[MikeyB]

My speeds on 2MB for the past couple of days:
Thu, 20 Apr 2006 19:07:25 GMT

1st 512K took 5860 ms = 87.4 KB/sec, approx 720 Kbps, 0.7 Mbps
2nd 512K took 5734 ms = 89.3 KB/sec, approx 736 Kbps, 0.72 Mbps
3rd 512K took 5500 ms = 93.1 KB/sec, approx 767 Kbps, 0.75 Mbps
4th 512K took 5484 ms = 93.4 KB/sec, approx 770 Kbps, 0.75 Mbps

Overall Average Speed = approx 748 Kbps, 0.73 Mbps

This is the 1st time in 3 years that the speed test has not been right with my ntl connection.
I have noticed then when a speed test (or large download) is running, the US & DS lights that go out, the SYNC & RDY lights are always on.
It's like it's receiving in bursts.
ntl 120 modem connected via eathernet. Power levels look fine according to Robin Walkers page.

---------- Post added at 20:50 ---------- Previous post was at 20:19 ----------

Okay, so this may not be ntl's fault in my case.
Just been doing some more testing, and it appears to be my firewall causing the problem, Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall 4.
If I disable or exit Kerio, the speed test is back to a more normal looking:
Thu, 20 Apr 2006 19:48:51 GMT

1st 512K took 2203 ms = 232.4 KB/sec, approx 1915 Kbps, 1.87 Mbps
2nd 512K took 2187 ms = 234.1 KB/sec, approx 1929 Kbps, 1.88 Mbps
3rd 512K took 2875 ms = 178.1 KB/sec, approx 1468 Kbps, 1.43 Mbps
4th 512K took 2141 ms = 239.1 KB/sec, approx 1970 Kbps, 1.92 Mbps

Overall Average Speed = approx 1821 Kbps, 1.78 Mbps