Daily Tip: How to measure your download and upload data speeds

If you have ever wanted to know the speed of your data connections download and upload link, we have the answer. This tip may come in very handy especially now that AT&T has officially said it will begin throttling data speeds for the top 5% of data users. Read on and we will show you how to do it.

How to test your WiFi network data connection

• Download Speedtest.net Mobile Speed Test from the App Store, it is free. [iTunes - link]
• Make sure you are connected to your WiFi network.
• Start Speedtest.net application and it will locate your nearest server. The server provides the communication to your device which will determine your data speeds. You must have  location services turned on for this app for it to fnction correctly.
• Press Begin Test and you will see the app burst into life. It will download a test file and upload a test file to ascertain your data connection speeds.
• When complete, it will tell you your WiFi data connection download and upload speed.

 

How to test your cell network data connection

• Download Speedtest.net Mobile Speed Test from the App Store, it is free. [iTunes - link]
• Make sure you are not connected to your WiFi network, go to Settings, Wi-Fi and toggle Wi-Fi off. This will ensure you are using your cell data connection.
• Start Speedtest.net application and it will locate your nearest server. The server provides the communication to your device which will determine your data speeds. You must have  location services turned on for this app for it to fnction correctly.
• Press Begin Test and you will see the app burst into life. It will download a test file and upload a test file to ascertain your data connection speeds.
• When complete, it will tell you your cell data connection download and upload speed. (Don't laugh, I know it's pathetic)

That is all you need to do. You should notice that your WiFi data connection is reasonably stable but your cell connection can vary dramatically; this is totally normal.

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