Optimum West Speed Test Tips

Things you should consider before running your speed test:

  • Internet speed changes throughout the day. Test your speed mutliple times for clear results.
  • Run the speed test in the same room and in clear sight of your router for the most accurate result.
  • Complete downloads on all connected devices prior to running the test.
Results

Ideal for up to 6 devices

You’re up to speed! Your Internet connection is ideal for streaming.

Your Internet should support the following:

  • Suitable for 1-2 people
  • Moderate Internet usage
  • Stream HD videos

Save money by bundling your Internet and mobile services.

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Results

Ideal for up to 9 devices

You’re up to speed! Your Internet connection is ideal for streaming.

Your Internet should support the following:

  • Suitable for 2-3 people
  • Manage large files
  • Stream 4K videos
  • Multiplayer gaming

Save money by bundling your Internet and mobile services.

Interested in a New Provider?
Even if you’re happy with your plan, SmartMove can help ensure you are getting the best Internet and TV service in your area. Enter your address to compare your options.

Explore More Options
Results

Ideal for 10+ devices

You’re up to speed! Your Internet connection is ideal for streaming.

Your Internet should support the following:

  • Suitable for 4+ people
  • Heavy Internet usage
  • Stream 4k videos
  • Multiplayer gaming

Save money by bundling your Internet and mobile services.

Interested in a New Provider?
Even if you’re happy with your plan, SmartMove can help ensure you are getting the best Internet and TV service in your area. Enter your address to compare your options.

Explore More Options
Results

Ideal for unlimited devices

You’re up to speed! Your Internet connection is ideal for streaming.

Your Internet should support the following:

  • Suitable for an unlimited number of people
  • Heavy Internet usage
  • Stream 4k videos
  • Multiplayer gaming

Save money by bundling your Internet and mobile services.

Interested in a New Provider?
Even if you’re happy with your plan, SmartMove can help ensure you are getting the best Internet and TV service in your area. Enter your address to compare your options.

Explore More Options
A young couple lean on a kitchen counter while testing their Optimum speed test on their laptop

Optimum Speed Test

Moving is stressful. There's so much to consider. What's even more hectic is finding or switching Internet providers and plans after the move. But SmartMove is here to simplify the process with an easy reference guide to ensure that you stay connected and avoid gaps in coverage.

Understanding your Internet connection speed

Internet speed refers to how much data can be transferred over the web on a single connection at a time. The connection speed is the biggest consideration when choosing an Internet service provider. It determines how quickly you can perform tasks online and the number of tasks your network can handle at a time. Data speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Typically, a fast connection has download speeds of up to 76 Mbps and upload speeds of 19 Mbps. You can check these speeds through services such as the Optimum speed test above. Notably, broadband Internet is one of the fastest Internet options available across the nation today. It supports fast and easy upload and download speeds.

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What is a good Internet speed?

The Federal Communications Commission defines speeds above 25 megabits per second as an advanced service. This speed should meet most user's Internet needs. Still, certain household and handheld devices require higher Optimum Internet speed rates. For instance, gaming and streaming need higher Internet speeds. These considerations should inform your decision for an Internet service plan.

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Determining what your download speed means

Up to
200
Mbps

Ideal for up to 6 devices

  • Suitable for 1-2 people
  • Moderate Internet usage
  • Stream HD videos
Up to
300
Mbps

Ideal for up to 9 devices

  • Suitable for 2-3 people
  • Manage large files
  • Stream 4K videos
  • Multiplayer gaming
Up to
1
Gbps

Ideal for 10+ devices

  • Suitable for 4+ people
  • Heavy Internet usage
  • Stream 4k videos
  • Multiplayer gaming
Up to
5+
Gbps

Ideal for unlimited devices

  • Suitable for an unlimited number of people
  • Heavy Internet usage
  • Stream 4k videos
  • Multiplayer gaming

Connection speed on your router

A router is an important component of your WiFi network. It is an electronic device that sends data received from an Internet cable to other devices. Additionally, it acts as a wireless access point. Data is shared from it through radio signals. Most Internet service providers will have a guide on the benefits and speeds of each of their plans. Notably, most basic plans start at speeds of up to 25 Mbps. This should be enough Internet speed for the average household.

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Tips for improving your WiFi speed

Chances are that your most essential need is an instant connection. Besides, no one likes sluggish WiFi. How then, can you improve your speed, given that WiFi is a fickle thing?

Positioning

Place your router away from any metal objects and appliances. These emit electromagnetic waves that alter the radio waves from the router.

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Keep your router updated

To protect your router from malware attacks, perform scheduled updates. These updates ensure that no virus steals the available bandwidth. Besides, keeping your router updated provides you the opportunity for faster Internet speeds. Additionally, you are more likely to access better support for hardware issues.

 

Get a stronger antenna

For the strongest connection, get a 10-dB antenna for your WiFi router. Additionally, it should be about 15 inches tall. This is different from the generic antenna that comes with most routers which are often 5 inches tall and only 5-dB.

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Cut off the free loaders

If you are experiencing a lag in your speeds, you want to consider cutting off users who do not pay for the service. It would be perfect if you had a password in place to avoid unauthorized access to your WiFi. As an additional measure, regularly change your passwords for extra protection.

Buy a WiFi repeater

Add a repeater to your connection to amplify the existing signal. The booster takes an existing signal from your router and rebroadcasts it as a new network.

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Switch to a different WiFi channel

In the United States, WiFi routers are allowed up to six channels from which the device can broadcast. You can switch from the default channel to the other five presents, thus getting off WiFi channels with too many packets.

Control bandwidth-heavy applications

Most routers support services like Quality of Service. The service allows users to prioritize certain applications over others. This is useful when one application interrupts the speed.

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Reboot

A timeless IT advice is always to switch the router on and off. By rebooting the router, you clear its memory. This should significantly improve the speed of your router.

 

Measure wired Internet performance

To measure the wired Internet performance, you will need an Ethernet cable and a laptop. Connect the cable to the modem. After that, visit an IT Internet speed site to test the speed and performance of your device.

 

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Purchase a better Internet plan

Consider how many devices are linked to your Internet via WiFi. Most users have computers, mobile phones and various smart home products connected to the WiFi. These use up a substantial amount of bandwidth. Unfortunately, not all Internet plans can provide that amount. Choose a provider that can offer you Internet packages that support your browsing habits and lifestyle. Note that a higher bandwidth package attracts a higher price.

Common connectivity issues

A connectivity issue can be irritating. It affects device speed. Below are some of the most common network issues that you are likely to experience:

● Computer viruses can infect a single computer unit and the entire network. The virus leads to poor network performance.
● Wireless network showing a signal, yet devices will not connect. This is often due to problems with the wireless router or the network card itself.
● Duplicated IP address where the user gets an error message stating the IP address is already in use.
● Slow-running applications can affect your overall productivity, ping time and download speed.
● IP address exhaustion whereas a user you get an alert stating that the address was not received from the DHCP server.
● Single workstations cannot connect to the network due to poor WiFi signals, failing network cards or incorrect drivers.

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Learn About Optimum West Internet

Optimum West Internet provides a variety of features that you can tailor to your needs. Learn more about your options on the Optimum West's page.

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Want more information? Check out the other tips and resources on our blog.