Slow Wi-Fi? How to run a speed test, decode the numbers, and fix your internet fast

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Test your internet speed often to keep your network running smoothly.
• Speed tests reveal issues with download, upload, latency, and jitter.
• Know what your speed results mean, and what to do if they're not great.

Do you know what your internet speed is? Are you getting the service your ISP (internet service provider) promised when you signed that contract? Or are you dealing with slow internet?

These might seem like simple questions, but they're important ones. Internet speeds affect nearly everything you do online: how smoothly your video calls run, how responsive your video games feel, and whether you can stream the latest season of "Stranger Things" without buffering. Understanding how your connection works is crucial in troubleshooting internet problems.

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