Zilly Speed Test

Understanding Your Internet Speed Test Results

Running an internet speed test is the first step to diagnosing network issues, but the numbers can be confusing if you don't know what they mean. Here is a breakdown of the three key metrics Zilly Speed Test measures: Ping, Download, and Upload.

1. Ping (Latency)

Ping, also known as latency, is the reaction time of your connection. It measures how fast you get a response after you've sent out a request. A fast ping means a more responsive connection, which is crucial for real-time applications like online gaming or video conferencing.

• Excellent (0-20 ms): Perfect for competitive gaming and seamless video calls.
• Good (20-50 ms): Standard for most broadband connections. You won't notice any lag.
• Fair (50-100 ms): Noticeable lag in fast-paced games, but fine for web browsing.
• Poor (100+ ms): You will experience significant delays and buffering.

2. Download Speed

Download speed measures how quickly data is pulled from the server to your device. Most of your online activity—loading web pages, streaming Netflix, downloading files—relies on download speed. It is measured in Megabits per second (Mbps).

What is a good download speed?

• 10-25 Mbps: Good for basic web browsing and checking email for 1-2 devices.
• 25-50 Mbps: The minimum required for smooth 4K video streaming.
• 50-100 Mbps: Ideal for multiple users streaming HD video and playing online games simultaneously.
• 100+ Mbps: Excellent for large households with many connected devices and heavy downloaders.

3. Upload Speed

Upload speed measures how quickly you can send data from your device to the internet. You use upload bandwidth when you send emails with large attachments, back up photos to the cloud, or broadcast a live stream on Twitch.

For most residential internet plans, upload speeds are significantly slower than download speeds (asymmetrical connection). A good upload speed is generally considered to be anything above 10 Mbps, which is plenty for HD video conferencing on Zoom or Google Meet.

How to Improve Your Internet Speed

If your Zilly Speed Test results are lower than what you're paying your ISP for, try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Move closer to your router: Physical distance and walls degrade Wi-Fi signals.
2. Switch to the 5GHz band: If your router is dual-band, the 5GHz network offers much faster speeds at shorter ranges compared to the crowded 2.4GHz band.
3. Use an Ethernet cable: For the most accurate test and the most stable connection, plug your computer directly into the router using a Cat6 Ethernet cable.
4. Restart your modem and router: The classic "turn it off and on again" often clears out memory leaks and forces the router to find a less congested Wi-Fi channel.