Test your broadband speed.
The Geek Squad broadband speed test gives you an approximate reading of your internet connection's speed.
Choose the city closest to your location for the most accurate measurement of your connection's maximum speed. Before you run the test, we recommend that you close any programs you have open, especially those that connect to the internet.
Interpreting the results of your speed test.
Latency
This is the amount of time it takes for a request sent from your device to receive a response from the internet. The lower the latency, the better, especially for more dynamic uses of the web like gaming or watching high-definition video.
Download speed
This is the speed of your incoming data, measured in megabits per second (Mbps). It represents how quickly your device loads websites, email, streaming media and more.
If your internet service provider (ISP) is doing a good job, the download speed should be close to the one associated with your service plan. If you are unsure about the internet speed you are paying for, contact your service provider for this info.
Upload speed
This is the speed of outgoing data, measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Upload speed is important because so much online activity is interactive, and your device is both sending and receiving data to make your web-based applications work properly.
Don't be alarmed if your upload speed is considerably lower than your download speed. Unless you're using a fiber-optic connection, this is normal.
Firewall
Tests if your local area network (LAN) is protected by a firewall.
Packet loss
You can think of a packet as a digital package being sent virtually rather than through a mail service. Packet loss refers to the percentage of packets that fail to reach their destination. A high packet loss volume can negatively impact your streaming media or online games.
Jitter
This number represents the difference in the speed of packets sent through the network. A low jitter rate signifies a relatively stable connection.
Download speeds.
1–4 Mbps
Generally, this is the lowest level of service available in most areas. Email and most websites will load, and many music streaming services will work without interruption. Internet phone services (VOIP) should have no trouble, but videos might lag or stutter due to buffering issues.
4–6 Mbps
Service at this speed will allow some file sharing and should work fine for streaming internet TV (IP TV).
6–10 Mbps
For online games and video-on-demand services, this is the preferred minimum speed for a single device.
10–15 Mbps
At this speed, web-based applications and cloud services will be much quicker, and high-definition video should play without issue.
15–50 Mbps
If you have a number of devices connected to your network and want to use them at the same time without delays, this may be the speed you will need.
50+ Mbps
This speed supports networks with several high-bandwidth devices operating at the same time.
