A guide on how to start a speed test in the UniFi controller

So, you're here because you want to run a speed test on your UniFi network. Maybe you're feeling a little skeptical about your ISP's "lightning-fast speeds" claim, or perhaps you just want to see how your network is holding up.

Whatever the reason, the good news is that running a speed test in the UniFi Controller is not only possible but also super easy. Let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents

• What is the UniFi controller?
• Running a speed test: the easy way
  • Step 1: Log in to your UniFi controller
  • Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Statistics’ tab
  • Step 3: Initiate the speed test
  • Step 4: Analyze the results
• Advanced speed testing (if you're feeling techy)
  • Step 1: Go to ‘Devices’ or ‘Clients’
  • Step 2: Select the device or client
  • Step 3: Run the test
• Common issues and troubleshooting
• Speed tests on mobile devices
  • Step 1: Open the UniFi Network app
  • Step 2: Go to the ‘Statistics’ tab
  • Step 3: Run the test
• Speed testing tips for the best results
• What to do if your speed test results are low
• Final Thoughts!

What is the UniFi controller?

For the uninitiated, the UniFi Controller is the brain behind your UniFi network. It's where you manage all your UniFi devices, from Access Points (APs) to Switches, Security Gateways, and more.

Think of it as the command center where you can see everything that's happening on your network. Now, if you've ever had to deal with slow internet or weird network hiccups, you know how frustrating it can be. Running a speed test through the UniFi Controller can help you pinpoint if your network is to blame or if it's time to have a word with your ISP.

Running a speed test: the easy way

Step 1: Log in to your UniFi controller

First things first, you need to log in to your UniFi Controller. You can do this by entering the IP address of your controller into your web browser. If you're using a cloud-hosted controller (which we highly recommend for peace of mind and reliability), just log in via your UniFi account. Once you're in, you’ll land on the UniFi Dashboard. This is where you can see an overview of your network—devices, clients, traffic, and more.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Statistics’ tab

On the left-hand side of the dashboard, you'll see a panel with different tabs. Click on the ‘Statistics’ tab. This is where all the juicy details about your network's performance are stored.

Under the Statistics tab, you'll find all sorts of useful information—usage statistics, latency, and yes, speed test results. But we’re not here to browse through old results; we want fresh data.

Step 3: Initiate the speed test

Now, here comes the fun part. In the Statistics section, you’ll notice a button labeled ‘Run Speed Test’ (or something similar). Go ahead and click on it.

The UniFi Controller will start running the test. It checks both your download and upload speeds. The test usually takes a minute or two, depending on your network speed.

As the test runs, you’ll see live data about how fast (or slow) your network is performing. You can watch the numbers go up and down in real time. It’s like watching a race where your internet connection is the star!

Step 4: Analyze the results

Once the test is complete, you’ll get a summary of the results. This includes your download speed, upload speed, and ping. If you’re seeing numbers that are significantly lower than what you’re paying for, it might be time to call your ISP and give them a piece of your mind.

On the other hand, if the speeds are solid, but you're still experiencing lag or slowdowns, the issue might be somewhere else in your network—perhaps an overloaded access point or a congested frequency band.

Advanced speed testing (if you're feeling techy)

If you're a bit more tech-savvy and want to dig deeper, UniFi gives you the tools to do that too. You can run tests on specific devices or segments of your network. Here’s how:

Step 1: Go to ‘Devices’ or ‘Clients’

From the main dashboard, you can head over to the ‘Devices’ or ‘Clients’ tab. This allows you to see every piece of hardware connected to your network.

Step 2: Select the device or client

Click on the specific device or client you want to test. This could be anything from your UniFi AP to your gaming console.

Step 3: Run the test

Once you've selected the device, you might see an option to run a speed test directly from there. This allows you to test the connection speed between your controller and that specific device. It’s a great way to see if one particular device is causing a bottleneck.

Common issues and troubleshooting

Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. If your speed test results are way off, there could be a few reasons why:

• Interference: If you’re running on a 2.4 GHz frequency, interference from other devices (like microwaves or cordless phones) could be causing issues. Try switching to 5 GHz if possible.

• Overloaded APs: If one of your access points is handling too many devices, it could slow everything down. Consider adding more APs or load-balancing your devices.

• Cable issues: Sometimes, the culprit is as simple as a bad Ethernet cable. Check your cables, especially if you're seeing significantly lower speeds than expected.

Speed tests on mobile devices

If you’re not always at your computer, don’t worry. You can run a speed test directly from your mobile device using the UniFi Network app.

Step 1: Open the UniFi Network app

Download the UniFi Network app from your device’s app store. Log in with your UniFi account, and you’ll be taken to the main dashboard.

Step 2: Go to the ‘Statistics’ tab

Just like on the desktop version, navigate to the ‘Statistics’ tab. You’ll see a lot of the same data here, optimized for your mobile screen.

Step 3: Run the test

Hit the ‘Run Speed Test’ button, and watch as the app checks your network speed. It’s basically the same process, just on a smaller screen. Running speed tests on your mobile device can be particularly useful if you’re troubleshooting a Wi-Fi issue in a specific part of your home or office.

Speed testing tips for the best results

While running a speed test in the UniFi Controller is pretty straightforward, getting the most accurate results requires a little know-how. Here are some quick tips:

• Test at different times: Internet speed can fluctuate throughout the day, depending on the number of users online. Run tests at various times to get a better picture of your network’s performance.

• Test from different locations: If you’re using Wi-Fi, run tests from various locations within your home or office. This helps you identify any dead zones or areas with weaker signals.

• Restart your router: If your results are consistently lower than expected, try rebooting your router or gateway. This can sometimes resolve temporary issues that drag down your speeds.

• Check for background activities: Ensure no significant uploads, downloads, or streaming activities are happening during the test, as these can skew your results.

• Update your firmware: Make sure your UniFi devices are running the latest firmware. Sometimes, performance issues are due to outdated software that a simple update could fix.

What to do if your speed test results are low

So, you’ve run your speed test, and the results are underwhelming. What now? Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Check your ISP plan: Double-check the internet package you’re subscribed to. If the speeds you’re getting are close to what you’re paying for, it might be time to upgrade.

2. Contact your ISP: If your speeds are significantly lower than what you’re paying for, reach out to your ISP. They can run diagnostics on their end to see if there’s an issue with the line or if they need to send a technician.

3. Optimize your network: If the ISP isn’t the problem, you may need to tweak your network settings. This could mean adjusting channel settings, upgrading your hardware, or even just repositioning your access points for better coverage.

4. Consider a wired connection: Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not always the most reliable. If possible, try running a speed test using a wired connection directly to your router. This will give you the most accurate picture of your network’s performance.

Final Thoughts!

Running a speed test in the UniFi Controller is a quick and easy way to keep tabs on your network’s performance. Whether you’re just curious or trying to troubleshoot an issue, these tests give you the data you need to make informed decisions.

If the test results show that your network isn’t performing up to snuff, you can take action—whether that’s tweaking your settings, adding more hardware, or just having a serious chat with your ISP.

At UniHosted, we take the hassle out of managing UniFi Controller by hosting them in the cloud. This means you can run these tests and manage your network from anywhere, without the headache of maintaining your own server.