Speedtest.net and 50Mbit

[pabscars]

Since the installation of my 50Mbit connection a couple of weeks ago, speeds have been rock solid, unfortunately for the last 3 evenings ive noticed download speeds as low as 6Mbit and fluctuating upto 18Mbit. Upload remains pretty much uneffected at 1.5Mbit

Due to the age of my lappy and pc, and given the fact that they are both wireless, i cant get anywhere near to max out my connection. (even wired to laptop)

So the only way i can check is by running the usual test at speedtest.net from my ps3 browser menu.

It usually ranges from 53000Kbps and has even indicated 67,000Kbps on one occasion, but was always above 50,000.

What i,m asking is; has anyone else noticed reduced speeds for the last few night's whilst using speedtest.net around midnight and up to 1.30am, or is there a possibility, i may have a problem.

Iv'e run the same test with and without the router but with no discernable difference.

I know there are some that will say speedtest's are generally unreliable,and i can appreciate some variables, but even downloading a 0.6gig demo from psn took an hour or so, which a few days ago would normally take 4 to 6 minutes.

Also ive noticed last that trying to connect to the playstation network after midnight last night, was impossible as it kept saying "server connection timed out"

Any help, advice, guidance or divine intervention would be appreciated.

[General Maximus]

I havent noticed anything during the last couple of days and I do do a lot of downloading. The only thing I would point out is that there are probably very few websites you'll get your max speed from for one file. The only way I get it is by doing multiple file downloads (3 files at 2mb each or something).

[pabscars]

I havent noticed anything during the last couple of days and I do do a lot of downloading. The only thing I would point out is that there are probably very few websites you'll get your max speed from for one file. The only way I get it is by doing multiple file downloads (3 files at 2mb each or something).

I appreciate what your saying, but previous history suggest's for me, that testing using speedtest.net seems normally very reliable, and is only used to gauge the throughput of my connection prior to gaming online,

Usually i do a speedtest 1st, if ok i will go into a game and if i get my backside handed to me, i know its not my connection speed, its just because the other gamers were better than me (fair)

But when speeds are fluctuating, it introduces lag and things get frustrating very quickly.

I cant trust 100%, my laptop nor my computer to max out the 50 Meg even with multiple downloads, but i will give it a go tonight, thanks

[Goffski]

Alright mate, yes i've been running very slow for the past few days (also in Warrington). Formatted my hard drive and reinstalled XP so was putting it down to this at first. Got my Macbac yesterday and the speeds have improved now but still only getting about 20mb max (wireless).

I got 50mb a while back and i was pretty much always getting about 46mb wireless but its less that half that now. Typical now its the first month i'm actually paying for 50mb.

[General Maximus]

I love playing my first person shooters as well and have always been very concious of my speed so i do understand where you are coming from. There have been time over the last week when I thought my connection wasnt up to scratch because some of the files i was downloading werent going at full whack so i started to get worried for my evening gaming, but i ran several speed testes on speedtest.net and I got 47mbit+ every time so i knew there wasn't anything to worry about. That is why I mentioned servers and multiple file downloads.

[pabscars]

Alright mate, yes i've been running very slow for the past few days (also in Warrington). Formatted my hard drive and reinstalled XP so was putting it down to this at first. Got my Macbac yesterday and the speeds have improved now but still only getting about 20mb max (wireless).

I got 50mb a while back and i was pretty much always getting about 46mb wireless but its less that half that now. Typical now its the first month i'm actually paying for 50mb.

Although i offer no help as such, its kind of a relief to know that its not just myself who appears to getting reduced speed, you say your wireless, so have to tried wired (ethernet) and through the modem to eliminate them as the bottleneck.

[Goffski]

Yeah mate, tired it. Wired and wireless is not much difference, even when at full speed. I have a PC upstairs and that does make a difference when it's wired.

---------- Post added at 13:47 ---------- Previous post was at 13:41 ----------

Just done a quick few tests, getting an average or 21 wired and 19 wireless.

[pabscars]

I love playing my first person shooters as well and have always been very concious of my speed so i do understand where you are coming from. There have been time over the last week when I thought my connection wasnt up to scratch because some of the files i was downloading werent going at full whack so i started to get worried for my evening gaming, but i ran several speed testes on speedtest.net and I got 47mbit+ every time so i knew there wasn't anything to worry about. That is why I mentioned servers and multiple file downloads.

Sod the downloads, glad to hear your gaming wasnt compromised lol, its funny how its been rock solid for 2 weeks, and then gives the appearance of being really slow for 3 evenings in a row.

I was hoping to see replies with people saying they too noticed, poor speed test's last night, but that doesnt appear so so far. At least youve given me something to try, so thanks for that. I did try to get onto the usual blue yonder games, to download a couple of large files, but it wouldnt let the page load for some reason, it would then give me a link the vm's home page, so i gave up on that idea, Any suggestions

---------- Post added at 14:03 ---------- Previous post was at 13:59 ----------

Yeah mate, tired it. Wired and wireless is not much difference, even when at full speed. I have a PC upstairs and that does make a difference when it's wired.

---------- Post added at 13:47 ---------- Previous post was at 13:41 ----------

Just done a quick few tests, getting an average or 21 wired and 19 wireless.


Have you changed anything at all recently that could possibly be effecting your speed, or was it a case of, ok one day, bad the next ?

[Goffski]

No mate, not changed anything. Was fine and now its not. I did have a few days like this durning the trial period so i'm not overly fussed at the minute but if continues i won't be happy paying for 50 when i only get 20.

[pabscars]

No mate, not changed anything. Was fine and now its not. I did have a few days like this durning the trial period so i'm not overly fussed at the minute but if continues i won't be happy paying for 50 when i only get 20.

I hear what your saying, and i would not want to see this continue too much longer, without kicking up a fuss.

i noticed from a previous post of your,s that youve recently started using the wireless usb device supplied from vm, have you recieved a updated firmware disc for the wireless usb, as i got one yesterday through the post, but there's no point me installing it yet as i,m not using it.

have you had speed issues since you introduced this to your network?

[Goffski]

Not used the disk, i just downloaded it from the website so i'm guessing this is the most up to date version. The speed issues started before this, that have got better, i was down to about 2mb when it first started and its gradually got better.

Like i said, not too worried about the USB thing as this is not often used. My main setup is a MacBook Pro connected via Apple Time Capsule and never really had any problems with it. It makes no odd if i connect directly to the modem.

I'll see how it goes, if its not improved by monday i'll give them a ring, need to ring them anyway as the cable box seems screwed, been like this for ages, poor picture at times and sometimes can't even get a pic, even on BBC1.

[pabscars]

I would say your problems could well be related to the poor tv performance, maybe if you post your modem signal levels, some kind soul will come along and let you know if they are too high or low.

Then that will at least give you the right ammo for when you phone up

[Goffski]

Are you talking about power levels? Not a clue what anything is when you access the modem.

Power Level (dBmV)

DS-1 - 1.10
DS-2 - 0.85
DS-3 - 1.60

RxMER (dB)

DS-1 - 36.17
DS-2 - 36.39
DS-3 - 36.84

[pabscars]

Are you talking about power levels? Not a clue what anything is when you access the modem.

Power Level (dBmV)

DS-1 - 1.10
DS-2 - 0.85
DS-3 - 1.60

RxMER (dB)

DS-1 - 36.17
DS-2 - 36.39
DS-3 - 36.84

Me neither but its usually the first thing guys in the know ask for, and from this info they can normally suggest if your levels are beyond the norm, and possibly the cause of your problem.

If no one responds, start your own thread asking some one to check your power levels, but i would imagine someone will respond shortly, hopefully

[General Maximus]

out of interest I i'll run some speed tests tonight every hours for a couple of hours and let you know what the results are

[Goffski]

Cheers guys.

pabscars - sorry for hijacking your thread.

[pabscars]

out of interest I i'll run some speed tests tonight every hours for a couple of hours and let you know what the results are

Ive been meaning to ask, what were your results like.

I still cant get anywhere near max speed from speedtest.net, ive asked advice in another thread but i think it may have fell on deaf ears.

Anyway i hope yours is ok now, even if mine sucks the wind from a babboons bum,

I think i may as well just go back to 1 meg adsl, stop gaming and get back into shooting, because this lot is doing my nut in.

[GazCBG]

I found today I had to use one of the Germany (DE) servers to get the best.
Time +1 hour

This morning
https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/87.png

This afternoon
https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/88.png


This is the London speedtest, Maidenhead is giving me about 13mb to 20mb
https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/89.png

[pabscars]

I found today I had to use one of the Germany (DE) servers to get the best.
Time +1 hour

This morning
https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/87.png

This afternoon
https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/88.png


This is the London speedtest, Maidenhead is giving me about 13mb to 20mb
https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/89.png


Thanks Gary, what speeds were you getting from the maidenhead and london server just out interest

[GazCBG]

Maidenhead

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/84.png


London

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/85.png

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/86.png

+1 Hour on the time, as I just did them

[pabscars]

Maidenhead

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/84.png


London

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/85.png

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/86.png

+1 Hour on the time, as I just did them

Again showing poor speeds to Maidenhead, its the same when i do it, i wonder why, as it used to be fine.

---------- Post added at 15:55 ---------- Previous post was at 15:52 ----------

The upload is low as well

[Goffski]

I've not tried for a while, but this is what i'm getting today wireless

Maidenhead

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/82.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

London

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/83.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

[GazCBG]

The upload is low as well
For some reason my upload it like that most of the time around 1.3 on speedtests.
The only time I see around 1.5 is normally when I am FTP'ing

[jcuk]

get a bunch of downloads running in a download manager from a high bandwidth site and test it that way. Much better, i hate speedtests lol.

[General Maximus]

sorry dude, just ran a test and this is what i got. I run at least one test per evening out of curiosity and always get around 50mbit from speedtest.net

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/79.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

When I am downloading (non torrents) i either try to use a download manager if i can to max out my connection or i just have 2 or 3 files going at 1.5mb/sec each. I never have a problem getting my speed. I did intent to run a test every hour from 6pm onwards just to see if there was any difference but i forgot.

[pabscars]

sorry dude, just ran a test and this is what i got. I run at least one test per evening out of curiosity and always get around 50mbit from speedtest.net

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/79.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

When I am downloading (non torrents) i either try to use a download manager if i can to max out my connection or i just have 2 or 3 files going at 1.5mb/sec each. I never have a problem getting my speed. I did intent to run a test every hour from 6pm onwards just to see if there was any difference but i forgot.

Cheers GM, i did a load of test's late last night, and i did on one occasion hit the magic 50 marker, to a German server though.

All uk test never got over 30Mbps with the London server proving to be more reliable, even pings were lower outside the UK.

Is it possible my current IP address is a non uk one and if so is there anything i can do about it (suspect not).

Unfortunately gaming last night was very poor but what was most annoying was that a friend of mine (on vm 20Mb) living just 15 miles away, struggled for ages trying to get in the same lobby as one another.

this isnt the first time that its happened, and we tried in vein for ages to get a match together but in the end i gave up.

I,m getting very frustrated with it all now, it would appear that out of the 8 months or so ive been with virgin media , only the first 2 weeks of having the 50 Mb were problem free.

I suspect there will be no resolution to this as usual and i will just have to suck it and see, hopefully something at somepoint will improve.

What i would appreciate is if some one could tell me if they think its possible to be leased a non uk IP address from vm.

Thanks for all the replies so far

---------- Post added at 08:11 ---------- Previous post was at 08:04 ----------

Oh my God i think i,m turning into my Dad, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, moan, freakin, moan

[Ignitionnet]

How are your normal pings and traceroutes?

There is no such thing as a UK IP address, you get an IP address from VM, which they in turn get from RIPE. VM are marked as the owner of the IP address.

[roughbeast]

Pabscars, I completely concur with you on speedtest.net results. I too was getting results consistently above 50mb with them, on the Maidstone and London servers. ( Crap pings by the way.) But, now Maidstone very rarely gives me over 20mb and London between 20mb and 45 mb. Something has changed at speedtest.net UK servers. I have enquired and they say that there is no pattern of inconsistency or complaints. Even when I said that other speedtest outfits were far more consistent, they blamed it on VM.

London just now:-

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/76.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

Maidstone just now:-

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/77.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

[NH001]

I think the results from SpeedTest can sometimes be a bit "dubious"!

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/78.png

[pabscars]

How are your normal pings and traceroutes?

There is no such thing as a UK IP address, you get an IP address from VM, which they in turn get from RIPE. VM are marked as the owner of the IP address.

I wasnt aware of that Broadbandings, and I appreciate topics like this probably don't float your boat.

Unfortunately I dont have the relevant experience or knowledge to be able to problem solve like some of you guys, mechanical engineering is more my thang.

If there is no such thing as UK IP address's then is there any way they can become routed differently, causing the issues I have raised.

Ive noticed as well that when I start to search for a game on my PS3, 9 times out of 10 it will put me in a lobby with non uk players, this was not the case initially.

So the only conclusion I can come up with is something has changed, what I don't know, and i am kind of hoping that someone can help me find out.

I appreciate all feedback given,

---------- Post added at 11:28 ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 ----------

Pabscars, I completely concur with you on speedtest.net results. I too was getting results consistently above 50mb with them, on the Maidstone and London servers. ( Crap pings by the way.) But, now Maidstone very rarely gives me over 20mb and London between 20mb and 45 mb. Something has changed at speedtest.net UK servers. I have enquired and they say that there is no pattern of inconsistency or complaints. Even when I said that other speedtest outfits were far more consistent, they blamed it on VM.

London just now:-

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/76.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

Maidstone just now:-

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/77.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

Well I,m glad youve responded roughbeast, because it does point to the fact that something has changed, I cant put my finger on what but I know in my gut,

Its evident when I,m playing online, and now when speedtesting, but I just dont have the knowledge to find out what.

Rest assured I will try to find out, but before I ring Tech Support I need to understand more, so I can convey in a way they would understand, and not come accross as some complete tool, who does'nt know his arse from his elbow.

Thanks for all your responses so far

---------- Post added at 11:37 ---------- Previous post was at 11:28 ----------

I think the results from SpeedTest can sometimes be a bit "dubious"!

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/78.png

I dont doubt for one minute that speedtest,s are fundamentally floored, and all the critics can jump on the band wagon and say the same, but why would it change overnight almost.

congestion issues aside

Why would it go from being ok one day and indicate everytime 50Meg, and beyond, to now never getting over 20Meg no matter what time of day or night.

I can only pressume that speedtest.net are restricting the 50 Meg users like myself from being able to max out my connection on purpose to the Maidenhead server in particular.

Although I have no fact to support this claim

[Ignitionnet]

Why would it go from being ok one day and indicate everytime 50Meg, and beyond, to now never getting over 20Meg no matter what time of day or night.

I can only pressume that speedtest.net are restricting the 50 Meg users like myself from being able to max out my connection on purpose to the Maidenhead server in particular.

Although I have no fact to support this claim

Maidenhead probably doesn't have 50Mbit free to max you out.

Have you tried the Think Broadband speed tester - this is more than 50Mbit capable?

http://www.thinkbroadband.com/speedtest.html

[roughbeast]

I do not believe speedtest.net are conspiring to dumb down VM 50mb results. They have no motive.

Also some of us are confusing speed test results with what we actually get. Test results do not affect your gaming, only real speed and latency affect your gaming. Results are generally inconsistent from test site to test site. Don't rely on them. It worries me when a test network like speedtest.net is also inconsistent over time. For that reason I no longer rely upon them instead use:-

http://www.mybroadbandspeed.co.uk

The result below is what I virtually always get from them. Their consistency is what gives me some confidence.


Download Failed (1)

[pabscars]

Maidenhead probably doesn't have 50Mbit free to max you out.

Have you tried the Think Broadband speed tester - this is more than 50Mbit capable?

http://www.thinkbroadband.com/speedtest.html

You have lost me there Broadbandings, unless for some reason Maidenhead has undergone some tweaking to reduce available bandwidth or something, which if that was the case no one would be able to get 50Mbit down would they,

I always used to get 50Mbit down and more on occasion EVERYTIME I tested for 2 weeks solid , no luls or dips in performance, even at peak times.

it was steady as the preverbial rock.

Then something changed, and now I NEVER see more than 20Mbit, but always above 10 Mbit to Maidenhead (which is my recommended server), no bs.



Unfortunately, the PS3 wont utilise the tester from the Think Broadband speed tester, I've tried several times.

Neither my pc nor Laptop will show anywhere near what the PS3 can, which is why I use it to gauge overall performance.

This was the only usefull tool to have under my sleeve, so now I,m snookered.

Cheers anyway

---------- Post added at 14:15 ---------- Previous post was at 13:18 ----------

I do not believe speedtest.net are conspiring to dumb down VM 50mb results. They have no motive.

Also some of us are confusing speed test results with what we actually get. Test results do not affect your gaming, only real speed and latency affect your gaming. Results are generally inconsistent from test site to test site. Don't rely on them. It worries me when a test network like speedtest.net is also inconsistent over time. For that reason I no longer rely upon them instead use:-

http://www.mybroadbandspeed.co.uk

The result below is what I virtually always get from them. Their consistency is what gives me some confidence.


http://www.mybroadbandspeed.co.uk/results/03420523.png


I hear what your saying about gaming roughbeast, but I disaggree.

Not with your comment on real speed and latency, but with the fact that you say speed test result's dont effect your gaming.

I know they dont physically effect your gaming, but they give you a snap shot of your connection at that time, (unless their network is busy)

A typical example was the first couple of weeks of my new 50Mbit connection, I would speed test, get fantastic results, go online and have great, enjoyable game play and to say I was happy was an understatement, I COULDNT STOP RAVING ABOUT IT. I would get selected as host more often than not also.

Speedtest's then went pants, and so did some aspects of the gameplay, and now I dont get selected as host anymore and struggle to hold more than 2 in a lobby sometimes when trying to search for a match

Coincidence me thinks not.

But to a novice like me, its a quick and easy way to see if all is well with my BB world, without having to send ping pongs + packets all over the place (said for effect).

Do you follow me.

[roughbeast]

---------- Post added at 14:15 ---------- Previous post was at 13:18 ----------

I hear what your saying about gaming roughbeast, but I disaggree.

Not with your comment on real speed and latency, but with the fact that you say speed test result's dont effect your gaming.

I know they dont physically effect your gaming, but they give you a snap shot of your connection at that time, (unless their network is busy)



What I was saying is that you cannot rely on most speed tests anyway. You can get 20mb on one test and then 50mb at another site all in the same minute. If you think you have a reliable speed tester that's great, but generally I find test results bear no relationship to my file downloading speed or my gaming experience.

[Impz2002]

speed tests are inherently wrong. the only way to truly test your connection is to download 3 / 4 files at once and add up the total speed. Whoever relies on speedtest are living a lie !

lol

Impz

[pabscars]

speed tests are inherently wrong. the only way to truly test your connection is to download 3 / 4 files at once and add up the total speed. Whoever relies on speedtest are living a lie !

lol

Impz

I think I,m being miss understood, or maybe I,m not explaining myself correctly.

I dont dissagree with any off with regard the inconsistencies of speed test,s I truly don't, what I am saying is SOMETHING HAS CHANGED, and not that speedtest's are accurate,

I am saying that the speedtest's can indicate the possibility of an issue thats all, and that is the point Ive been trying to get accross.

I don't know what or who to blame, all I,m after is a little help and guidance from some of you clever guys who post on here.

If I get told one more time that speed test's are unreliable I SWEAR I'm gonna rip out my eyeballs and dip them in Sulphuric Acid.;)

I KNOW SPEED TESTS ARE UNRELIABLE, have we bottomed that one out yet,

However, you can normally tell if your (dare I say it) speedtest is going to be reasonably accurate, because the needle indicating your speeds is smooth when it climbs and doesnt jerk all over the place, like it does when it gives you poor results,

Usually (in my very limited experience I know), when the needle is smooth, steady, climbs to the 50 marker and stays there without upset for a good few seconds, I believe rightly or wrongly that the test is pretty accurate.


This is how it used to be, and how it is no more

[Ignitionnet]

speed tests are inherently wrong. the only way to truly test your connection is to download 3 / 4 files at once and add up the total speed. Whoever relies on speedtest are living a lie !

lol

Impz

Whoever relies on downloading 3 or 4 files at once is likewise living a lie, it gives a flattering picture of connection performance though I can't be bothered with explaining why. ;)

A properly tuned connection should be able to saturate on a single TCP stream and using 3 or 4 files at once hides incorrectly configured connections and can cover up congestion. This stuff about speed tests being 'inherently inaccurate' is the UK's ongoing excuse for sucking balls at Internet speeds.

[Stabhappy]

pabscars - I think it's the fact that speedtests are unreliable that they -cannot- show, in a majority of cases, a change or fault in the service. They can't prove anything, and in the case of Speedtest.net give a bad average of Ping times in most cases.

[roughbeast]

pabscars - I think it's the fact that speedtests are unreliable that they -cannot- show, in a majority of cases, a change or fault in the service. They can't prove anything, and in the case of Speedtest.net give a bad average of Ping times in most cases.

I think we have a result! I emailed a link for this thread to the people I had been talking with at speedtest.net. Lo and Behold. I'm now getting pings to the London server below 60ms, whereas before I was getting 150ms, and that really steady reading at 48mb pabscars was on about. Something has changed this evening for the better. Checked out Maidenhead and got a ping of 4ms off of that, but ( damn) wobbly speeds below 30mb.


https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/73.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

[ibANEZ]

http://www.mybroadbandspeed.co.uk/results/03426287.png

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/72.png

[roughbeast]

I got this reply from speedtest.net.

"Dear Vince,

I read through the forum post and believe that traceroutes will tell the most about what specifically is going on. There is probably a routing/peering point that is likely at fault, a traceroute should be able to confirm if this is the case or not.

Kind Regards,
Hanna @ Speedtest.net"

It seems that Hanna still doesn't think this is a speedtest.net problem and that it is a network problem.

I notice on their tests that London is now 150 miles from me whereas before it was down as 100 miles. Maidenhead still has me down as 50 miles when I should be 150 miles +. Is that a network or a speedtest.net problem?

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/67.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

[slowcoach]

The best results I get are from Brussels.

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/69.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

[pabscars]

I got this reply from speedtest.net.

"Dear Vince,

I read through the forum post and believe that traceroutes will tell the most about what specifically is going on. There is probably a routing/peering point that is likely at fault, a traceroute should be able to confirm if this is the case or not.

Kind Regards,
Hanna @ Speedtest.net"

It seems that Hanna still doesn't think this is a speedtest.net problem and that it is a network problem.

I notice on their tests that London is now 150 miles from me whereas before it was down as 100 miles. Maidenhead still has me down as 50 miles when I should be 150 miles +. Is that a network or a speedtest.net problem?

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/67.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

Interesting roughbeast, so i suppose the next question is, how to we traceroute, and how do we then interpret that information.

Glad to see you getting a better result now, mine still doesnt seem any better speed wise but pings seem to improve, like you said they are down to below 60ms.

I still cant get them to max out my connection to London or Maidenhead.

I must admit Ive noticed before when I used to be on the 20meg package that the distances from the speedtest server's can change, not sure why though.

[roughbeast]

Pabscars, I spoke too soon!! :confused: Speedstest.net have put up a new UK server at Derby, really close to me. The results are totally pants. The read out below is typical of Derby. How is it I get consistent results from mybroadbandspeed.com whilst speedtest.net is all over the place? It is nothing to do with network routes I am sure. The problem will be server configuration / capacity. Speedtest.net have got it wrong but won't admit it.

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/64.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

(Edit) PS To do a trace type eg "tracert bbc.co.uk" at the command prompt.
(Edit2) I just did a ping on pcproblem.co.uk (the Derby server) and got 11ms. Tracert showed nothing worse than 11ms enroute. Yet, the ping in their speedtest was ...... well you can see. Who's kidding who?

[Ignitionnet]

The server being in Derby isn't going to help you greatly - stick to London or another capital city.

Derby service is woefully inadequate and shouldn't be on speedtest.net - it's not even on dedicated hosting by the looks of it.

11 69 ms 20 ms 33 ms bac.bsq3-hex.as29550.net [217.112.81.94]
12 35 ms 55 ms 41 ms telford.eukhost.com [213.175.206.16]

I've contacted speedtest.net anyway pointing out its' appauling performance, I didn't even break 0.75Mbps on it.

EDIT: Derby has been removed from the map.

[roughbeast]

The server being in Derby isn't going to help you greatly - stick to London or another capital city.

Derby service is woefully inadequate and shouldn't be on speedtest.net - it's not even on dedicated hosting by the looks of it.

11 69 ms 20 ms 33 ms bac.bsq3-hex.as29550.net [217.112.81.94]
12 35 ms 55 ms 41 ms telford.eukhost.com [213.175.206.16]

I've contacted speedtest.net anyway pointing out its' appauling performance, I didn't even break 0.75Mbps on it.

EDIT: Derby has been removed from the map.


But doesn't this just vindicate what I and others have been saying on this strand? Speedtest.net, it seems, accepts a variety of self-nominated organisations who feel they can offer a server of sufficiently high standard. It has taken someone like yourself to point out to them the inadequacies of speedtest.net's vetting procedure. The inconsistent results we have all had from the Maidenhead and London servers is indicative of lack of quality control.

[Ignitionnet]

On the other hand users will soon forward feedback to the speedtest.net team, quality control via the community!

[roughbeast]

On the other hand users will soon forward feedback to the speedtest.net team, quality control via the community!

I quote from a reply I received from speedtest.net

"Vince,

Looking at the server stats for all of the servers you listed they are all performing as expected as many users are receiving quality results from them. However, I can also see that your test results are quite erratic and not performing as you would expect.

My suggestion would be to run traceroutes to each of these different servers to verify that the route they are taking across the internet isn't the underlying cause. That is my best guess because of the statistics I'm seeing for the servers mentioned and lack of complaints for any other users of those servers.

Kind Regards,
Hanna @ Speedtest.net"

Well perhaps all those who have complained here should drop Hanna a line just for starters. Or, perhaps we are just getting too anal about the whole thing.

I have done traceroutes as she suggested and at no point en route have I had latency of over 12ms, yet in speed tests I still get readings of 150ms +. Broadbandings, perhaps you have an explanation for that.

[pabscars]

I quote from a reply I received from speedtest.net

"Vince,

Looking at the server stats for all of the servers you listed they are all performing as expected as many users are receiving quality results from them. However, I can also see that your test results are quite erratic and not performing as you would expect.

My suggestion would be to run traceroutes to each of these different servers to verify that the route they are taking across the internet isn't the underlying cause. That is my best guess because of the statistics I'm seeing for the servers mentioned and lack of complaints for any other users of those servers.

Kind Regards,
Hanna @ Speedtest.net"

Well perhaps all those who have complained here should drop Hanna a line just for starters. Or, perhaps we are just getting too anal about the whole thing.

I have done traceroutes as she suggested and at no point en route have I had latency of over 12ms, yet in speed tests I still get readings of 150ms +. Broadbandings, perhaps you have an explanation for that.

I Must confess last night the London and Maidenhead proved very eratic as per usual of recent, the highest download I could attain was 20Mbps, but generally the same results as you and that was at 2am this morning.

My pings were no where near yours but still higher than outside the uk.

I dont think its a bad idea for all people suffering the same issues to get in touch with speedtest.net, obviously the more that do, the more likely a satisfactory outcome.

Can you PM me the contact details you have and I will pass on my concerns also.

[Gopher]

Since the installation of my 50Mbit connection a couple of weeks ago, speeds have been rock solid, unfortunately for the last 3 evenings ive noticed download speeds as low as 6Mbit and fluctuating upto 18Mbit. Upload remains pretty much uneffected at 1.5Mbit

Due to the age of my lappy and pc, and given the fact that they are both wireless, i cant get anywhere near to max out my connection. (even wired to laptop)

So the only way i can check is by running the usual test at speedtest.net from my ps3 browser menu.

It usually ranges from 53000Kbps and has even indicated 67,000Kbps on one occasion, but was always above 50,000.

What i,m asking is; has anyone else noticed reduced speeds for the last few night's whilst using speedtest.net around midnight and up to 1.30am, or is there a possibility, i may have a problem.

Iv'e run the same test with and without the router but with no discernable difference.

I know there are some that will say speedtest's are generally unreliable,and i can appreciate some variables, but even downloading a 0.6gig demo from psn took an hour or so, which a few days ago would normally take 4 to 6 minutes.

Also ive noticed last that trying to connect to the playstation network after midnight last night, was impossible as it kept saying "server connection timed out"

Any help, advice, guidance or divine intervention would be appreciated.


Exactly the Same Problem Here also at those Times and my PC is hard wired!! I LOOKS LIKE VM ARE PORT THROTTLING

[Ignitionnet]

I have done traceroutes as she suggested and at no point en route have I had latency of over 12ms, yet in speed tests I still get readings of 150ms +. Broadbandings, perhaps you have an explanation for that.

Ya, to measure latency involves a flash app so the latency is somewhat at the mercy of how fast the flash app runs. In some cases it's great and in others, my laptop being one of them, it gives a big overestimate.

[pabscars]

Ya, to measure latency involves a flash app so the latency is somewhat at the mercy of how fast the flash app runs. In some cases it's great and in others, my laptop being one of them, it gives a big overestimate.


I dont know if this is connected but on Monday evening, I tested to London again, and it showed approx 10Mbps, so I just kept retesting, time and time again and eventually and only the once did it indicate a down rate of 55Mbps, then went back to being pants again.

I,m not convinced its a VM problem though, as I can test to Amsterdam as I did last night and full speed was indicated.

So to my reconning its speedtest.net that has the problem

---------- Post added at 14:45 ---------- Previous post was at 13:33 ----------

I quote from a reply I received from speedtest.net

"Vince,

Looking at the server stats for all of the servers you listed they are all performing as expected as many users are receiving quality results from them. However, I can also see that your test results are quite erratic and not performing as you would expect.

My suggestion would be to run traceroutes to each of these different servers to verify that the route they are taking across the internet isn't the underlying cause. That is my best guess because of the statistics I'm seeing for the servers mentioned and lack of complaints for any other users of those servers.

Kind Regards,
Hanna @ Speedtest.net"

Well perhaps all those who have complained here should drop Hanna a line just for starters. Or, perhaps we are just getting too anal about the whole thing.

I have done traceroutes as she suggested and at no point en route have I had latency of over 12ms, yet in speed tests I still get readings of 150ms +. Broadbandings, perhaps you have an explanation for that.

Ive just flirted off an email to speedtest.net concerning the issues with poor performance from their Maidenhead and London servers, hopefully it wont end up in the recycle bin.

[roughbeast]

Hi all,

For those who are interested in contacting speedtest.net the email is simply:-

MOD: Email removed, speedtest contact form is at http://www.speedtest.net/contact.php


edit1 eeeeeek! The Derby Server is back!........and just as bad.

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/62.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

[pabscars]

Hi all,

For those who are interested in contacting speedtest.net the email is simply:-



edit1 eeeeeek! The Derby Server is back!........and just as bad.

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/04/62.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

Cheers roughbeast, just sent an email to hanna, I will let you know if a responce is recieved.

[Ignitionnet]

Derby appears to be on a new server, and is performing just fine for 20Mbit service anyway, well as of now it is.

Any chance of getting her email address off here? If she wanted people to contact her personally with issues it'd be her email address on the website, not a web form, not to mention that spam bots will be hoovering that email address up. Also she probably doesn't attend her mail box 24x7 and is probably not the only member of staff who works for Ookla.

[pabscars]

Derby appears to be on a new server, and is performing just fine for 20Mbit service anyway, well as of now it is.

Any chance of getting her email address off here? If she wanted people to contact her personally with issues it'd be her email address on the website, not a web form, not to mention that spam bots will be hoovering that email address up. Also she probably doesn't attend her mail box 24x7 and is probably not the only member of staff who works for Ookla.

I would aggree with you there BBd, which is why I originally asked for it via pm.

[Kymmy]

Derby appears to be on a new server, and is performing just fine for 20Mbit service anyway, well as of now it is.

Any chance of getting her email address off here? If she wanted people to contact her personally with issues it'd be her email address on the website, not a web form, not to mention that spam bots will be hoovering that email address up. Also she probably doesn't attend her mail box 24x7 and is probably not the only member of staff who works for Ookla.

I've removed the email address and replaced it with the speedtest contact form URL.