Why I'm still with IDnet

D-Dan · Oct 05, 2009, 20:43:57

I've said it before - but speedtest tables tell more truth than reviews, and I still consistently make the top 3 at DSLZone. However, what I've really started to see is most of the other 9 in the top 10 (with the exception of the obviously faked ones) are done between 6 am and 11 am. I usually test at around 8pm or 9pm. In other words, I'm hitting top 3 at the same time as everyone else is being traffic shaped, and beating those same people who tested when they weren't

Steve

Colin Burns · Oct 05, 2009, 20:55:57

i just dont believe what a speed test result says as all it really is is a webserver with a bit of software so a poor result might not be a problem with your connection but with the datacentre the speed tester is based at

D-Dan · Oct 05, 2009, 21:42:43

Which is why I do a daily test - and for the past 5 weeks - the results have been consistent at DSLZone (and consistent with other testers). The point, though, was that the proof that IDNet provide a consistent connection, day and night, is there for all to see.

Steve

Sebby · Oct 06, 2009, 21:25:02

Good stuff, Steve. I'm sure you're not the only one that feels like this either.

Technical Ben · Oct 06, 2009, 23:04:56

Why do you not trust a speed test? It's just a guide. It gives you a lower bound limit. IE if you hit 3mb on a test, you know your connection is AT LEAST 3mb. That is infinitely more information to me then "UP TO 8MB". I also get 6-7mb throughput on tests, and from large servers (for example Microsoft updates or steam downloads). It means I know my line is ok. If I get slower speeds, I know it's the server or a busy time.

Ann · Oct 07, 2009, 16:36:55

What I have found is that when I'm bothered about my connection I do speed tests all over the place, whereas now it's far more stable, I don't feel the need to. Therefore, those league tables only show the obsessed

Those of us who are just satisfied don't bother to take part any more.

I don't know how they managed to get BT to fix my line, something that IDNet failed to do, but I have had no dropouts for 6 days now which for me, who was getting dropouts many times each day, it's pretty amazing.

Rik · Oct 07, 2009, 16:41:17

One possibility is that Be probably have a direct contractual relationship with Openreach, Ann, while BT-based ISPs have the relationship with BT Wholesale? Another is that you're now connected to completely different equipment at the exchange.

quandam · Oct 07, 2009, 19:27:14

Quote from: D-Dan on Oct 05, 2009, 20:43:57
I've said it before - but speedtest tables tell more truth than reviews, and I still consistently make the top 3 at DSLZone. However, what I've really started to see is most of the other 9 in the top 10 (with the exception of the obviously faked ones) are done between 6 am and 11 am. I usually test at around 8pm or 9pm. In other words, I'm hitting top 3 at the same time as everyone else is being traffic shaped, and beating those same people who tested when they weren't

Steve

D-Dan

I am glad you are getting the results you say. I have monitored the DSL:Zone results for over three months now in the morning period around 9am' ish and IDNet speeds have dropped considerably on a daily basis. Around three months ago at this time IDNet were always (always) No1.

This has not been the case over recent months, in fact I always (always) was in the top two or three readings which is definitely not the case now. I struggle (struggle) to get into the top 10 on a daily basis when it was always a 'doddle' to achieve top spots. Over the past three months or so my 'dominance' on the ratings have been, to say the least, average and unable to 'compete' with other results.

This is not a complaint re my connection simply a reply to your post. My speeds have diminished somewhat for some reason although still acceptable for everyday use.

D-Dan · Oct 07, 2009, 20:07:46

I've found the exact opposite. It used to be the case that I was hit or miss, but the last couple of months my connection and speed are rock solid, day and night.

This has all happened after my most recent call to support (about 2 months ago) when there was clearly some deep talking between support and BT. Whatever they did, they seem to have the nail well and firmly home.

My only concern remains my SNR (currently 2.0), but the line has been stable at this for 2 months, so I'm worrying less and less about it. In fact, if I power up and see 3.5 I have to check my sync to ensure it hasn't dropped. (it hasn't yet)

Steve

quandam · Oct 07, 2009, 20:27:23

My readings were not the only ones in the morning. IDNet always (always) came No 1, this has changed, others dominate that spot. My connection is rock solid both day and night as yours is, but my point is that with that excellent connection I ( and others) can no longer compete in the DSLZone top five league at that time of the morning. Something has definitely changed over recent months I know not what that could be

Technical Ben · Oct 08, 2009, 17:12:44

I do not think you can use the lists to compaire providers services in all instances. If Idnet do not do 50mb services yet, then Virgin will always come top.
However, if you are still the top for your area, or you connection is still the same speed, then IDnet are just right. Has your speed slowed? Or just someone else now has a faster connection?

sobranie · Oct 08, 2009, 17:34:28

IDNet used to give me 7000 to 7200 day or night (over the last 3 months)
However, it's now down to 6950 (constant) over the last 2 weeks or so.
Coudn't care less really, still a superb speed and slightly better than a friend on Sky who achieves 1500 in the evening if he's lucky and 0000 on occasion.

Lance · Oct 08, 2009, 18:29:35

Baring in mind the maximum profile on max is 7150, after allowing for overheads the absolute maximum you can acheive is something in th region of 7000-7100.

If you have had a sudden but constant change, it makes me wonder if you have changed the mtu or rwin settings?

D-Dan · Oct 08, 2009, 20:19:44

As I've documented elsewhere (and on DSLZone forums) I always enter my profile as my sync speed there. DSLZone regulars seem to think it's a fair trade off, since I'm restricted by profile and not sync.

Steve

sobranie · Oct 08, 2009, 22:12:39

Quote from: Lance on Oct 08, 2009, 18:29:35
Baring in mind the maximum profile on max is 7150, after allowing for overheads the absolute maximum you can acheive is something in th region of 7000-7100.

If you have had a sudden but constant change, it makes me wonder if you have changed the mtu or rwin settings?

Often used to have 7200 on the namesco speed checker. There again, pinch of salt, could apply.

mtu has had to drop to 1458 from 1500 in accordance with DG834G V5 settings which has probably influenced speed. I have also started to use tune up utilities and inadvertently let it change my rwin fig & I'm damned if I can remember what it was previously.
jftr tune up utilities has reduced my start up from cold and shut down. Eg: start up now is 1 minute10 seconds (was around 3 minutes +)
shut down around 30 to 40 seconds (was anything up to 5 minutes and sometimes not at all).

Lance · Oct 08, 2009, 22:40:11

Certainly a speedtest result on max of 7200 isn't possible so the tester was telling fibs!

If the mtu setting has been changed, that could explain the change in maximum obtainable speed.