How Does the CNET Bandwidth Test Work?
At its heart, the bandwidth test is just an image. The size of the image is determined by the bandwidth connection speed you select – so a phone modem would get a 50k image, a cable modem 500k, and a T1 connection would get a whopping 1.5mb image. The CNET servers can tell just how long it takes for that entire image file to get into your computer. This determines the actual bandwidth speed of your computer, and will be then shown in your web browser. But CNET doesn’t stop there. True to its mission as a consumer advocate, it will also show how your speed compares with other internet access providers available in your area (determined by zip code), across a range of connection types. This can be a very useful tool in deciding whether to upgrade, or simply trying to troubleshoot internet connection problems in your home or office.
