Samuel Howell Tech Services
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WiFi Speed Test

Let's find out how fast your internet really is — and what you can do if it's slower than it should be.

Test Your Speed

Click the button below to run a speed test. It takes about 30 seconds and will tell you your download speed, upload speed, and ping.

Run Speed Test

Opens fast.com (powered by Netflix) in a new tab

Understanding Your Results

Download Speed (Mbps)

This is the big number. It tells you how fast you can pull things from the internet — like loading web pages, streaming Netflix, or downloading files. Higher is better.

Upload Speed (Mbps)

This is how fast you can send things to the internet — like posting photos, video calling on Zoom, or sending email attachments. It's usually slower than download speed.

Ping (ms)

This measures the delay between your computer and the internet. Lower is better. High ping causes video calls to lag and feels "sluggish."

What's a Good Speed?

Here's a rough guide to what different speeds can handle:

Under 5 Mbps

Very slow — web pages load slowly, video buffers constantly

Poor

5-25 Mbps

Basic browsing and standard video streaming works

Basic

25-100 Mbps

Good for most households — HD streaming, video calls, multiple devices

Good

100+ Mbps

Excellent — 4K streaming, large downloads, many devices at once

Excellent

Keep in mind: The speed your internet provider promises is the maximum — you often won't get the full speed, especially on WiFi or when multiple people are using the internet.

Common Reasons for Slow WiFi

1

Your router is in a bad spot

Routers work best in central locations, up off the floor. If it's hidden in a closet, behind the TV, or in the basement, your signal suffers. Walls, mirrors, and appliances can also block the signal.

2

Your router is old

If your router is more than 4-5 years old, it might not support newer, faster WiFi standards. Older routers also struggle with multiple devices.

3

Too many devices

Every phone, tablet, TV, and smart device shares your bandwidth. If the kids are streaming while you're on a video call, everyone slows down.

4

Interference from neighbors

In apartments or close neighborhoods, your neighbors' WiFi networks can interfere with yours. This is especially common on crowded WiFi channels.

5

You're too far from the router

WiFi signal gets weaker with distance. If you have a large home, you might need a WiFi extender or mesh system to cover the whole house.

6

Your ISP is the problem

Sometimes the issue isn't in your home — your internet provider might have congestion in your area, especially during peak evening hours.

Quick Things You Can Try

  1. 1. Restart your router — Unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in. This fixes more problems than you'd think.
  2. 2. Move your router — Try placing it in a more central location, away from walls and other electronics.
  3. 3. Connect with a cable — If possible, plug your computer directly into the router with an ethernet cable. This is always faster than WiFi.
  4. 4. Disconnect unused devices — Old phones and tablets still connected to WiFi use up bandwidth.
  5. 5. Check for updates — Make sure your router's firmware is up to date (this is something I can help with).

Not Getting the Speed You're Paying For?

If your speed test shows significantly less than what you're paying for, it could be:

  • A WiFi issue (test while connected with a cable to rule this out)
  • An old router that can't handle your plan's speed
  • A problem with your internet provider's equipment
  • Network congestion during peak hours

Pro tip: Run speed tests at different times of day. If it's fast in the morning but slow at night, that points to congestion in your area.

Still Having WiFi Problems?

I can come to your home, test your network properly, and figure out exactly what's causing the problem. Whether it's router placement, equipment issues, or something else entirely — I'll get your WiFi working right.

Call or Text: 854-204-7526

$100 flat rate for in-home WiFi troubleshooting

Serving Florence, Darlington, Hartsville & the Pee Dee region of South Carolina