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Broadband Speed Tester - FAQ

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Read answers to frequently asked questions about our Speed Tester. Click here to download our Speed Tester.

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Do I have to pay to use the speed tester?

No, it’s a completely free piece of software. You can use it to see what kind of speed your broadband is really running at.

What might affect my Speed Tester result?

Any programs running on your computer can affect your speed results, so you’ll need to temporarily disable the following programs:

• Instant messenger or other chat and VoIP software
• Email checking software
• Other open windows
• Internet digital radio
• Mp3 or movie downloading software (iTunes, Napster, etc)
• MS Windows updates downloading in the background.
• TV download software
• Wireless connectivity

The BBC iPlayer, 4oD and Sky Anytime might also slow your connection. These programs run even after you have closed them so your test results will be affected. Check broadcaster’s websites to see if it is possible to turn the application off completely.

If you have more than one computer connected to the same broadband connection, their activity will also affect the test result so make sure these programs are disabled on all computers connected to your network.

The speed test will be more accurate for UK users, as your ISP and our server are UK-based, making the average response time shorter. Our speed test is done from a European server. If you are in a different continent, your connection must travel further.

How does the Speed Tester work?

The Speed Tester sends a small file and times how long your connection takes to download it. The size of the file will vary according to the speed your connection is supposed to be running at, so entering the wrong package size will result in the wrong file size being sent, and an inaccurate test result.

How accurate is the result?

The Speed Tester is as accurate as possible, and provides a good indication of the speed of your connection. However, you must bear in mind that:

• Other applications will slow your connection down if they are left on while the speed test is carried out, because of the bandwidth they’re using
• Using a wireless router to connect to the internet will degrade your broadband speed so bear this in mind when doing speed tests
• Any other computers connected to your network will also be using bandwidth
• Someone else might be using your wireless network if it isn’t secured (see our article about wireless security)

Speeds results will also vary according to the speed that you tell us you should have.

Even if you shut down all the programs and windows that might be running, there will still be a slowdown of around ten percent when your system performs a function. This is used up in window refreshes, internet lag and server ping, among other things. So, for example, a line that is supposed to run at 512 Kbps will have a download speed of around 450 Kbps with one connected computer.

How long does each test take?

About 30 seconds.

When is the best time to schedule the Speed Tester to run?

Your computer needs to be switched on to run the test but it’s best to schedule it for a time when you won’t be downloading movies and music or using other high-bandwidth applications.

Why do my results vary at different times of the day?

There is more traffic running on broadband lines at peak times - usually after 6pm when everyone gets home from work. Because of the way that contention rates work (most residential lines have 50:1 contention meaning that you share you line with 49 other people), your connection will be slower at these times.

How long does the Speed Tester take to install?

If your computer already has the .Net Framework then the installation should take around a minute. Installing the .Net Framework if you don’t already have it takes around 10 minutes itself.

Do I need to install the Speed Tester on every computer connected to my wireless network?

No, all the computers connected to your wireless network use the same broadband connection so you only need to run a test on one of them. Be aware though, that the more computers you have connected to your wireless network the slower your connection will be.

However, you do need to make sure that you install it on your local PC and not to a network drive.

Why do you need to know my current speed and ISP?

We need to know your ISP so that we can collect data on which providers are delivering on their promises. We will then lobby the Government for better speed regulations to stop providers offering you unobtainable connection speeds.

We need your current speed so that we can compare advertised speeds against actual connection speeds. We also need it to ensure the tests are accurate, as the speed you give us will determine the size of the file we send to your computer.

Note however that provider quoted speeds are advertised as a "top speed", not a guaranteed speed.

We won’t share your details with any third parties, and although you have to register to use the Speed Tester, you can opt out of receiving emails or further correspondence from us.

How can I improve my internet connection speed?

The best way to do this is to turn off any programs that are running in the background, including those in the “task bar” at the bottom right of your screen as these applications - many of which start automatically when you turn your PC on - will slow down your connection without you even noticing that they’re running.

Or read our article on Boosting Your Broadband Speed

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