Speed basics guides
Plain-language guides to what your speed test numbers mean and what speed you really need.
What Is a Good Upload Speed?
A good upload speed is 10 Mbps for most people and 20+ Mbps for remote workers and streamers. See what upload you need for calls, streaming and backups.
Speed basicsWhat Is Bufferbloat? How to Test and Fix It
Bufferbloat is lag that appears when your connection is busy. Learn how to test it, what the A–F grades mean and how to fix it with SQM.
Speed basicsWhat Is Jitter? Causes and How to Fix It
Jitter is the variation in your ping. High jitter makes calls choppy and games stutter. Learn what's normal, what causes it and how to reduce it.
Speed basicsWhat Is Ping? And What's a Good Ping?
Ping is the time data takes to reach a server and come back, in milliseconds. Learn what a good ping is, what affects it and how to lower it.
Speed basicsWhy Do Speed Tests Give Different Results?
Different speed tests use different servers, connection counts and methods. Learn why results vary and how to compare them fairly.
Speed basicsWhy Is Upload Speed Slower Than Download?
Most home internet gives far more download than upload. Learn why connections are asymmetric, when it matters, and how to get more upload.