How do you measure cable speed?

To measure cable speed, you typically connect a device directly to the cable (e.g., Ethernet cable) and run a speed test using online tools or by checking the network speed on the connected device.

Here's a breakdown of how to do it:

Methods for Measuring Cable Speed

There are primarily two ways to measure the speed of a cable:

1. Using Online Speed Test Tools:

   • Popular Options: Several online speed test tools are readily available and easy to use. Some of the most common include:
     • Speedtest.net (https://www.speedtest.net/)
     • TestMy.net
     • Fast.com (powered by Netflix)
   • How to Use:
     1. Connect a device (computer, laptop) directly to the cable you want to test (e.g., Ethernet cable connected to your router or modem). This ensures you're testing the cable's speed and not the Wi-Fi.
     2. Close any other applications or programs that may be using the internet to get the most accurate reading.
     3. Open a web browser and navigate to one of the speed test websites mentioned above.
     4. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the speed test. Typically, you just click a "Start" or "Go" button.
     5. The test will measure your download speed, upload speed, and ping (latency).
   • Interpretation of Results: The speed test results will show your download and upload speeds in Mbps (Megabits per second). These numbers represent the rate at which data can be transferred through the cable. The ping measures the delay in milliseconds. Lower ping is better.

2. Checking Network Speed on a Connected Device:

   • How to Check (Example for Windows):
     1. Connect your device to the cable you want to test.
     2. Open the "Settings" app.
     3. Go to "Network & Internet".
     4. Click on "Ethernet" (if you're using an Ethernet cable).
     5. You should see a "Link speed (Receive/Transmit)" value. This indicates the theoretical maximum speed of the connection. Note that this is the link speed, not the actual throughput. The actual throughput, measured by a speed test as mentioned above, will be lower.
   • Limitations: This method only shows the maximum potential speed of the connection. It doesn't account for factors that can slow down the actual data transfer rate, such as network congestion or server limitations. It is best to use an online speed test for a real-world measurement of throughput.

Important Considerations:

• Direct Connection: Always connect your testing device directly to the cable you want to measure, bypassing any wireless connections. Wi-Fi can introduce interference and limit the accuracy of the test.
• Device Capabilities: Ensure that the device you're using for the test is capable of handling the speeds you're testing. Older devices or devices with outdated network cards may not be able to accurately measure higher speeds.
• Multiple Tests: Run multiple speed tests at different times of day to get a more accurate average. Network congestion can vary throughout the day, affecting your results.
• Understanding Results: Understand the difference between Megabits per second (Mbps) and Megabytes per second (MBps). ISPs typically advertise speeds in Mbps, while file downloads are often displayed in MBps (1 MBps = 8 Mbps).

By following these steps, you can effectively measure the speed of your cables and ensure they are performing as expected.