Speed tests are a great tool to see how your internet, internal network, and devices are performing. It is common to see variables from one device to the next as there are many factors that can cause slower speed test results. There are other things that can impact speeds beyond what I will mention, but these are the most common I see.
- The Wi-Fi tech that is being used, both on the device being used and on the router.
- The performance of your CPU can impact speed test results as well, but it is not as common to see with newer devices. The faster your connection, the more demand it takes to see top speeds. This is one of the reasons you will see lower speed test results from streaming sticks and smart tv's.
- The distance from your router or overall Wi-Fi signal quality in your home can play a major factor.
- For wired connections, check the connection rate you are connected at. Make sure you are using quality ethernet cords.
- When completing a speed test, please make sure your VPN is turned off. VPNs in most cases will reduce your speeds and increase latency.
- Your speed is shared between all your devices. If other devices are using the internet while running a test, this will influence your results.
- The metric Mediacom uses to measure network performance is speedtest.xtream.com and running tests from a game console or similar device may not accurately measure its performance.
I would like to expand just a little bit on Wi-Fi tech being used.
You will see routers, cell phones, computers, anything with Wi-Fi, will have a specification.
| Generation | IEEE standard | Adopted | Maximum Link Rate (Mbit/s) | Typical Peak Speeds (Mbit/s) |
| Wi-Fi 6E | 802.11ax | 2020 | 574 to 9608 | 850 to 950 * |
| Wi-Fi 6 | 802.11ax | 2019 | 574 to 9608 | 850 to 950 * |
| Wi-Fi 5 | 802.11ac | 2014 | 433 to 6933 | 540 to 660 * |
| Wi-Fi 4 | 802.11n | 2008 | 72 to 600 | 250-350 ** |
* 5ghz with a 2x2 80Mhz channel width connection with optimal signal quality.
** 5ghz with a 2x2 40Mhz channel width connection with optimal signal quality.
There are many variables when it comes to Wi-Fi. You will always only run as fast as the weakest link. If your smart phone's wireless capabilities are Wi-Fi 6, but your router is only capable of Wi-Fi 5, you will only run as fast as the slower device will allow. In this instance, the router is holding back the overall Wi-Fi speeds for your device.
The link quality between your router and device also plays a role. As signal quality decreases, so does your connection rate and overall throughput. If you have walls or floors between you and the router, that too can also significantly impact your maximum speeds. Wifi 360 Pro is a great option to help combat those issues.
