How quickly your Internet connection delivers content to your computer or local area network is crucial to sophisticated operations. If you only access or post limited Web pages and use basic email, you aren't likely to notice the difference between a 1.5MB and a 3.0MB download. However, for large files or a connection used by many people, a 1.5MB difference in download speed, or bandwidth, is the difference between smooth operations and complete frustration. And you also don't want to be paying for speed that your DSL service is not providing.

To test modem performance and reduce the influence of outside factors, here are a few guidelines for download testing:

1. Use an FTP (file transfer protocol) program. This is the protocol for transferring programs over the Internet.
2. Download a compressed file.
3. Download a file that is at least 200KB.
4. Download during off-hours.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Try a simple online test to start

There are hundreds of Web sites that test online speed, although some are more reliable than others. Stick with the best-known test sites.

I recommend: Toast and McAfee Internet Connection Speedometer are two reputable sites.

Improve your test accuracy

The problem with many online tests is that they are not reproducible from run to run. Some speed tests offer ISPs a server-side program that claims to eliminate speed test error.

I recommend: Visualware software enables you to provide broadband speed test and connection-quality test services to your customers and end users.

Check your provider's core network performance

A fast connection doesn't mean much if your provider doesn't proactively manage their core network, which would erode your service over time. For example, ensure that speeds are maintained and that real-time data is given priority over non-real-time data.

I recommend: QoSmetrics can help you measure your network, or ask your provider how they measure their performance.

Test your DNS servers

For Web site content to load quickly, your provider needs primary and secondary Domain Name Servers, or DNS, to ensure a fast connection.

I recommend: Dot-Com Monitor's remote network monitoring services keep you informed about your network's status, availability and performance of network applications. You also can Google your provider name and DNS to see if they have a history of problems (for example, "DNS Comcast").

Continuously monitor data speed

If you are running Windows, it is possible to continuously monitor data speed to determine optimum times for data transfer and to prevent gradual loss of performance.

I recommend: Use Speed Guide, or Install Network Monitor Agent, which is located in the Windows CD directory for Windows 98, or use a network adapter with Performance Monitor. The object to use is Network Interface. The DSLR Tweaks forum offers pointers on how to improve speed.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Your provider should provide a dedicated representative for 24-hour service, and be able to solve the problem in short order. If this isn't the case, consider another provider.
• •  Check with your service provider for their rated bandwidth so you have a base to compare your actual speeds. Know that you will never reach their optimum rated speed.
• •  Test your speed against the closest provider. Distance will slow things down.