How to Test the Speed of Your Internet Network Cable

The internet has become an indispensable part of our lives. We rely on it for work, school, entertainment, and communication. If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, it could be due to a problem with your network cable. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to test the speed of your internet network cable so you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Using a Speed Test Website

One of the simplest ways to test your internet speed is to use a speed test website. These websites will measure your download and upload speeds, as well as your latency (ping). Some popular speed test websites include:

– Speedtest.net

– Fast.com

– Ookla Speedtest

To use a speed test website, simply visit the website and click the “Start Test” button. The test will take a few seconds to complete, and you will be provided with a report showing your download and upload speeds, as well as your latency.

Using the Command Prompt

If you prefer not to use a speed test website, you can also test your internet speed using the Command Prompt. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt by typing “cmd” into the Windows search bar and clicking “Enter.”

2. Type the following command into the Command Prompt and press “Enter”: “ping -t www.google.com”

3. The Command Prompt will start sending ping requests to Google’s servers. The ping results will show you the latency (ping) between your computer and Google’s servers.

Using a Physical Speed Tester

If you want to get a more accurate measure of your internet speed, you can use a physical speed tester. These devices are available online and at most electronics stores. To use a physical speed tester, simply connect it to your computer’s Ethernet port and follow the instructions on the device’s display.

Interpreting the Results

Once you have tested your internet speed, you need to interpret the results. The following are some typical speed ranges for different types of internet connections:

– Dial-up: 56 kbps to 2 Mbps

– DSL: 1 Mbps to 100 Mbps

– Cable: 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps

– Fiber: 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps

If your internet speed is significantly lower than the expected range for your type of connection, it could be due to a problem with your network cable.

Troubleshooting Network Cable Issues

If you suspect that your network cable is causing slow internet speeds, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue:

– Check the cable for physical damage. Look for any cuts, nicks, or breaks in the cable.

– Try a different network cable. If you have a spare network cable, try connecting it to your computer and see if the issue persists.

– Reset your modem and router. Unplug your modem and router for 30 seconds, then plug them back in and wait for them to restart.