Strange Download Speedtest Results

crazybones · 22-03-2006, 21:16

I seem to be getting a strange first reading using Robin Walker's Speedtest. Each time, the first test produces a much higher result than tests 2 -4 despite deleting temp files and repeating from the source server. I'm on the 2Mb service.

I'm no expert, but was hoping that somebody could explain the reason.

Thanks.

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 21:09:10 UTC
1st 128K took 109 ms = 1202495 Bytes/sec = approx 10005 kbits/sec
2nd 128K took 469 ms = 279471 Bytes/sec = approx 2325 kbits/sec
3rd 128K took 531 ms = 246840 Bytes/sec = approx 2054 kbits/sec
4th 128K took 500 ms = 262144 Bytes/sec = approx 2181 kbits/sec

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 21:15:07 UTC
1st 128K took 109 ms = 1202495 Bytes/sec = approx 10005 kbits/sec
2nd 128K took 484 ms = 270810 Bytes/sec = approx 2253 kbits/sec
3rd 128K took 547 ms = 239620 Bytes/sec = approx 1994 kbits/sec
4th 128K took 485 ms = 270252 Bytes/sec = approx 2248 kbits/sec

Chris W · 22-03-2006, 21:34

Strange that the transfer rate on the first result is exactly the same as well.

Try the forum speed test as it downloads a larger file so will give more accurate results for higher speed connections.

crazybones · 22-03-2006, 22:02

Chris,

Thanks for the quick reply.

The 1st test result is often 10005, but does vary between 9k and 17K!

Using the forum speedtest a couple of times, I received the following:

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 21:58:05 UTC

1st 512K took 1687 ms = 303.5 KB/sec, approx 2501 Kbps, 2.44 Mbps
2nd 512K took 2172 ms = 235.7 KB/sec, approx 1942 Kbps, 1.9 Mbps
3rd 512K took 2156 ms = 237.5 KB/sec, approx 1957 Kbps, 1.91 Mbps
4th 512K took 2141 ms = 239.1 KB/sec, approx 1970 Kbps, 1.92 Mbps

Overall Average Speed = approx 2093 Kbps, 2.04 Mbps

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 22:01:50 UTC

1st 512K took 1687 ms = 303.5 KB/sec, approx 2501 Kbps, 2.44 Mbps
2nd 512K took 2156 ms = 237.5 KB/sec, approx 1957 Kbps, 1.91 Mbps
3rd 512K took 2172 ms = 235.7 KB/sec, approx 1942 Kbps, 1.9 Mbps
4th 512K took 2125 ms = 240.9 KB/sec, approx 1985 Kbps, 1.94 Mbps

Overall Average Speed = approx 2096 Kbps, 2.05 Mbps

Whilst not as dramatic, the first test result is still unusully high.

dcclanuk · 22-03-2006, 22:08

i have had weird speeds with ntl internet.

the freakiest thing ever was uploading at a peak rate of 3.25mb/s [netmeter]..... well it must be uploading at something like that for a little while, as i went down, came back up to the comp after 20 mins to find that 500mb had been uploaded...................

nopcode · 22-03-2006, 23:15

Yes, those "legal" linux distros can take alot of uploading

dcclanuk · 23-03-2006, 21:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by nopcode

Yes, those "legal" linux distros can take alot of uploading

linux? i think that is an OS.. well i use windows xp home?

and my upload is only meant to be 11kb/s anyway, so y would i upload huge amounts?

Ignition · 24-03-2006, 14:01

It happens, occasionally the kit at ntl's end doesn't police your downstream speed properly, so as in your case you get a huuuuuge burst to start with then it settles down as the ntl kit manages your bandwidth down to the 2Mbit you are paying for.

Just enjoy it really

Chrysalis · 24-03-2006, 15:16

if ntl accidently didnt police my speed I would see no difference the bandwidth isnt there

Graham M · 24-03-2006, 15:49

Sometimes I get a huge burst at the very beginning and end up with 10Meg speeds (through a Samsung STB I may add)