurate, though. Many software companies offer programs that constantly monitor bandwidth for download on the internet, but these are frequently demos that work only for a limited time. Finally, lots of internet pages offer free bandwidth tests. Try using a search engine to get an online test with an interface that works best for you.

Bad DSL Speed Test Results
More DSL speed test tips: Its inevitable that at some point, your DSL speed test results will be much lower than you want them. During these slow or down times, which are caused through everything from service maintenance at your DSL provider to damaged lines, you can attempt access the net through a dial-up connection. However, if your DSL speed remains slow for more than six hours running, call your DSL provider. If the problem occurs often, they may offer you rebates until service is restored.

Good DSL Speed Test Results
Many people wonder what a "good" DSL speed test result is. This depends on a variety of factors, but most people consider anything at or above 150 kbps to be an acceptable result. However, lots of DSL providers offer "high speed" services that provide normal much higher speeds. Because DSL users are, to a certain extent, competing for bandwidth, speeds will be slower at peak hours (the late afternoon and evening) but higher during low-traffic times (late night and early morning).

Reliability of a DSL Speed Test
A DSL speed check is fairly reliable. Because connection speed is constantly changing, though, its tough to get a clear picture of exactly how quick information is entering and leaving your computer. But because the files used in the DSL test are so large, they take lengthy enough to load that passing spikes and drops in net speed are averaged out. If your DSL check gives you results that do not seem right, run it several times, as well as take the normal of those tests.

About DSL Speed Test
DSL speed test tips: A DSL speed test allows you to gauge the speed at which DSL connection is running. Specifically, it tells your DSL speed in kbps, or "kilobits per second," which is the current net standard in measuring connection speed. The fastest dial-up connection available is 53.3 kbps. In ideal conditions, a high-end DSL line can provide up to 1,500 kbps.

Reasons to Use a DSL Speed Test
It is important to test DSL speed for a variety of reasons. If your speed is suffering during online use, as DSL speed test can help decide you if its your computer or your connection thats slowing you down. Monitoring DSL speed throughout the day can give you an idea of when your DSL service is the fastest, so you can use those times of day to download large files. It also gives you an absolute value of how quick your net access is, so you can accurately compare it to other services.

How a DSL Speed Test Works
A DSL speed test is simpler than youd think. It works through making your computer load a large file, usually a picture, of a known size. Because the DSL test knows how large the file is, it times how lengthy it takes for your computer to download it, as well as divides the file size next to the time it took to download it. This gives a relatively precise measure of your DSL connection speed in kbps.