What is the recommended method for testing a customer's internet speed?

Using an online speed test tool is the recommended method for testing a customer's internet speed because these tools are specifically designed to assess an internet connection by measuring both up and down speeds, as well as latency. They provide real-time, practical results that customers can easily understand, making it straightforward for technicians to convey findings to clients.

Online speed test tools typically work by transferring data between the user's device and a server located nearby, allowing them to calculate how fast data can be sent and received over the internet connection. This method accounts for various real-world factors, such as network congestion and the actual performance of the internet service, delivering a comprehensive overview of the customer's experience.

In contrast, a network analyzer may be useful for diagnosing connectivity issues or analyzing traffic in more complex scenarios but does not provide a simple, user-friendly measure of internet speed. Measuring signal strength is more applicable to assessing the physical layer of a connection rather than providing an accurate speed measurement. Lastly, using a manual speed calculation involves estimating speeds based on data transfers but can be less accurate and more cumbersome than technology specifically designed for speed testing.