Network health checker
Internet speed test guide
One speed-test number does not identify the cause of a slow connection. Use the same simple conditions each time so you can separate an NBN or internet issue from Wi-Fi coverage, congestion or one device.
Before you test
- Pause cloud backups, game downloads, streaming and large updates.
- Note whether the device is using Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.
- For the first Wi-Fi test, stand in the same room as the router.
- Do not factory-reset the router; that can erase provider settings.
Run three useful comparisons
- Test one device close to the router and record download, upload and latency.
- Repeat on a second device in the same place.
- Move to the room where the problem normally occurs and repeat.
If both devices are slow near the router, check the provider’s outage information and the router’s connection lights. If the close test is healthy but the distant test drops sharply, Wi-Fi coverage or interference is more likely. If only one device is slow, its updates, security software, network settings or hardware may be involved.
What to record for support
Keep the date and time, plan speed, test results, device name, connection type, room, router model and what the lights showed. Avoid posting your Wi-Fi password, provider account password, public IP address or router administration screenshot in an open form.