How to Test Your Internet Speed?
HughesNet offers customers two tests to check their Internet speed. The Web Response Test and the Speed Test evaluate the browsing and download speeds of the network.
Web Response Test
The Web Response Test looks at the time it takes to load a website into your web browser. It will allow HughesNet to determine if your system experiences slow browsing.
All tests are conducted from one website. This means you can use it be used to benchmark the results you receive from the test, and then confirm that changes were made during troubleshooting.
Perform this test at least five times during a session in order to receive the most accurate results.
Speed Test
The Speed Test measures the upload and download speeds of your system. To perform this test, you must have Sun Java version 1.4 or higher, which can be found on the testing website. Like the Web Response Test, perform this test at least five times.
A tip for the most accurate tests
For the most precise results, close all applications not required for the tests. No e-mail programs or unused Internet browsers should be open and running.
STEPS TO RUN SPEED TEST
By following these steps, you will be able to run a speed test successfully:
- Log in to your account at: Click here
- Enter your user ID and Password
- Click on Sign In.
- Click on Support
- Click on Speed Test
- Click on Perform Speed Test
- If you do not have an ID and Password yet, you need to click on Register in which you will be asked for your SAN and phone number. In case you do not know your Site Account Number (SAN), call us at: (662) 488-0087 and we will be more glad to assist you further.
How Does It Work?
We have provided two tests here to measure several important performance aspects of your HughesNet System. You will see them labeled as the “Web Response Test” and the “Speed Test”.
The data gathered from these two tests will help you and HughesNet determine if there is a performance issue with your system.
The Web Response test works with any browser. This test measures the ability of your system to display a fixed sized web page in a reasonable amount of time.
The Speed Test measures the sustained throughput of your system. This test measures the typical download and upload speeds you would experience during a web based file download. It downloads and uploads various size files, providing you with a measurement of your bandwidth throughput. This test requires a modern browser that supports html5. Please note that Internet Explorer version 9 and below are not supported.
To ensure that the results of this speed test are correct please close any other applications you may have running on your system. This would include other Internet browsers as well as Email programs like Outlook.
FAQ
Why is the test limited to HughesNet enabled computers?
The purpose of the HughesNet Performance Test is to evaluate the download and browsing speed of the HughesNet network. Furthermore, we want to preserve the integrity of the test data, which will allow us to evaluate performance results and make improvements as necessary to the service.
How is the HughesNet Speed Test result different from other speed tests?
Other speed tests may use different file sizes or methodologies that may provide a variation in results. Additionally, any routing or connectivity issues between your HughesNet unit and the server hosting the speed test may affect results.
We recommend that the Speed Test be performed five times during a test session and repeated over a period of a few days. You should test at various times throughout the day in order to develop a better picture of average speeds over time. Simply total your test results and divide by the number of tests. The results will be your average speed results.
What is the web response test?
The web response test measures the time required to load a fixed size web page into your browser. This test will be used to determine if users are experiencing slow browsing. Because the web page used for this test does not change, it can be used to benchmark your browsing performance results and to validate changes made during troubleshooting. Like the speed test, the web response test should be repeated at least five times during a test session.
Why do my test results vary from one test to another?
The HughesNet Satellite System shares network resource among all users. Many factors can contribute to varying download speeds including the number of active users, and load on the network. Applications accessing the Internet from your PC will impact your results. You should verify that all other Internet applications are inactive or closed before you run a Speed Test. This includes other browser windows, email applications, and peer-to-peer file sharing applications.
I have my home computers networked. Does it matter which computer I use to perform the test?
You can perform the tests from any computer on your network. The speed test results should be similar. If your results are significantly different between the computers on your network, it is possible that there is a problem with the network or the slowest machine. You should verify that you have a properly configured browser, sufficient disk space and that your internal network connections are correct.
You could connect that computer directly to the HughesNet system and perform the test again. This will eliminate your local network from the test and give more accurate test results. Consistently low speeds, as compared to your other computers indicate a local issue that must be resolved.
Some HughesNet customers use third party products such as wireless routers, hubs and proxy server software to extend HughesNet access to computers on a network. These products may affect your speed test results. HughesNet cannot assist you with resolving those problems. We can provide limited support for ICS networks.
Will this count against my Download Allowance?
Yes. Any data that is downloaded counts toward your usage, however, running this test less than 5 times a day will not significantly affect your overall usage. You should NOT perform the speed test if you believe you are being subjected to the Fair Access Policy.
Comment (1)
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