If your result is close to your speed package
That is usually normal. For example, if you pay for 1000 Mbps download and your hardwired test is around 800 Mbps, that is generally considered acceptable performance.
If your result is very low
If you pay for 1000 Mbps and your result is near 0, around 100 Mbps, or far below what you should reasonably expect, there is likely a bottleneck somewhere in the path.
This only applies to hardwired tests. If you are getting 0 to 100 Mbps on WiFi, that usually just means you are too far away and could benefit from an extender or from adding a hardwired mesh node closer to that weak-signal area.
Test every phase of the connection
This is important because it helps show whether the issue starts with the modem, the router, the switch, the wiring, or the final device connection.
- Connect a laptop with an Ethernet port, or use a phone/tablet with an Ethernet dongle.
- Test directly from the modem first.
- Then test from the router.
- If a switch is part of the path, test from the switch next.
- Continue step by step until you reach the end device connection.
Testing each phase in order helps determine whether the ISP needs to come out, whether the modem may need to be replaced, or whether the bottleneck is happening farther inside the home network.
Check for a bad port before calling a technician
A failed port can create a bottleneck even when the rest of the network is fine.
- Try a different port on the modem if possible
- Try a different port on the router if possible
- Try a different port on the switch if one is being used
- If possible, also try another Ethernet cable
If there is still no improvement
That usually points to a wiring issue or a bad link somewhere in the path. At that point, the problem will usually need a technician.
This wraps up the hardwired testing phase and the main bottleneck check.
Continue to Final SummaryFrom here, you can either move forward with confidence or recognize that the issue most likely needs a technician.