A speed test is a tool used to measure the performance of an internet connection. It typically assesses two main factors: download speed, which indicates how quickly data can be received, and upload speed, which shows how fast data can be sent. Users can access these tests online through various websites or apps, making it easy to check their connection quality. These tests often provide additional information, such as ping, which measures the latency or delay in communication between the user's device and the server. By understanding these metrics, users can determine if their internet service provider (ISP) is delivering the expected speeds and troubleshoot any connectivity issues.