Transparency is at the core of N Speed Test. Here's exactly how we measure your internet connection to provide accurate, reliable results.
Our speed test follows a multi-phase approach to comprehensively measure your internet connection. The test sequence is designed to isolate each metric while minimizing interference between measurements.
Test Phases:
Each phase is calibrated to run for an optimal duration, balancing accuracy with user experience. The entire test typically completes in 20-30 seconds.
Download speed is measured by initiating HTTP GET requests to our globally distributed edge servers. We use optimally-sized test files and multiple parallel connections to saturate your bandwidth without overwhelming slower connections.
Calculation Method:
We account for network protocol overhead (TCP/IP headers, HTTP headers) to provide a realistic measurement of usable bandwidth. The test automatically adapts to your connection speed, using progressive file sizes to ensure accuracy across the full spectrum from dial-up to gigabit connections.
Upload speed is measured by sending data to our edge servers via HTTP POST requests. Similar to the download test, we use multiple parallel streams to fully utilize your upload bandwidth.
Upload testing is inherently more challenging than download testing due to asymmetric internet connections (most ISPs provide lower upload than download speeds) and the need to generate data on the client side. Our implementation uses efficient data generation to minimize CPU overhead on your device.
The upload calculation follows the same principle as download, measuring total bits sent divided by elapsed time. We measure throughput at the application layer to reflect real-world performance for activities like video calls, cloud backups, and file sharing.
Latency is the round-trip time (RTT) for a packet to travel from your device to the server and back. We measure both unloaded latency (idle connection) and loaded latency (under download/upload traffic).
Jitter measures the variation in latency over time. High jitter causes inconsistent performance, which is particularly noticeable in real-time applications like gaming and video calls.
Bufferbloat is the latency increase that occurs when your network is under load. We measure this by comparing unloaded latency (idle) to loaded latency (during download/upload). A large difference indicates excessive buffering in your router or modem.
Our bufferbloat detection methodology is aligned with industry standards like the Bufferbloat.net project and DSLReports' speed test grading system.
N Speed Test is powered by a globally distributed edge networkconsisting of 300+ data centers in cities worldwide. This architecture ensures that your test is routed to the nearest server, minimizing artificial latency and providing a realistic measurement of your connection.
Why Edge Computing Matters:
Each test automatically connects to the optimal Point of Presence (PoP) based on your geographic location and network routing. This is the same infrastructure that powers millions of websites worldwide, ensuring enterprise-grade reliability and performance.
Our methodology is inspired by industry standards and best practices, including:
While we implement our own optimizations for user experience and cross-platform compatibility, the core principles align with these established standards to ensure our results are meaningful and comparable.
Important Note: No speed test is 100% accurate. Factors like WiFi interference, background applications, network congestion, and server load can all affect results. For the most accurate measurement, we recommend running multiple tests at different times and using a wired Ethernet connection when possible.