Downloading from a local server is generally faster than a distant one. This is mostly due to the fact that parameters (such as the TCP window size) controlling the transfer are not optimized for the increased latency that comes from an increase in distance. Each data packet sent by a server must be acknowledged as received before another one can be sent. While this feature makes sure that data arrives "bit perfect," the greater latency created by distance alone can have a significant effect -- especially with larger file transfers, as more packets means greater delay.

We have nearly 3000 hosts around the world so you can test to a server in your area. When you hit Begin Test, Speedtest.net first identifies up to five servers nearby and then pings them to find the one with the lowest latency (meaning nearest on the network). By minimizing the latency, we decrease the factors listed above, which results in a more accurate measurement of your connection.