One thing you need to remember about cable modem: It is shared media bandwidth.
That means that everyone who is attached to the provisioning node of your particular neighborhood shares the entire capability of cable bandwidth.
In simpler terms, if the Provisioning node is rated at 100MBPS, and 10 people are connected to this node, they will effectively each have 10MBPS capability.
The more folks connected at any given time, the lower your bandwidth.
You will likely notice that at 0500hrs, the cablemodem zooms. Then try connecting around 0700/0730hrs and it slows to a crawl. That's because everyone is logging on to check e-mail.
Hi, all,
This thread came up right away when I did a Google search for “monitor internet connection speed”. So, here I am, 6 years later, on this thread! Lot’s of good info., but, is any of the above a bit dated (ie., sites to go to, etc.)?
Separately (high up on Google) I tried CNET’s “Bandwidth Meter Online Test” which works even for my current dialup service (budget constraints). Anyone have an idea how accurate the CNET test is? The result seems reasonable: My isp displays the connection speed when I log on - in this case I’ve been on 1 1/2 hrs - showing a speed of 52,000 bps, and CNET reports 39k.
More important, I am looking at a possible work from home job, one requirement of which is that I have at least 256kbps upload speed.
1) How do I test upload speed if I get DSL?
2) We are in a rural area: The ONLY service provider is the local teleco. Their service disclaimer states:
“With all the DSL packages, the advertised speeds are a best effort, not a guarantee. Many environmental issues beyond the control of ABCXYZ Internet can affect the advertised speed.”
I’m going to be in a pickle if I take this job and then the ISP does not deliver... The pay is not that great & no way can we afford some sort of “gamer” speed package (which the teleco says IS available at our address - which makes me think the lines out here must be ok / distance to the gateway not too far??)
Comments?
Thanks!