Network Speed Test

Microsoft has a free application for Windows which you can use to test your network speed. Network Speed Test can be downloaded for free here.

The application will calculate both the download and the upload speeds. It will give you information on the network delay as well. This is how long it takes data to travel across a network. It may also be called the ping value. It is a measurement of how long it takes for feedback from a web server to be sent back to a computer. High network delay will cause online software to function slowly. If you have network delay of less than 20 milliseconds actions taken in an online application should appear instantaneous. With ping values of higher than 200 milliseconds, there will be a lag between keystrokes and mouse movements, and when a result is shown on the screen.