Test Speeds
Fiber Internet Speed Test
Measure the speed between your computer and the internet. Running a speed test on your device can help you take steps to boost performance. Speed tests measure:
- Download speed: the speed of data sent from the internet to your computer
- Upload speed: how fast data is going from your computer to the internet
Speed Test Prep
We recommend you use the Midco speed test site, because it will show you the download and upload speeds from our speed test servers to your device. This helps reduce outside influences other speed tests may introduce. (Note: If you have Midco Freestyle® Wi-Fi, use the Midco Wi-Fi app to test your network speeds.)
For best results:
- Use your computer with the fastest or most advanced hardware and software. Gigabit Ethernet cards are needed for Midco Fiber Internet 200 and higher speeds.
- Bypass your wireless gateway or router and connect your computer directly to your optical network unit (ONU) with a wired Ethernet cable to the 10G Ethernet port before running a speed test. This eliminates factors that can impact test results, such as wireless interference, and gives you the most accurate results.
While you’re testing your speeds, you can capture your results to share with us for help troubleshooting.
- Take a screenshot of your results, or select Copy Link to copy the link to your specific speed test results.
- Share the link or screenshot with our representatives on Facebook, Twitter or via live chat.
If you test your speeds and are still having issues, contact us.
Here are some steps to take that may improve your speeds.
- Check your cables and wires. Make sure your wires are all securely connected between devices.
- Reboot your optical network unit (ONU) and wireless gateway (or router), and then test your speeds again.
- IMPORTANT: If you reboot your ONU, it will reboot all equipment and devices connected to it – including your equipment for Midco internet, TV and phone services.
- You may also need to disable your firewall. While it may affect your speeds, we recommend you have a firewall in place to protect yourself while online.
- If you have Midco Freestyle Wi-Fi, manually reboot your extenders if you have them, as well.
- You may also need to restart your computer or another device you’re using for the speed test.
- Disconnect from any VPNs.
- Turn off or disable the Wi-Fi on your computer(s), and power off your wireless gateway or router.
- Then perform the speed test on a hard-wired device to avoid any interference.
- If your speeds without your wireless are at or near where they should be, you may have a problem with your wireless signal. If you lease a Midco wireless gateway, contact us. If you have a separate wireless router or other wireless equipment, consult with the manufacturer of the wireless equipment you previously had directly connected to the modem.
- Disconnect older devices from the network and try the speed test again.
- Older devices may not be able to reach the top speeds for your internet – and they may slow down your experience on all your devices.
- Try performing the speed test on another device.
- If your speeds are acceptable on the different device, there may be an issue with the first device’s networking equipment, rather than an overall internet speed issue. Consult with the manufacturer of the device that had slow speeds.
If you do not have another device you can connect directly to your ONU, or if you still get similar slow speed test results with a different device, contact us. A Midco technician may need to visit your home to solve your internet issues.
Wireless or Wired Signals
Wireless speeds are usually slower than wired connections, so if you run the speed test over a wireless signal, you may not reach the same speeds as a hard-wired device. Due to different types of wireless interference, Wi-Fi speeds could be up to 50% less than expected on hard-wired devices.
Router Placement
If you’re using a wireless signal, where your wireless gateway or router is and what’s around it can impact your speeds.
The farther you are from your wireless gateway or router, the weaker your signal will be. Similarly, if you place your equipment in a cabinet or closet, it can create interference. We recommend keeping your wireless gateway or router in the open and off the floor, and to make sure it’s clear of clutter and items that may interfere with the signal.
Equipment Age
Older devices may not be able to reach the fastest speeds available with your fiber internet package. Older devices may also slow down your speeds on all your devices – including brand new laptops or smartphones.
Outdated Software
Make sure your computer or laptop operating system and your internet browsers are up to date to achieve top speeds.
Both ping and jitter are measured in milliseconds.
Latency is the time it takes a ping (a signal or packet of information) to travel to its destination and back. A ping is actually used to measure the latency, though it’s used to refer to latency, as well. Lower latency means your signal is performing better.
Latency is influenced by:
- Your optical network unit (ONU), router and other equipment connecting you to the internet
- The distance your data is traveling, meaning if you connect to a website based thousands of miles away, your latency will be higher
Jitter is the variation in latency for information passing through a network when you perform multiple ping tests. Wired connections will always have a lower latency.
If you’re experiencing high latency, it could be caused by any of the following:
- Poor signal to an ONU
- Heavy internet traffic
- Slow network routers
- Other interference on the network connection
If you’re having high latency results or are experiencing unexpected jitter, check for obvious fiber cable damage and confirm your connections to the ONU are tight. If checking your connections and doesn’t help, contact us for further troubleshooting.
