Difference in Broadband Speed Test Results

I recently moved to Talktalk from BT to achieve a faster Broadband speed. Bt could only provide around 6MB yet neighbours with Talktalk, on the same exchange and further away from the exchange, were achieving 11 - 14MB. I had issues with BT service, or I should say lack of it, and as I could get a better deal with Talktalk I moved and so far no major issues......or have I??. I have always used "Speedtest.net" as a means of determining approximately what speed I was achieving. When I was with BT this reported around the 6MB mark. Now with Talktalk Speedtest.net tells me I'm achieving 11-12MB. However the Thinkbroadband speed test reports 6 - 7 MB?? I have tried port 80 and get the same results. Can anyone advise me as to why I should have such a difference in results??
Cheers
Roy

Speedtest reports the peak speed achieved over a short period, while TBB reports the average speed on a larger file. Tbb may be more accurate, as it better reflects rapidly fluctuating levels of congestion on the network. However, if you want a better idea of how good the line is, I'd suggest downloading a large file (linux iso maybe) from a trusted fast source and monitoring the speed in a bandwidth monitor.

12eason.
Thanks for your help and prompt response. I'll do as you suggest.
Cheers
Roy

Hi roycon,

I personally use speedtest.net all the time for consistency.

Just curious, are you running the TBB tests wired, or wirelessly?

I have recently seen another user mentioning that wired, the TBB results are reasonably close to other speed testers, but wirelessly, are miles apart.

Paul.

Edited by deleted (Sat 29-Oct-11 12:41:16)

Hello Paul
I'm wired. I would have thought you should not see any noticeable difference between wireless or Ethernet connectivity when running the test unless there's a problem with the wireless setup?? I only have a Wireless USB hub in use at the mo but the next time the kids visit with their Ipads or laptops I'll compare the two and post the results.
Cheers
Roy

hi Roycon,


Speedtests operated by any third party can also be subject to the demand of the speed test server itself.


If you use TalkTalks speedtester this is on our network equipment so will give the most accurate result of your TT speed.

Regards

Mark

Windows XP often needed to be tuned to get best wireless performance, the before and after difference could be quite dramatic. Later versions of Windows don't have this problem.