Have you ever experienced video calls dropping out, slow processing payments, or lagging cloud applications? It is on this point that the speed of your Internet can influence productivity and how a user experiences your service.
I am a small business owner; I truly understand the necessity of having internet that I can rely on for my small business, to do business. Frequently measuring your internet speed isn’t just for fun–and it can play a huge role in being proactive about ensuring that small problems don’t develop into major problems that could seriously impact your business.
Allow me to walk you through the best way to test your internet speed, what the results mean and how to troubleshoot common problems that might be slowing down your business.
Table of contents
Why internet speed matters for you business
Whether you’re operating an e-commerce shop, using cloud-based applications, or facing with video conference calls, the speed of your connection can affect the productivity and customer experience of your company. So what is the worst that unreliable internet can bring your business?
- Workers who are delayed by slow page-load times or get bogged down with slow downloads, potentially losing precious minutes.
- Laggy internet speeds can mean infuriating stalls in customer communications, whether that’s through live chat, video conferencing or VoIP calls.
- If your business relies on cloud-based security updates and backups, unreliable internet may leave you open to cyber threats.
- When dealing with e-commerce and digital marketing, updating websites, processing transactions, and inside running effective online campaigns can be difficult if you have poor internet connectivity.
If this sounds scary, you’re not alone here. Your company is based on the internet and you have to be able to continue your business practices smoothly.
However, to avoid these issues, performing an internet speed test can be a simple way to diagnose these issues before they begin to cost your business money. It really is that easy!
How can I test my business’ internet speed?
If you want to stay away from those video call drop outs, slow processing payments, and cloud applications lagging, there’s a simple solution. Running a speed test the right way ensures you get accurate results. Here’s how to do it:
Use a trusted speed test tool by selecting one of these options:
- Ookla’s Speedtest
- Swoop’s Speedtest
- Google’s built-in speed test (search ‘internet speed test’ in Google)
Test using a wired connection
Connect your device directly to the modem or router using an Ethernet cable for accurate results.
Minimise network usage
Ensure no one is downloading large files, streaming, or running cloud backups while you test.
Test at different times of the day
Run tests in the morning, midday, and evening to help you identify patterns, as businesses often experience slower speeds during peak usage hours.
Restart your modem and router before testing
A fresh restart can clear temporary issues and ensure the test reflects normal conditions.
Understand your speed test results
Once you’ve run the test, it’s time to read key metrics. If you look at them and have no idea what they mean, we’ve broken the metrics down for you.
- Download speed (Mbps)
This affects how fast data is delivered to your business, impacting things like cloud applications, file downloads, and video streaming.
- Upload speed (Mbps)
This measures how fast you can send data. If your business relies on video conferencing, large file uploads, or VoIP calls, high upload speeds are essential.
- Ping (latency) (ms)
This determines how quickly data travels between your device and the server. Low ping is crucial for real-time applications like video conferencing and VoIP calls.
- Jitter (ms)
This measures the consistency of your connection. High jitter can cause interruptions in calls, lag in online transactions, and buffering in video meetings.
What can I do if my business internet is too slow?
If you’ve done your speed test and the results aren’t meeting expectations, here’s how you can fix it:
Upgrade your internet plan
Faster internet means more opportunities. So, you can outgrow your internet plan if your business has become larger, or you have bigger plans. If this is the case, a business-grade connection with higher speeds and better reliability may be necessary.
Check your network setup
Older modems and routers can slow your speeds. Investing in a high-quality business-grade router can make a significant difference.
Optimise your Wi-Fi
If employees are experiencing slow speeds, ensure your Wi-Fi network is set up properly. Consider using a mesh network or wired connections for important devices.
Monitor peak-time performance
Ever experienced speeds dropping significantly during business hours? In this case, network congestion may be the issue. Some ISPs, like Swoop, offer business-grade internet plans that prioritise speed and reliability.
Contact your ISP
If your speeds are consistently slower than what your provider has promised, then they may be able to offer solutions like a speed upgrade or a dedicated business connection.
Answering your questions about internet speed
It’s normal to be a little unsure if you’ve never tested your business’s internet speed before. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a list of FAQs to make things even easier.
1. What is a good internet speed for a business?
This depends on the size of your business and your internet usage. I’ve listed a general guide for you.
- At least 50 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload for small businesses with 1 – 5 employees.
- At least 100 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload for medium-sized businesses with 5 – 20 employees.
- Consider 250 Mbps or higher, or a dedicated fibre connection for large businesses with 20+ employees.
2. Why is my internet slower during business hours?
It can be really frustrating, but this is due to network congestion. Peak-time slowdowns happen when multiple businesses in the same area are using high amounts of bandwidth simultaneously. If this is an issue, consider a business-grade ISP with prioritised traffic.
3. How can I improve video conferencing quality?
Here’s a few things you can do:
- Ensure your upload speed is at least 5 Mbps per user.
- Reduce background apps that use bandwidth.
- Use a wired connection for critical calls.
4. Should I get a backup internet connection?
If your business relies heavily on the internet, then this could be a good idea! Having a secondary connection (such as a fixed wireless or 5G backup) can prevent downtime which essentially can cost you time and money.
5. How often should I test my internet speed?
It’s good practice to check speeds weekly and after any major changes to your network setup. If employees frequently complain about slow speeds, increase testing frequency.
Testing your internet speed ensures you don’t meet any cross-business problems. You can be proactive, and avoid any issues before they arise.
Like we’ve discussed, the internet is the centre of the workplace. If you get in the habit of testing your internet, you can ensure everything is running smoothly, and consequently avoid shutdowns that could cost you customers.
Why not make it a routine and stay ahead of issues to future-proof your business? Whether it results in a smooth video conference, or a faster file upload, your team and customers will be thankful!
Key takeaways
- Slow internet impacts productivity and customer service
- Regular speed testing helps prevent problems
- Simple fixes can make a big difference
