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Question

Comparing Speed Tests

Oct 18, 2011 4:37AM PDT

So, here at work, it "felt" like our internet speeds are not up to what they're advertised to be. We have AT&T Elite, which advertises 3 mbps to 6 mbps.
So, I tried FOUR different internet bandwidth test sites, and got 4 different results: AT&T Speed test gave me 3-4 mbps (download times), CNET gave me .7 mbps (710 kbps), DSL Reports gave me .65 mbps (650 kbps), and BandwidthPlace gave me 1.5-2 mbps. I tried each a few times on two different computers, both my laptop (via wireless router) and desktop (via ethernet). Obviously, a HUGE difference in results, so I have no clue who to believe. Any ideas/suggestions?

Thanks,
Mark

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Widely discussed.
Oct 18, 2011 4:57AM PDT

Not to duplicate prior discussions but it is supposed to vary. Every time you run the test plus as you change machines.

This always results in folk asking and if you haven't read prior discussions you may feel shortchanged.
Bob

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Answer
Depends on where the other end of your test is
Nov 7, 2011 10:54PM PST

AT&T will likely always give the highest number since you're not leaving their backbone. When you try other sites, keep in mind that you may be hitting a number of routers to get to the host, and each will affect your speed test to some extent. Not quite the extreme difference you mentioned, but different.