Test the cell network to find out if the connection is good

After doing the Internet speed test of the home lineIt is better to immediately test the goodness of the mobile data network, indispensable when we are not at home and we need maximum speed for all the services we use. For three reasons, this test can be useful: we can discover whether the internet speed at a certain place is higher (with the same operator), you can make differences between the speeds of the internet with different operators and it can be verified whether it is worth buying or not a key to the data network, so to connect the PC or another compatible device.

Read too -> Slow smartphone internet connection: How to solve

Why test the Cell Data Network?

Testing the mobile data network is not an activity reserved for professionals, today we can all do it anywhere thanks to some free applications. Some situations in which a test can make a difference:

• Check the quality at home or at work: Perhaps the signal is weak in some rooms or the 5G is not coming as promised. A test tells you whether the problem is the operator, position or telephone, so you can find practical solutions.
• Plan Travel or Movements: If you go to a rural area or in a new city, you can test the network in advance (or check the cover maps) to prevent surprises, such as staying without a connection during a trip.
• Compare operators to save money: If you are considering changing, show a test which operator offers the best signal in the area. You can therefore choose an economic plan without sacrificing quality.
• Optimize specific activities: For those who work remotely, play online or stream, the speed and stability of the network are crucial. A test reveals whether the connection is sufficient for liquid video calls or game sessions without delay.
• Contribute to the community: Many apps enable you to share the results anonymously to make roof cards and help other users choose the right operator.
• Loosely recurring problems: If the calls fall or the web pages are loaded slowly, a test can confirm whether the error lies with the network and whether you should contact the help of your operator.

In short, testing the network gives you control: you not only understand whether your connection is aware, but you can make conscious decisions, from changing operator to improve the signal at home. It is a simple way not to undergo the limits of technology, but to make the best of it.

Tools to test the network: the best apps

It is not necessary to be experts to measure the quality of the network. There are free apps that do all the work in a few taps. Here are the most reliable and easy to use:

• Speed ​​test by also LAper Android and before iPhoneA classic, available for Android and iOS. Download, upload and latency (ping) speed measurement with an intuitive interface. It also offers a map to see coverage in your region.
• Nperfper Android and before iPhoneIt is comparable to speed test, but with a more complete test that really simulates use, such as web navigation or streaming. Perfect for those who want precise details.
• Open signalper Android and before iPhone It is not limited to speed, but also shows signal power and network coverage (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G). Ideal for those who often move.
• Meteor per Android and before iPhone This allows you to test the speed of the internet on Wi-Fi and on 3G, 4G and 5G networks. Once learned how to correctly test the speed of the WiFi, it will be easy to obtain accurate and reliable results with a simple push of a button.
• Chebanda per Android and before iPhone Developed with Altraconsumo, it is an Italian app that tests the network and contributes to a cooperative card from the operators in Italy.

All these apps are free and do not require technical knowledge. Just download them, start and follow the instructions.

How to do a test: the steps to be followed

For reliable results, pressing a button is not sufficient. Here you can read how to do a test in the right way:

1. Disabled the wifi: The test may only relate to the cell network. Go to the telephone settings and switch off the WiFi.
2. Close the apps in the background: Apps such as Spotify or Netflix can use bandwidth and distort the results.
3. Choose the right moment: avoid peak times, such as the lunch break, when the network is more overloaded.
4. Do more tests: A single test may not be representative. Repeat it at different times or in different places.
5. Check the location: The signal also changes a few meters. Try to go near a window or outside.

Once ready, open the chosen app and start the test. Within a few seconds you will see the results: Download speed (to download data), upload (to load content) and Ping (the network response time).

How to improve the connection

The test numbers are easy to understand:

• Download speed: to download files or videos. 10-20 Mbps are sufficient for daily use.
• Upload speed upload: to load content or video calls. 5-10 Mbps are sufficient.
• Ping: Meet reactivity. Under 50 ms it is excellent for gaming or calls.
• Signal capacity: In dbm, between -50 and -80, it is strong, under -100 is weak.

If the test reveals problems, there are some solutions to try:

• Change of position: Sometimes you just have to move a few meters to improve the signal.
• Activate/deactivate the air mode: A quick reset of the connection can help.
• Check the network settings: Make sure the telephone is set to 4G or 5G (search the settings for “mobile networks”).
• Check the L’PN: The name of the access point must be correctly configured. Find the data on the website of your operator.
• Contact the operator: If the problem persists, there may be errors or restrictions in the area.

In extreme cases, a signal amplifier or a change in operator can be the solution.

Apps such as OpenSignal or Cheband not only test the network, but they also make coverage cards based on user data. These cards say which operator offers the best signal in a certain area, useful for those who think of changing offer or if you travel. You can also contribute and share the results of your tests anonymously. It is a way to help the community and to get more precise information.

After trying the different apps, the one I prefer is open. Not only because it is easy to use, but because the cover card helped me to choose the operator when I moved to a new city. It is as if you have a personalized guide to never stay without a signal. A small suggestion: however, do not be obsessed with figures. A “perfect” connection is less important than a connection that works well for your daily needs.

Also read: Which mobile operator does the internet have faster in 4G and 5G