How to Perform a Xbox One Internet Speed Test

The Xbox One has already sold millions of units globally. One of its features is the ability to connect to Xbox Live, which gives users the ability to connect to Skype, watch TV shows and movies, play games, and much more. Minimum bandwidth speeds are required to properly use some these actions, as well as play some games. Players need to perform an Xbox One Internet speed test to make sure their bandwidth meets the Xbox One’s requirements in order to fully enjoy this gaming system.

Run the Speed Test

You can verify your bandwidth connection before you connect your Xbox One to your network. The Xbox One does not have an option to verify the connection through its system; instead, it relies on your overall network speed. For optimal performance, perform the speed test on your computer, and have it hooked up the same way you will have your Xbox set up; i.e., wireless or wired. Our speed test at BandwidthPlace.com is a Microsoft-suggested site, and can quickly determing your internet speed. Write down the download speed, upload speed, and ping. These numbers can be important later if you have issues and need to get a hold of Xbox support.

Recommended Minimum Requirements

Microsoft recommends a minimum download speed of 3 megabits per second for online gaming, 1 megabit per second for SD video streaming, and 3.5 megabits per second for HD video streaming. Minimum upload speed for online gaming should be faster than 0.5 megabits per second. Streaming does not utilize upload speeds. The ping should be less than 150 milliseconds for anything done on the Internet. The lower the ping number, the more effective the connection is.

Connect to the Internet

Just plug the LAN cable into the back of the console box to connect to the network in a wired configuration. To connect wirelessly, you will need to go into the Network Settings screen. Select the “Set up wireless network” option from the screen. A new screen will open that shows a list of available networks. Select your router, enter the required password, and you are connected to the network. The Xbox One will only support one network configuration at a time. If you go to a friend’s house and connect to their network, then when you return home you will have to create a new connection when you get home.

An Xbox One Internet speed test should be performed periodically to verify there has been no loss in bandwidth. If lag develops over time, the first thing to do is perform a speed test. If any issues arise, support is always going to ask you your bandwidth speeds. If the speeds are not meeting the minimum requirements, it is an issue with your ISP and you should contact them for further support.

Photo credit: Flickr/Seyi Ogunyemi