How to Check my Broadband Speed?

Mr_Warren_2

Hi everyone. Am on broadband with Virgin and it sucks. Most evenings the websurfing is so bad that I give up. The broadgadget they installed a few years ago crashes when it feels like it and I have to unplug the power to it and reboot the pc, only for it to do the same again a few minutes later (or sometimes not for days). As I am writting this, I have been on hold 28min waiting to speak to their "Customer Service Team" :rotfl: and get them to do something about it...When I call technical support I end up in Utrah Pradesh speaking to someone who does not give two hoots about my custom (and I pay premium rate for this)....Anyway enough of my ranting.
How do I check the broadband speed ? I am supposed to be on their L tarriff which is "up to 4 Meg" of unlimited download. Thank you for advise.

shandypants5

hi...good test..

I get 2021 download
and 204 upload


So...what does that mean...and is it any good??

I am on virgin cable btw.


5 min later different numbers???
is that normal?

download 1518
upload 245..

my internet does seem to vary from fantastic,.... to so slow I could post a letter faster....

albertross_2

It means you are getting about 2meg, it does vary, and is likely to be slower between 4pm and midnight.

tomsolomon

The best way to check your bandwidth is at the source. ie your router.
log onto your router and check the router status (its different on every one so you will have to look for it).
And your speed can vary depending on how many people and how much they are using between you and your local exchange.
I typically get 2272 down and 288 up which is my max and it doesnt change much because I live close to the exchange:D

bainy

Virgin Media have introduced traffic shaping/management across all tiers of their broadband service. Its possible that your broadband is being traffic shaped.
More information available here: -

http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html/internet/traffic.html

Other than that try calling virgin at a more quieter time of day if possible, if the problem is due to them then they will refund you for your call.