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General discussion

reliable speed test

by shredderc Feb 21, 2006 9:58AM PST

I am testing anywhere from 1.5 mbps to greater than 6 mbps depending on the site. With cnet (SF server) and speedguide.net (NY, i think) I am usually between 1.5 and 2.5; with bandwidthplace (I am allowed to choose IL as a location), I am between 4 and 6. At speakeasy, over 6, wheteher I choose Chicago or SF. I am in Chicago. Who should I believe?

Discussion is locked

9 Posts
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That's proper. Here's why.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 21, 2006 10:01AM PST

The internet will vary from second to second as to speed. There are some that think that a speed test should be repeatable. Drives them nuts...

Bob

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my cnet bandwith gives me results in Kbps
by jayfin Feb 21, 2006 11:13AM PST

I am using Cnet's bandwith checker and it gives me results in kbps, the latest check was 1554 kbps. How does this translate into what I keep reading on forum sites dealing with bandwith which always talk in mbps? Do I just move the decimal 3 places to the left?

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Looks like that.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 21, 2006 11:33AM PST
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(NT) (NT) Thanks, I got it now
by jayfin Feb 21, 2006 11:33PM PST
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The thing is ...
by shredderc Feb 21, 2006 12:00PM PST

The thing is, at cnet (I must have tested 100 times in the last few weeks), I am typically between 1.5 and 2.5 mbps. Never have I been faster than 3. On the other hand, 10 tests today on speakeasy, all faster than 6. If I believe cnet, I have a huge issue; if I am actually greater than 6, I'll relax.

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variability vs. discrepancy
by shredderc Feb 21, 2006 1:15PM PST

I get the variability: I've done at least 100 tests on cnet and been between 1 and 3 mbps, but nowhere near 6. But I don't get the discrepancy: at speakeasy, I'm over 6 every time. I can use the two sites back to back, with the same divergent results.

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Since time passes.... You can't get the same result.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 21, 2006 10:46PM PST

You seem to be missing why you can't get the same or matching results. Keep thinking about it and it will dawn on you.

Bob

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Simple Answer
by eightyproof Feb 25, 2006 2:37AM PST

Your results vary because you a pinging two different servers in two different locations, at two different times.

The most reliable way is to ping a constant source (cnet is not always the best place for reliability) over the course of a day, then average out your result.

You can do this through DOS or IRC, but I really can't be bothered to remember the command. Gooogle it!

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and there are a bytes and bits or KB and kb
by Gakada Mar 7, 2006 5:24PM PST

so don't be confused, if the number you get is divideable or multipliable by 8 or 1024 .. you should be closed enough..

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-kbps.htm


by the way, don't think that the speed test is your speed, it should be used as a reference only...

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