Frequently Asked Question

Internet speed tests are a helpful way to understand how your connection is performing, but the results don’t always reflect the full speed of your service plan. Several factors inside the home can influence the numbers you see. Below are the most common reasons customers may experience lower‑than‑expected speed test results—and how to get the most accurate measurement.

1. Router Performance and Age

Your router plays a major role in how fast your devices can communicate with the internet. Older or entry‑level routers may not support the full speeds of modern broadband plans. Even newer routers can slow down under heavy load or outdated firmware.

What you can do:

• Use a Runestone Telecom provided router *Recommended option*
• Restart your router to clear temporary congestion
• Ensure your router supports the speed tier you subscribe to (ports that operate at 1G)
• Update firmware or consider upgrading older equipment

2. Device Performance (PC, Laptop, Phone, Tablet)

Speed tests measure the performance of the device running the test—not just the internet connection. If your device is older, running background apps, or has limited processing power, it may not be able to reach your full subscribed speed.

Tips for accurate results:

• Close unused apps and browser tabs
• Restart the device before testing
• Use a modern device with a gigabit‑capable network card for high‑speed plans

3. Wi‑Fi Limitations

Wi‑Fi is convenient, but it introduces interference, signal loss, and speed reduction—especially in larger homes or areas with many competing wireless networks.

For the most accurate speed test:

• Use a wired Ethernet connection whenever possible
• If Wi‑Fi must be used, stay close to the router and avoid walls or floors between you and the device
• Consider upgrading to Wi‑Fi 6 or mesh Wi‑Fi for better whole‑home coverage

4. Background Usage in Your Home

Speed tests measure available bandwidth. If other devices are streaming, gaming, uploading files, or running cloud backups, your test results will appear lower.

Before testing:

• Pause streaming services
• Temporarily disconnect or idle other devices
• Ensure no large downloads or updates are running
• To eliminate any background usage or router bottlenecks, bypass the router and connect a wired PC directly to the fiber optic ONT

5. High‑Speed Plans Are Designed for Multiple Devices, Not Just One

Plans like 500 Mbps, 1 Gig, or higher are built to support an entire household of connected devices—not to deliver the full speed to a single device at all times.

Modern homes often have:

• Smart TVs
• Phones and tablets
• Gaming consoles
• Security cameras
• Smart home devices
• Computers and laptops
• Cloud‑connected appliances

Even when you’re not actively using them, many devices run updates, sync data, or communicate in the background. This means your total bandwidth is shared across your home.

Key takeaway: A single device may not reach the full speed of a gigabit plan, and that’s normal. The value of a high‑speed plan is in providing smooth performance for many devices at once, not just achieving a maximum number on a single speed test.

6. Use Our Local Speed Test for Best Accuracy

Third‑party speed test sites may route traffic through distant servers, which can affect results. For the most accurate measurement of your connection to our network, we recommend using our local speed test:

https://speed.runestone.net/

This test connects directly to our infrastructure, reducing outside variables and giving you the clearest picture of your true service performance.

7. Why You May Never See a Full 1 Gigabit on a Speed Test (Network Overhead Explained)

Even under perfect conditions, a single device will almost never show the full 1,000 Mbps on a speed test. This is normal and expected due to something called network overhead.

When data travels across the internet, it isn’t just your content moving from point A to point B. Each packet of data includes additional information—headers, routing instructions, error checking, and protocol data—that ensures your connection is stable and reliable. This overhead uses a small portion of your bandwidth.

Because of this, the maximum real‑world speed a single device can show on a gigabit connection is typically in the 930–960 Mbps range, even on a perfect wired setup with a high‑performance computer.

In other words: If you subscribe to a 1 Gig plan and see around 940 Mbps, that is actually the correct and expected top‑end result.

What affects this limit:

• Ethernet protocol overhead
• TCP/IP overhead
• Router processing time
• Device network card efficiency
• Speed test server behavior

This is why gigabit plans are best viewed as total available bandwidth for your entire home, not a number you’ll see on a single device.

If You Still See Lower Speeds

If you’ve tried the steps above and still aren’t seeing the speeds you expect, our support team is here to help. We can assist with equipment checks, wiring issues, and performance troubleshooting to ensure you’re getting the best possible experience. Please contact us by emailing technicalsupport@runestone.net or calling 320-986-6655.