How can I check my broadband speed?

Rex_Mundi

I've just found the official BT speed tester for broadband. It will only work with ip stream BB (on the BT network not cable).

To use it you have to log off from your broadband. Then reconnect using these settings

username.... speedtest@speedtest_domain
password.... (not required, leave blank)

Once you've connected with these settings. Open a browser window and go to http://speedtester.bt.com

Enter your phone number and click go. The test will tell you when it is done. Once you're finished, you can go back and log on to you ISP again to get back on the net (you can't browse the net while you are logged on to speedtest). You can do the test only once every 30 minutes.

ONLY DO THIS IF YOU KNOW YOUR ISP LOGON DETAILS (username and password). If you forget them, you will not be able to get back on the net!!!

Sofa_Sogood

Rex_Mundi wrote:

I've only just managed to get the boy to understand how important it is to unplug the broadband when there's a storm in the area. So much better than risking the network and all the computers.

Without going off-topic again doesn't this apply to dial-up as well?

Not having broadband makes me a bit ignorant about these things

[Edited because I've just realised how stupid that question was ]

Mr_Skint_2

Yes dial-up and Broadband.

Rex_Mundi

doesn't this apply to dial-up as well?

Yes, definately. It's much better to be safe, than have to pay for a new computer if your line does get hit by lightning.

Sofa_Sogood

Thanks Mr S and Rex_Mundi

I edited my post after I realised I'd already made a memo to myself about storms etc.

But not everyone knows that it's important to unplug the pc's do they?

With a bit of luck it might help a newbie .... but I daren't think about how storms affect pc's on broadband. Another reason to put the inevitable off for me ...

flossy_splodge

I've just discovered this topic area and would really appreciate some help. Have been waiting for forever to get broadband. Have just run a test from one of the links by Fran to find I should be able to get it at last. However have also run the adsl speed test and this is the result:
Downstream 22 Kbps (2.8 KB/sec) 23 Kbps (inc. overheads)
Upstream 85 Kbps (10.6 KB/sec) 91 Kbps (inc. overheads)
Is it me being negative or are those results a pile of pants for broadband? Help pleasse.

albertross_2

If you are still using dial-up they are normal, if you have broadband already, you need to speak to your ISP (or BT)

flossy_splodge

Thanks albertross but really what I was trying to find out is "does the speed test tell me what speed I WOULD get broadband for if I went for it?" I am currently still on dial up and have read horror stories of someone paying for broadband and after money is taken it is found broadband service cannot in fact be supplied, usually a geographic consideration I believe, then they have a hell of a job to get their money back and cancel further payments. Dont have the energy for all that!

sarahriley53

I've just checked my broadband speed and it says that the Speed Down is 1724.76 Kbps ( 1.7 Mbps ) & the Speed Up is 137.92 Kbps ( 0.1 Mbps ).I'm with virgin media on the 2Mb broadband.Can anyone tell me if this is the correct speed i should be getting?Thanks

ormus

seems a bit slow. approx 1950 kbps should be more like.