Speed test on DSL ZoneUK

Noreen · Oct 29, 2007, 10:12:42

I tried to do a speed test for the first time and got this message..........

"Invalid session.

This usually happens if you click the back button after taking a test, or if your provider uses a proxy cache.

If you think this is an error, please try disabling any anti-virus/firewall/anti-spyware software before taking the test as it may be interfering."

Does anyone else get this message, I don't like the idea of disabling my security programs? I wanted to help keep IDNet's speed rating up on this site where they are still the fastest at 8Mbps!

Rik · Oct 29, 2007, 10:30:30

It's not happened to me, Noreen, but I haven't done a speed test over there for a while. There used to be a problem with IDNet IP addresses being classed as foreign (which they're not), but I haven't heard of this one. I'll go take a look in a moment.

colirv · Oct 29, 2007, 10:35:17

You need to register and login - then it works.

Rik · Oct 29, 2007, 10:36:07

That simple. Thanks, Colin.

Noreen · Oct 29, 2007, 10:39:43

Thanks Colin. Just had another look, where do you register?

Inactive · Oct 29, 2007, 10:54:00

I do a speed test there on a regular basis, it must help IDNet's figures, my speed is always over 6500 and usually nearer 7000.

( Sorry Rik )..

Rik · Oct 29, 2007, 10:58:00

That's OK, I'm getting used to the idea of living with a 2000 profile.

Noreen · Oct 29, 2007, 10:59:22

Did you have to be registered there, Inactive? If so where did you register?

colirv · Oct 29, 2007, 11:02:00

Go to the Message Board, there's a button at the top. Personally I never use them - don't like the site!

Inactive · Oct 29, 2007, 11:06:17

Quote from: Noreen on Oct 29, 2007, 10:59:22
Did you have to be registered there, Inactive? If so where did you register?

Sorry Noreen, I just could not remember where I registered, however your question has now been answered.

Noreen · Oct 29, 2007, 11:14:30

Oh well, I don't think that I'll bother then. Thanks again Colin.

colirv · Oct 29, 2007, 11:23:34

No probs Noreen. The speedtests I mostly use are

http://www.speedtest.bbmax.co.uk/
http://www.speedtest.net/

However, I get the most accurate results by setting a large file to download
http://www.btopenworld.com/speedtest/
and then watching the speed with NetStat Live , which is a great little program.

Noreen · Oct 29, 2007, 11:26:48

I was only interested in trying to help boost the IDNet results on that site, thanks Colin.

Inactive · Oct 29, 2007, 11:41:09

Quote from: Noreen on Oct 29, 2007, 11:26:48
I was only interested in trying to help boost the IDNet results on that site, thanks Colin.

That is the only reason that I go there, I just love rubbing it in that their " Top ISP's " cannot match the speed of IDNet.

colirv · Oct 29, 2007, 11:50:26

Quote from: Inactive on Oct 29, 2007, 11:41:09
I just love rubbing it in that their " Top ISP's " cannot match the speed of IDNet.

Ah well, best I don't go there then. I rarely get above 1MB.

Noreen · Oct 29, 2007, 11:56:32

I've just got this result!

[attachment deleted by admin]

Inactive · Oct 29, 2007, 12:19:48

Grrrrrrrrrrrr... I can never quite get over the 7000 mark..

Rik · Oct 29, 2007, 12:50:15

I have trouble getting over the 2,000 mark.

Ray · Oct 29, 2007, 13:59:14

Don't want to rub salt into the wounds, Rik, but I've just got this

: -

Rik · Oct 29, 2007, 14:01:21

You really know how to hit below the belt, Ray.

TBH, I accept my speeds. Of course, I would like a faster connection, but I've got twice the speed of any of my neighbours, so until I move, I'll live with it.

Mind you, if I see BT putting in new cables, I'll be doing my best to bribe my way on!

Simon · Oct 29, 2007, 17:11:49

Sorry folks...

Rik · Oct 29, 2007, 17:16:35

I smell a fish.

Simon · Oct 29, 2007, 17:26:15

So do I! Mine can't be accurate. Here's the London server:

Rik · Oct 29, 2007, 17:33:58

You sure you're not on a T1 line???

Simon · Oct 29, 2007, 17:54:02

You've seen my line stats - doesn't make sense, does it?

Rik · Oct 29, 2007, 18:00:26

I think it just goes to demonstrate that speed tests are not a good test of speed!

DAB Badboy · Oct 29, 2007, 19:47:02

Quote from: Si6776 on Oct 29, 2007, 17:11:49
Sorry folks...

You can't go above 7150 (as that is what BT limit the connection from your exchange to ISP to) ...

Simon · Oct 29, 2007, 21:03:11

I know my reading is false, but how is it explained?

Rik · Oct 30, 2007, 00:57:29

Most speedtests simulate a download, by a variety of methods. It could just be that that site uses a mthod that wildly inflates the speed you see. I'm convinced that some speed test sites want to give you a high figure so that you'll use them more often.

Noreen · Oct 30, 2007, 09:42:17

Basically I only use the one test site so that I can occasionally compare my results for my connection. In that case, presuming that the technicalities of the test site remain the same, I think that they serve a purpose. I was pleased that the result posted yesterday was the highest ever achieved by my connection and was considerably higher than when I was with f2s LLU using the same test site.

Rik · Oct 30, 2007, 09:52:57

I agree with your approach, Noreen. Speed tests are best taken, imo, as indicators of trend rather than absolute values. Using the same site will give you a view of what your connection is doing over a period.