Frontier Speed Test

This diagnostic tool validates the performance of your Frontier internet connection. It is critical to distinguish between Frontier's two distinct networks: Frontier Fiber (formerly FiOS in some regions), which uses dedicated fiber optics, and Frontier Internet (DSL), which relies on legacy copper phone lines. Your speed test results will vary fundamentally based on which infrastructure powers your home.

While Frontier Fiber is capable of multi-gigabit speeds (up to 5 Gig), performance bottlenecks are frequently caused by legacy Arris NVG gateways or devices that lack the 2.5GbE ports required to handle speeds above 1 Gbps.

Understanding Your Speed Metrics

When evaluating your connection, focus on these three performance indicators:

Download Speed: On Frontier Fiber plans (500, 1 Gig, 2 Gig), this should be consistent and high. On legacy DSL plans, speeds degrade significantly based on your physical distance from the central office.

Upload Speed: This is the primary advantage of Frontier Fiber. It offers Symmetrical Speeds (Upload = Download). If you are on the 500 Mbps plan, your upload should also be ~500 Mbps. If upload is significantly lower, you may be on a DSL line or have a faulty ONT configuration.

Latency (Ping): Fiber connections typically deliver 5-15ms ping to local servers. DSL connections often range from 40-80ms due to the nature of copper wiring.

What Results Should You Expect?

The "Eero" Factor

Most modern Frontier Fiber installations use Eero Pro 6 mesh systems. Benchmarks for these systems include:

Download Speed: ~500-800 Mbps (on Wi-Fi 6 devices)

Upload Speed: ~500-800 Mbps

Stability: The connection should be seamless. If you see speed drops, check if your device has switched to a satellite Eero unit that is too far from the main gateway.

If you subscribe to the 2 Gig plan, you will never see full speed on a standard speed test unless your computer has a specialized 2.5GbE Network Card and is wired directly to the router.

Why Is Your Frontier Connection Slow?

Before contacting support, verify these common hardware faults:

The "Red Globe" (Arris Routers): On older Arris NVG468MQ gateways, a solid Red Globe light indicates a failure to authenticate with the network, often requiring a "power cycle" of the ONT (the box on the wall/garage).

ONT Power Issues: The Optical Network Terminal (ONT) requires power. If a GFCI outlet trips in your garage, your internet will go down immediately.

Eero Placement: If using Eero, ensure the main unit is not placed inside a metal cabinet or media enclosure, as this blocks the mesh signal.

Frontier Technical Details

How to Get an Accurate Test

Wireless testing is unreliable for verifying multi-gigabit speeds due to hardware limitations.

To confirm the actual speed entering your home, connect a Cat6 or Cat6A Ethernet cable directly from the ONT (or main Eero gateway) to a laptop. This isolates the ISP connection from Wi-Fi interference. If this wired test shows full speed, your line is healthy.

When to Call Support

Escalate the issue to Frontier support if you observe these specific failures:

Red "Fail" Light: A red light on the ONT (usually in the garage or closet) means the fiber optic cable is broken.

Red Globe: A persistent red internet light on the Arris router that does not clear after a reboot.

Speed Mismatch: If wired upload speeds are drastically lower than download speeds on a Fiber plan.

You can troubleshoot connection status via the MyFrontier App or by calling 800-921-8101.