The difference in speed between the reported speed test results and actual download speeds can be influenced by several factors:
Server limitations: The download speed can be affected by the server you are downloading from. The server's capacity and the number of users accessing it simultaneously can impact the download speed. If the server is busy or has limited bandwidth, it can result in slower download speeds.
Network congestion: During peak hours when many users are online, network congestion can occur. This congestion can lead to reduced download speeds as the available bandwidth is shared among numerous users. Speed tests may show higher speeds because they are usually conducted during non-peak hours when network congestion is minimal.
Distance to the server: The physical distance between your location and the server you are downloading from can affect the download speed. Data takes time to travel over the network, and longer distances can result in higher latency and slower download speeds.
Bandwidth allocation: Internet service providers (ISPs) may allocate different amounts of bandwidth for different activities. They might prioritize speed test traffic to showcase faster speeds for marketing purposes, while other types of traffic, such as file downloads, might receive lower priority and thus lower speeds.
Traffic shaping or throttling: Some ISPs employ traffic shaping or throttling techniques, where they prioritize certain types of traffic over others. This can result in slower download speeds for specific activities, such as file downloads, while speed tests may still show higher speeds as they are given priority treatment.
To improve your actual download speeds, you can try the following:
- Download from different servers or locations to see if there is a variation in speeds.
- Conduct download tests during non-peak hours to minimize the impact of network congestion.
- Contact your ISP's customer support to inquire about any bandwidth limitations or traffic shaping practices that might affect your download speeds.
- Consider upgrading your internet plan to a higher speed tier if you consistently experience slow download speeds.