Internet Speed Tests

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Internet connection speeds should be tested periodically to identify current connection speeds and verify that internet service providers (ISPs) are meeting contracted service levels.

Speed Test

There are several online tools that can measure internet connection speeds. For example, speedtest.net can be used to measure the connection ping, upload speed, and download speed of the network.

• Ping measures the latency of the internet connection in milliseconds (ms). It is the measure of the speed of a reply from a network device. Smaller ping results mean the connection is more responsive, which helps tasks like streaming, webcasts, and personal video conferencing.
• Upload Speed measures how fast the connection can send data to others over the internet and is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The ISP upload speed will typically be lower than the download speed. Upload speed is important for meetinghouse tasks such as sending MLS/LCR data to Church headquarters, streaming webcasts, and participating in personal video conferencing.
• Download Speed measures how fast the connection can receive data from the internet and is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The ISP download speed will typically be higher than the upload speed. Download speed is important for meetinghouse tasks such as streaming Church media for lessons, receiving webcasts, and participating in personal video conferencing.

Actions for Poor Results

There are various reasons why a speed test will report a slow internet connection. The ISP may not be delivering the agreed service level, but it is best to rule out other issues that can affect speed test results before contacting the ISP. The following actions can help ensure that speed tests are accurate:

1. Use a wired LAN connection: Run the speed test from a computer with a wired Ethernet connection (instead of Wi-Fi) to eliminate the chance of wireless interference.
2. Reduce network traffic: Try running the test when no one else is using the network, since other network traffic will slow down performance. You can get a general overview of the current usage by logging into Church Network Manager (CNM.churchofjesuschrist.org). You should also shut down any programs and stop any downloads that are using the internet connection.
3. Reboot the ISP Modem: Just as periodically rebooting computers can fix system issues and slowdowns, rebooting the ISP modem may help resolve internet performance issues. You can reboot or “power cycle” a modem simply by removing the modem power cable, waiting one minute, and then plugging the power cable back in.
4. Run multiple tests: Run a speed test multiple times to get the best understanding of the connection speed. You may want to run tests at different times and on different days to understand whether issues are related to specific times.

If tests continue to report that internet speeds are below the contracted ISP service levels, please coordinate with the facility manager to contact the ISP to troubleshoot the issue. Inform the ISP of the test results and the steps that have already been taken.

Additional Actions

• Review wireless best practices: There are other factors that affect the performance of the meetinghouse internet connections. Please review the Improving Internet Access article.
• Check the firewall: Run a filter check to verify that the firewall is installed and activated correctly. Simply visit filter.ChurchofJesusChrist.org using a computer inside the building. If the page displays an X, the firewall is not filtering content and could be causing a problem.