Understanding Your Optimum Speed Test Results
It's important to have a fast, reliable connection so you can do what you enjoy without interruption. With Optimum, you can enjoy Internet speeds up to 5 Gbps with 99.9% network reliability. But you’re probably wondering about what’s reflected in your Optimum speed test results. For download speeds and upload speeds, a higher score is always better, starting from 100+. Ping scores should be lower, generally under 60 ms. What does all this mean?
Internet Speed Terms You Need to Know
You’ll be able to better understand your speed test results when you have a good grasp on the common terminology you might encounter. Your network connection is not defined by a single measurement, but rather by a collection of measurements that will accurately provide you with your router’s level of network performance. Optimum Internet offers the terms you should understand to help you determine how well your network is performing:
- Megabits per second (Mbps): This measures the amount of information moving through your data pipeline at any point in time. Your upload and download speeds, as well as other metrics, are measured and displayed in Mbps.
- Gigabits per second (Gbps): This is an even larger measurement for the fastest Internet speeds. One Gbps is equivalent to 1,000 Mbps, but these speeds aren’t available everywhere.
- Bandwidth refers to the total amount of data that can be supported by a network connection or interface. A greater capacity typically leads to better performance for activities like streaming videos and making video calls.
- Download speed represents the speed at which your Internet connection is able to receive data from the Internet.
- Upload speed is the speed your Internet connection requires to send data from your device to another device or to the Internet.
- Ping: Latency, as it’s also called, is the time it takes for data to transmit from your computer to a server and back, and can indicate potential issues with lag time.
- Jitter: This indicates how latency changes over time. High jitter means you may be more prone to connectivity issues, dropouts, and more.
How the Optimum Internet Speed Test Works
The Optimum speed test works much like the speed tests for other Internet service providers (ISPs), and follows the same general steps, including:
- You start the speed test, which triggers the test software to identify the nearest test server.
- The test software pings the server to determine latency.
- Test files are used to determine both the upload speed and download speed between your device and the ISP.
- Your results are delivered, with some recommended options for higher-speed packages.
Which Optimum Plan is Best for the Download Speeds You Need?
Ideal for up to 6 devices
- Best for 1-2 people
- Covers basic streaming and gaming
- Great for downloading large files
Ideal for up to 9 devices
- Best for 3-4 people
- Upgraded 4K streaming
- Perfect for multiplayer gaming
Ideal for 10+ devices
- Best for 5-7 people
- Ultra-fast speeds for optimal experience
- Great for virtual reality gaming
Ideal for up to 20 devices
- Perfect for large families
- Next-level speed for every family member’s needs
- Powers VR, 8K streaming, video conferencing, and more
Ideal for unlimited devices
- Suitable for an unlimited number of people
- Unmatched speed for every need and use
- Never worry about bandwidth
Optimum Internet Speed Data
60%
Optimum fiber Internet is 60% faster than its leading competitor, and four times faster than other providers.
100+
Optimum offers WiFi connections that support over 100 devices in one home for 1 Gig or higher plans
99.9%
Get nearly perfect network reliability with Optium fiber and speeds up to 8 Gbps.
How to Optimize Your Internet Connection Speed
If your speed test results aren’t what you were expecting, remember that it’s always wise to test again, sometimes several times. There are many factors that can impact your score, like the number of people and devices on your network, router positioning, and your geographic location. There are, however, some steps you can take to ensure you’re getting the most from your Internet package:
- Reboot your router and gateway.
- Clear your cache and delete cookies.
- Move your router to a higher location, or one that provides an unobstructed path to your most-used devices.
- Use fewer devices, or move your device closer to the router.
- Close out background applications that use up your bandwidth.
- Try a speed test after each step to see if it’s made a difference.
If these options don’t work and your WiFi speed is still slow, call your Internet provider.
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Finding Internet Types to Match Your Need for Speed
There are a lot of different types of Internet service available out there, and understanding what they are can help you make the right choice when it comes to getting the bandwidth and the speed you need.
Broadband Internet
All high-speed Internet types discussed here fall under the broadband umbrella. A broadband connection is essentially any network that operates at high speeds, no matter how it’s transmitted into your home.
Fiber Internet
Fiber Internet services use fiber-optic cables to convert data into light signals. Fiber is generally considered to be the fastest type of broadband, but it isn’t yet available everywhere. Optimum offers fiber Internet in numerous different packages to meet your needs.
Cable Internet
Cable Internet is one of the most popular types of broadband. It uses coaxial cables, just like cable television, to transmit Internet service to your home. Cable is a reliable and consistent Internet choice, and in some areas, can be almost as fast as fiber.
DSL Internet
DSL uses phone lines to transmit data, similar to old-school dial-up Internet. However, with DSL, you get much faster speeds, and it has a dedicated line so it doesn’t interfere with your home phone line (if you have one).
Satellite Internet
Satellite isn’t usually the fastest type of Internet, but it is a good option for people living in rural areas who can’t access fiber or cable Internet. It does require a satellite dish to be installed somewhere near the home, so it can send and receive signals from orbiting satellites in our atmosphere.
Optimum offers up to 8 Gig fiber in the NY Tri-State area and up to 1 Gig in other Optimum areas.
Unlimited use of Optimum WiFi hotspots is free for all Optimum customers in more than two million locations.
Optimum does not have an annual contract.
Want to Learn More About Optimum?
Find out if Optimum is the right pick for optimal speeds. Visit Optimum.com, or go to your local Optimum store today.
Don’t Like It, Don’t Pay
No contracts required, and if you aren’t impressed, Optimum will give you your money back for the first 60 days.
DIY or Do It With Help
Optimum can send you the equipment to handle installation yourself, or you can schedule a service appointment.
Fastest in the Tri-State
For people in NY, NJ, and WV, there’s no faster Internet speed to be found.