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Standard User TonyMJ
(newbie) Sat 14-Oct-06 14:17:09
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BT broadband speedtests - what do the tests report


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The recent introduction of a new BT speedtester means some descriptions of how this works need updating. Kitz http://www.kitz.co.uk/adsl/btwspeedtest.htm has the best description, but this needs a bit of updating.
There are two speedtesters.
  1. The new one is at 217.35.209.142. This works with you logged in to your normal ISP and requires you to give both your phone number (first screen) and login (second screen). The results show your IP profile, DSL connection rate and IP throughput. It seems that this speedtest does not bypass your ISP. This speedtester does not work with you logged in to speedtest@speedtest_domain (password left blank) - it returns an error message that only TAP1 test are enabled. In my case, this speedtest currently reports a throughpout of just under 1MB on an IP profile of 5000kbps.
  2. The old one is at 217.32.105.42. To use this avoiding your ISP's network you need to connect to speedtest@speedtest_domain, blank password. This downloads a file and then reports throughput in a screen that lists what BT consider acceptable speeds. For my modem synched at about 4200, this reports a speed of 3253kbps, which seems about what should be expected. This test can also be used with you logged in to your normal ISP. In this case, the result appears to reflect any line management imposed by the ISP as I get a result of 1000 kbps on my line which my ISP lists as currently having a stable rate of 1MB. This speedtester will only allow 1 test per 30 minutes.

I'm most interested in the results of the second test, which show my line will support a higher throughput than I'm currently getting. Something to pursue with my ISP (Plusnet) I think.
Tony

Standard User yarwell
(legend) Sat 14-Oct-06 18:06:22
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Re: BT broadband speedtests - what do the tests re


[re: TonyMJ] [link to this post]
 
In reply to:

it returns an error message that only TAP1 test are enabled.


you can get that however you log in, I wouldn't take it as definitive that the new tester doesn't work with the speedtest login.

Phil

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Standard User deleted
(deleted) Sat 14-Oct-06 19:13:37
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Re: BT broadband speedtests - what do the tests re


[re: TonyMJ] [link to this post]
 
My ISP, you guessed it Plusnet, insists on three tests logging in direct using BT's log in details.
This is no doubt valid in bypassing your ISP to determine throughput.

Bringing up the Test Site through your ISP displays your Bras Profile.
I've found this much easier than logging on direct to BT's site since you can try the site at your leisure.

I assume ISP's have access to this data since you have to enter your phone number and normal ISP log in details.

In the case of the OP, it would appear Plusnet are limiting your throughput, just like mine, and I would hope Plusnet would have access to and accept the Profile on these Tests as confirming where the problem is.
I think your Bras Profile should confirm that the problem is with PN irrespective of throughput.
Not a stuck Profile simply your ISP limiting your throughput.

I've been struggling for some time to convince them that the problem is their end. I wish you luck.

Do ISP's have access to these Test results when you bring the site up through your ISP ?.


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