ADSL Speed Tester - Where's my MBps, dude?

[Hoovie]

just ran the BT test at http://speedtester.bt.com/ and some interesting info ....

Test1 comprises of two tests

1. Best Effort Test: -provides background information.
IP profile for your line is - 2500 kbps
DSL connection rate: 448 kbps(UP-STREAM) 5664 kbps(DOWN-STREAM)
Actual IP throughput achieved during the test was - 2241 kbps
2. Assured Rate Test: -provides background information.
Assured Rate IP profile on your line is - 500 kbps
Actual IP throughput achieved during the test was - 1728 kbps

We were unable to identify any performance problem with your service at this time.
It is possible that any problem you are currently, or had previously experienced may have been caused by traffic congestion on the Internet or by the server you were accessing responding slowly.
If you continue to encounter a problem with a specific server, please contact the administrator of that server in the first instance.

Re the bit in Bold, any Broadband Gurus who can explain why the IP Profile is under half the Connection Rate?

My HomeHub says it is connected at 5,664Kbps so matches the DSL connection rate exactly.
ThinkBroadBand says the line speed is 2,200, so matches the 'actual IP Throughput' pretty much spot on.
I have a BT Vision Box (On-Demand Video via BB) but that is off anyway - could some bandwidth be ringfenced for that even when not in use??
I also have a BT FON config on the Home Hub which allocates 512KB to FON users but should be only when connected, which there aren't at the moment.

Just wondering where that 'missing' 3MBs speed is

[thescruff]

Please note there is a minimum 3hr interval between a successful test

[Hoovie]

yes, damn it!!!

I have found out the second part is relevant for BT Vision and I *THINK* that bit says that it guarantees 500Kbps QoS for Video on-demand when in use, which is fair enough.

Think I will run this test over the next few days to see if the "IP Profile" gets shaped.

BTW - I know many people turn off their routers when they are not using the internet - that can actually be a bad idea in terms of maximising speed as, at least on the BT ones, there is a regular profile shaping and when the routers are left on, the speed gradually goes up as the profilng goes on (which I am hoping(!) is why the speed is only 2500 as I have applied some minor config changes to the hub)

[TheFuzzy0ne]

Try not to forget that the speed you get is "up to". BT do have standards in place to ensure that you are getting a fair connection rate. For your line, the minimum acceptable connection speed should be about 400kbps (or 800kbps if it's an "Office" package). I'm guessing yours is the office package, right?

The 5664 kbps is what your line is capable of achieving, but this doesn't take into account contention during peak times, or any other factors that could be affecting your line. Also, in some areas, BT throttle bandwidth as there's simply not enough to go around and upgrading exchanges can cost a lot of money. I'm sure that if you got a neighbour to do the test, you should find that their configured throughput is also 2500kbps (unless they are on a cheaper package).

You are correct, BT guarantees you a minimum throughput of 500kbps for your BT Vision. You will most likely find that it's because of this, everyone's bandwidth is restricted, otherwise people who are downloading excessively will screw up the service for everyone else.

EDIT: Your best bet is to call BT (free), and ask them. at least one of the 20 or so people you will be passed to should be able to give you a satisfactory answer.