Speedtest.net Results Consistently Inconsistent!

I suppose some servers may be 'faster' than others, but is this normal?

I am currently on a 2500 profile - I checked immediately before the tests on BT's Profile Checker. The download speed I got was ~1800. I thought that was a bit slow so went to Speedtest.net.

I ran on the default server (Milton Keynes), then Maidenhead which is nearer, then London (nearer still), then back to Milton Keynes.

I did this a few times and got consistent results - when on any server but London, the throughput is 1.83mbs. When on London I get 2.29mbs.

1.83mbs is consistent for non-London server, including BT's profile checker, but 2.29 is consistent with a 2500 profile. Results pasted below :-
www.speedtest.net/result/605294137.png
www.speedtest.net/result/605295363.png
www.speedtest.net/result/605296941.png
www.speedtest.net/result/605297875.png

You are probably just seeing the variation in the network that is hosting the speedtest.net server

I tried it today and my first result was 7.9 mb not bad for a max achievable rate of 7.15 mb. It's quirky to say the least.

I have a 2Mb connection and I find Speedtest whooshes up to 3 / 4 Mb when the test starts, then it drops to 1.5, before settling at just over 2!

You can test to other parts of the world (including random places in deepest, darkest South America!) but these are generally slower than the test servers in the UK.

I find the best way to gauge true download speed is to watch the "received bytes" counter on the properties dialog box of your LAN / WLAN connection. Put simply, bigger jumps in the counter when you're downloading mean a faster speed.

Friend again you check your speed here http://www.ip-details.com/internet-speed-test/ & compare the results..

Not sure how that helps - seems that Speedtest is on a US-based server.

Matt

Notice the date, i.e. someone promoting a test site, that suffers problems that are common with what looks like an Okla tester

Nice sharing....................