In 2016, Netflix launched Fast.com as a simple internet speed test which showed you your download speed and nothing else. After all, anyone watching Netflix really only needs to know their download speed, with everything else being immaterial.
However, after consulting regular Fast.com users, Netflix has now decided to include more information about your internet connection. Namely, your upload speed and connection latency. Which should help you judge whether your ISP is treating you well.
Netflix Adds Your Upload Speed and Latency
Having generated more than half a billion speed tests over the past two years, Netflix is adding upload speeds and connection latency to the information offered. However, Fast.com is still simple to use and completely free of adverts. Unlike other speed tests.
Just point your web browser at Fast.com, and once the page has loaded it will start testing your download speed. Once that test is complete, you can now click on “Show more info” to see your upload speed and latency on both loaded and unloaded connections.
My Internet speed is 21Mbps. How FAST is your Internet? https://t.co/ANyFH0kmrk
— Miharbi?? (@ibrahsanz) July 18, 2018
In a post on the Netflix Media Center, Netflix explains what these terms and numbers mean. Upload speed is how fast your data is being uploaded to the internet. Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the server and back again.
For Netflix, your download speed is all-important. And the worse it is, the more likely you are to experience buffering while watching your favorite show. However, for anything which requires data to travel both ways, your upload speed and latency are also important.
Are You Getting the Speed Your ISP Promised?
It’s advisable to test your internet speed often. Because even if you haven’t noticed a problem, seeing the raw numbers on a screen will ensure you’re getting the speeds your ISP promised you. And if you’re not getting those speeds, it’s time to consider switching.
While having a solid internet speed is essential for watching Netflix, it isn’t the only thing you might need. A VPN that works with Netflix would be a good start. And then there are these great gift ideas for Netflix addicts everywhere.
Read the full article: Netflix’s Fast.com Now Measures Upload Speeds
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