My ISP broadband DSL speed?

[cadenton]

I recently tested my DSL speed using a broadband meter available on the cNet site. It registered a painfully low 102 kbps download. I've complained to Earthlink. I've gotten nothing but excuses from them.

I've since tested my DSL speed from a few other sites that offer a broadband meter -- and the speed varies...all the way up to 490 kbps download.

(1) How can I get some relief from Earthlink on this matter? (2) How can I get a consistent and accurate measurement of my real DSL download/upload speed?

 

[jdemmi]

I have Earthlink and, to date, have not had any speed issues. But anyway....

I think, as part of your agreement (contract) with them, they guarantee cetain up/down speeds. Ask them how they insure that they are meeting the service levels. (Don't be fooled though, the speeds they advertise are PEAK speeds, not guaranteed, constant speeds)

Also -- there is no real way to get a CONSISTENT measurement of your down/up speeds. Too many variables (number of users currently connected to Earthlink in your area, number of user on entire www, number of users currently connected to the server you're testing from, etc, etc) The best you can do is keep testing at various times of day over several weeks and take an average.

Here's a good site for some tests and more info

http://www.dslreports.com/tools