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How do you test your internet speed correctly?

A test result depends on the device, the connection type and the moment. A computer connected to the router by cable shows it most accurately. A Wi-Fi test in a distant room mainly measures Wi-Fi.

RFC editorial team · updated

Start here

Connect a computer to the router by cable and run a speed test. Note the result, the time and the connection type.

During the test, pause on every device at home:

  • streaming and video calls
  • downloading and uploading files
  • updates and cloud backups

Devices share one connection, and a background transfer can lower the download and upload result. No need to switch them off — resume the paused tasks after the test.

Run the test on the RFC server

Speedtest.net, RFC server in Bydgoszcz. Opens in a new tab.

Show the full check
Not sure / unable to check

Call or write to us — help does not depend on completing the checks.

Start by comparing

Quick check

Three simple steps in order. Their result helps you pick your situation below.

  1. Use one service and one server, e.g. Speedtest.net with the RFC server (Bydgoszcz). Note download, upload and ping.

  2. Before each test, check that nothing at home is downloading or uploading — on other devices too.

  3. Run three tests with the same computer: on a cable at the router, over Wi-Fi next to the router and in the problem room.

Same device. Three conditions.

Change only the connection type and the location. Keep everything else the same and note each result — these are your measurements, not RFC examples.

  • The same device
  • The same test server, e.g. RFC on Speedtest
  • A similar time of day
  • No streaming or transfers in the background

  1. 01Cable to the main router

    Computer in a LAN port of the router. Best shows what reaches the home.

    Your resultMbps

  2. 02Wi-Fi next to the point

    The same computer close to the Wi-Fi point, with no walls in between.

    Your resultMbps

  3. 03Wi-Fi in the affected room

    Where you usually use the internet.

    Your resultMbps

How to read the results

  • 011: slow022: does not matter033: does not matter

    Even on a cable it is clearly slower than your planThe limit is before Wi-Fi: in the connection or the router. Report it to us with your results.

  • 011: fast022: slow033: slow

    Fast on a cable, slow on Wi-Fi even next to the pointThe Wi-Fi link itself is the limit: the router, the band or the device’s Wi-Fi card.

  • 011: fast022: fast033: slow

    Fast next to the point, slow in the roomCoverage is the limit: distance and obstacles. See the Wi-Fi coverage guide.

  • 011: fast022: fast033: fast

    Similarly fast everywhereThe connection and Wi-Fi work. Look for the cause in the service or the device.

Your situation

What does the result mean?

Choose the description that matches your situation.

  1. A low result even on a cable

    Check
    A computer on a cable at the router shows a result clearly below the plan.
    What it means
    The limit can be in the connection or the router, but also in the cable or the computer’s network card.
    What to do
    Try another cable and another router port. If the result does not change, report it to us with the time of the test.

  2. A ceiling of about 90–95 Mbps

    Check
    The cable result stops at about 90–95 Mbps despite a faster plan.
    What it means
    This typically means something along the way only works up to 100 Mbps: a cable, a port, a USB adapter or the network card.
    What to do
    Check the network link speed in the computer’s settings. Replace the part that only works up to 100 Mbps.

  3. A file download shows less than the test

    Check
    The download shows e.g. 10 MB/s, while the test shows 80 Mbps.
    What it means
    It is the same speed in different units: MB/s is megabytes, Mbps is megabits. 1 byte = 8 bits, so 10 MB/s ≈ 80 Mbps.
    What to do
    Convert the units. Remember, too, that the server you download from may limit the speed itself.

Check again after a change

Repeat the test in the same conditions, also at the time the problem occurs. Keep all results, not only the best one.

Unable to check? We can help.

If the cable result at the router is regularly below your plan, report it to us with the results and test times. You can also call without running a test.

You do not need an account or complete results. Tell us what is happening and what you could not check.

Technical support

+48 52 55 11 444

Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00, Sat 9:00–17:00

All channels and offices
A reporting outline to copy

Select and copy the text into your message. Add what you know; “not checked” is a valid answer.

Since when / time: What fails / error: One or several devices: LAN / Wi-Fi / not checked: Where the cable goes: Equipment model (if known): Checks completed and results:

Never send Wi-Fi, router or account passwords.

More background

  • Why the RFC server?
    A test to a server inside the RFC network checks the route from your device to our network. Another company’s server adds a route over third-party links we do not control — that result still says something, but it is harder to compare.
  • Measurements for a complaint: the UKE system
    A browser test is not a certified measurement. The Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) lends a probe of its certified Internet Quality Monitoring System (SMJI) for fixed internet free of charge; the request is filed through the UKE e-services platform. You can also report the problem to us first — we will look into it with you.
  • What a test does not tell you
    One test describes one moment and one device. It does not show how the connection works at every hour, or how stable it is during a call or a game.