Getting the most out of my connection

Jhaemes · 26 Mar 2012 at 20:24

Ran a test with my ISP, we should be getting a download speed of 1.29mbps. Note, that's the actual quoted speed for our area and line. The advertised speed is up to 8meg, I don't mind the 1.29.

Assuming this to be accurate, how would I go about getting the full 1.29 mbps download speed? I tried using the ethernet connection a few weeks back after a wireless adapter broke, maximum Steam clocked was just over 300kb/s. I'd assume it was either the router or possibly Steam? Didn't really check any other downloads.

Wireless router is a Huawei HG520b, we could use an Ethernet cable along the living room into the dining room if needed. It'd need to be say 15metres to be on the safe side though. Would that help?

Or should I be looking at a better router? If so, suggestions please! Sick of max download speed of 250 kb/s!

KIA · 26 Mar 2012 at 20:41

Connect router to test socket and post the stats.

andy_mk3 · 26 Mar 2012 at 20:47

You do realise 250kBYTES/s is approx 1.95mBITS/s?

Jhaemes · 26 Mar 2012 at 20:51

The current set up :

Microfilter into master socket
Splitter plugged into that with home phone and router, possibly sky box too.

Can't really check anything at the socket end right now, I'd be able to test it tomorrow morning if there's a set up where some of them need unplugging.

Edit: http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/2349/testfsw.png

And no, thought it was in "regular" terminology as in kilobytes and megabytes. Especially when companies always advertise in megabytes.

bremen1874 · 26 Mar 2012 at 21:10

Jhaemes said:
And no, thought it was in "regular" terminology as in kilobytes and megabytes. Especially when companies always advertise in megabytes.

All broadband speeds are quoted in bits rather than bytes.

Snapshot · 27 Mar 2012 at 07:02

This demonstrates the need to learn the difference between 'M' & 'm' and 'B' & 'b' when talking about capacity or speed.

Orcvader · 27 Mar 2012 at 07:44

ISPs always advertise in bits, so 1.29mb (bit) is about 161kB (byte).So that means if your speed 250kB/s you're getting speeds of 2mb... faster than the quoted speeds, be happy about it

.

Snapshot · 27 Mar 2012 at 09:13

A small correction for most people here - it's Mb, not mb. You may think I'm just being pedantic but there's a big difference between megabits and millibits.

bremen1874 · 27 Mar 2012 at 16:47

Snapshot said:
A small correction for most people here - it's Mb, not mb. You may think I'm just being pedantic but there's a big difference between megabits and millibits.

True, but given the context it's unlikely to cause any confusion.

bledd · 28 Mar 2012 at 13:01

Buy a Billion 7800N router, this will improve your speeds.

Mr Goat · 28 Mar 2012 at 13:15

1 - Log into your router and check what speeds (up and down) it's connecting it at.
2 - Run a few speedtests here - http://www.speedtest.bbmax.co.uk/ which will tell you what speeds you're getting.
3 - Hopefully the stats from 1 & 2 should tally up near enough. As long as there's only 10% difference then you're probably getting the best you're gonna get.

Mr Goat · 8 Apr 2012 at 11:52

Hi, any update on this, have you sorted your issues, if so would be interested in knowing how?