When I Do A Broadband Speed Checker, What Is It Actually Checking?

[RATTER15]

Is it checking the speed to the router or to the computer?

If it is only checking the speed to the router, how can I check the speed from the router to the computer.

our computers are both connected to router via WiFi and both are fairly close to the router but we are having speed issues, of course the speed issues maybe due to the computers and that will also be investigated.

[Togo]

//The actual speed depends on several factors such as the product option you choose, the processing power of your computer, how many people are using your broadband connection at the same time, whether you use a wireless or cable connection, the speed of the websites that you visit and the performance of our network. Speeds to be lower at peak times – peak times are evenings and weekend.
In the first ten days you may see your speed go up and down. When using a postcode only (rather than a telephone number) the checker results are less accurate. We use a best guess of where you live based on the centre point of the postcode and not the exact routing of the line to your address, and so the result must be treated with caution.//

From BT's Website Ratter.
http://www.productsandservices.bt.com/products/speed-checker/?s_cid=con_FURL_speedtest&utm_source=ATL&utm_medium=FURL&utm_content=A&;utm_campaign=speedtest

[bhg481]

You're checking the speed from the computer to the server via the router.

[Togo]

https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/speedtest/

This gives you an independent test.

[RATTER15]

Thanks bhg, that's all I needed to know.

[bhg481]

The computer itself can make a noticable difference Ratter, as can the means of connection. Ethernet (cable) is usually considered to be to be quicker than wifi but I regularly use an old desktop (Vista) connected via ethernet and a laptop (Windows 7) with a much faster CPU connected wirelessly and the laptop is noticably quicker. Both show roughly the same speed when using a speed-checker but many websites need "processing" because of the content and this leads to a slower speed in reality. For example, it is almost impossible to watch included video on the desktop but OK on the laptop.

[Togo]

Some practical things you can do Ratter. Site the router as close to your input socket as possible. ie no extension wires. Use micro filters at the input socket and if you are able reset the TCP/IP settings on your pcs. This is only a good idea if you are pretty teched up. Some times trying a different channel setting on the router helps if you are picking up interference from say a neighbour's router.