Testing your internet speed is straight forward. As long as you have a device with a web browser, you’re already half way there.
When to run a speed test?
If you’re experiencing slower than expected internet speeds, we’ll always suggest running a speed test before contacting us. Remember, always check our Network status page to confirm if there’s a planned or unplanned outage as it may be the cause of the issue you're experiencing.
How to run a speed test?
You can run a speed test via the My Optus app. Alternatively if you with to run a wired speed test, we suggest Ooklas's speed test. All you’ll need is a browser with the Adobe Flash Player (this should be installed by default on some of most commonly used Web Browsers). Follow the steps below:
1. Hit the Go button and Ooklah’s speed test will calculate your download and upload speed
2. The Speed test can take seconds to a matter of minutes to complete,(depending on the speed of your connection
3. Once testing has been completed, you'll see below screen:
4. You'll see your download and upload speed measured in Mbps
The types of speed tests to perform
- Run a speed test over your WiFi Network
- Run a wired speed test from your laptop or computer to your modem (Ethernet)
- For NBN (Fibre to the premises and Fixed Wireless), run a wired speed test from your laptop/desktop directly to the NTD (Network Termination Device)
Achieving the most accurate speed test results
For the most accurate result, a wired speed test is your best bet. A wired speed test will always give you the best indication of your current connection speed. To start, you'll need an Ethernet cable. You'll have received a yellow or red Ethernet cable in the box which arrived with your modem.
If you have a device with a LAN port, plug one end of the cable into the LAN port of your device and the other end into a spare port at the back of your modem.
Why WiFi speed test results aren't always accurate
When performing a speed test over WiFi make sure to disconnect all other devices from your WiFi network other than the device you're using for testing. Speed test results can be impacted by:
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Interference caused by devices running on a similar frequency to another device (even commonly used household appliances like microwaves)
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Congestion on your WiFi network caused by multiple devices connected to the same WiFi Network
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Poor modem placement resulting in the loss of signal strength
What if I don’t have a LAN input?
If you don't own a device with a LAN or Ethernet input, there’s a few things you can do to produce an accurate WiFi speed test result:
- Make sure only one device is connected to your WiFi Network
- Make sure that you’re not downloading or uploading any files in the background. To be absolutely certain, open your Task manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (MAC). Close or force quit applications that are using up your bandwidth
If you have any questions or any additional tips to add, leave us with a comment below 😊
