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General discussion

dsl speed

Mar 25, 2008 12:25PM PDT

where on the mac can you determine how fast your dsl modem is pumping out? I suspect mine has slowed down but I don't know where to find the speed.

Discussion is locked

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Speeds
Mar 25, 2008 9:58PM PDT

There is not a place on the Mac, and I suspect other machine too, that will tell you how fast your DSL modem is pumping out.

You could try a Google search for Broadband speed tests, any of which will show your speed from end to end. Bear in mind that your ISP will never guarantee your upload/download speed and many factors come into play when you start trying to figure out your speed.
Your DSL modem is talking to your Mac at 10MB, regardless of what your NIC is pumping out.

For instance, you have a 5MB up and down speed. (far fetched to bear with me) That speed is probably only reached when you are talking directly to the other modem, the one at the ISP.
If you decide to download a megga file from somewhere else, you have to bear in mind all the connections necessary to reach that place. Any one of those links could be the cause of what appears to be a slow down. The speed of your download is totally dependent on the speed of the SLOWEST link.

You could try downloading a program (utility) called iStat Menu's which will show you the data flow to and from your Mac.

P

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Your modem might have the connection listed
Mar 26, 2008 11:40AM PDT

Depending on the modem you have, you may be able to check the connection speed on it, if it is listed under certain settings. You'd have to use your web browser to view it by going to whatever address your modem has assigned to it.

But, what the modem registers may not always be true, as I have seen firsthand. Using an online speed test tool, as it says above, will give you a better idea of the actual connection speed. Downloading a file in Safari can give you a download rate, which you may want to know in addition to what connection speed you are receiving.

-BMF

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mrmacfixit and beatlemegafan,
Mar 28, 2008 6:19AM PDT

In the stock applications that come with Mac OSX, there is an "Activity Monitor". The Network selection will show what that machine is doing (though not necessarily what the DSL modem is doing)...

In addition to attempting to take all the internet (WAN), service provider and LAN variables into account, could not thegeekdeek upload a huge file and download a huge file and see what the overall connection rate is with this?

I do agree that going to an external "mode speed checker" site that pings the machine (or runs an upload/download routine) from afar is a little more appropriate... but the combination of the two may provide valuable info.

thegeekdeek,
If you are using you built-in AirPort (wireless) connection, it is possible someone nearby just went wireless and the RF is stepping on yours. Perhaps trying a different channel (or channels) on your wireless router would be an easy resolution.

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Activity Monitor
Mar 28, 2008 12:32PM PDT

That could work but is not an easy thing to figure out the speeds.

The OP was looking for his modem speed which is easiest to check with an outside tool.
Network Utility will give you your speed TO the modem, usually a solid 10 or 100 depending on your connection and the Activity monitor would measure what is being pushed out along that channel.

The OP doesn't really give any reason for requiring this information.

P

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Agreed
Mar 28, 2008 3:17PM PDT

Network Utility does about the same. It usually lists what it's connected to and with what, but not an actual speed, I think. It shows the link speed as well.
Unless the modem specifically lists the speed, an online speed test is probably the best choice for this situation.

-BMF

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Check DSL Speed on Mac
Apr 22, 2008 10:58PM PDT
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Well guess what!
Apr 23, 2008 9:37AM PDT

It turned out that my dsl modem was slowly going slowly. Nothing was wrong with my Mac or PC's. The Verizon Westall modem was getting tired. Talked to the Philipines and India (boy...I hope it wasn't long distance), Verizons tech support, for over an hour trying to activate the new modem. That sucked! Then I had to "talk" to Linksys to reconfigure my wireless. I was on hold for an hour, never talked to a live person, maybe the oversea lines were overloaded. Finally used Live Chat with Linksys which took only 15 seconds to make contact with.

You know what's wrong with America that none of the 3 major candidates can fix?

Good customer service!

By the way, I also visited the DMV recently.......

I was in and out in less than 15 minutes recently believe it or not.