To perform the Internet speed test, click on the button to start the test. Once this is done, the program will use your computer to both send and receive packets of data to and from the server. It does this for a specific amount of time, then measures how much of the data went through. This gives you an idea of how fast your connection is.

In order to get the clearest, best results, many online services recommend that you manually choose a server to “bounce” off, then test your speeds against the same server each time you run the test. This way, you can cut back on the amount of uncertainty in the various test methods and get the best average speed for your network.