Q: Where can I check my internet speed?

Start 2 to 3 meters away from the Hub – The most accurate way to run a broadband speed test is to connect your device to the Hub using an Ethernet cable. Alternatively, if you’re running a WiFi test, you’ll want to be able to see the Hub and make sure that walls and obstructions aren’t blocking your WiFi signal . Check all around the home – In rooms where the Ethernet cable can’t reach, simply connect your device to the WiFi and run a WiFi test to see how performance differs room-to-room throughout the property.

Question 1

When should I test my internet speed?

Accepted Answer

Internet speeds can fluctuate throughout the day, so it’s a good idea to run a WiFi test multiple times over the course of several days to find out your average speed. The more tests you do, the more it’ll help you to get accurate results. Obviously, broadband speed tests are especially useful when you’ve noticed your speed is slower, but running an internet speed check is also a good habit to get into more regularly to make sure your broadband is performing as it should.

Question 2

Why is my internet connection slow?

Accepted Answer

Here’s a few possible explanations of what could be causing slower speeds:

Hub hasn’t been positioned properly or rebooted in a while.
Too many devices online at the same time.
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to work from home, especially during peak office hours.
Fault with the broadband services in the local area or your home.
Going online at peak times (8-10pm) or using an older device to connect to the internet.

Question 3

How can I improve my internet speed?

Accepted Answer

These tips and tricks can help improve connection and combat slower speeds. You can also follow our guide on how to improve latency. But if you’re getting broadband speed test results that are close to our estimated speeds for your package and you’re finding that the connection is too slow, it may be time to upgrade your broadband to a faster speed.

Check the WiFi Hub

Is it in its happy place?
Upright. Lights facing the room. Positioned at least half a metre away from objects such as TVs, wireless speakers, cordless phones and radiators (keep the Hub cool).
Try restarting the Hub
Turning the Hub off and on again to reboot it, every two months, helps correct slow speeds caused by buffers.
Test your connection
Run our clever tests to find and fix issues with your home’s connection and check for issues in your area.

Free up bandwidth

Disconnect devices around the home that aren’t currently being used to try to speed up the internet connection and boost WiFi signal. If a device is still struggling with WiFi speed, check the latest software is installed and update your internet browser – quick note: newer devices have better reception than older ones.

Try a wired connection

Using an Ethernet cable to connect devices, like your online gaming console or laptop, to the Hub is a reliable way to get fast speeds. Unlike an Ethernet connection, WiFi signal can be disturbed by obstacles such as walls, furniture and doors.

Using a VPN?

Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the VPN (Virtual Personal Network). If you’re working from home using a VPN, this extra level of protection could be affecting your broadband speed, especially during peak office hours.

Online at peak times?

The internet may be faster in the mornings or on weekdays when fewer people are online, compared to busy peak-times when there’s high local demand for the internet (around 8-10pm or during big events e.g. live-streamed football matches).

Question 4

What device can I use to check my WiFi speed?

Accepted Answer

Computers, laptops, smart phones, tablets – the internet speed check above works with all modern desktop and mobile browsers. There’s greater accuracy when you’re using an Ethernet cable to connect your device to the Hub, so you may want to start testing on gadgets that have a port or that will connect to an Ethernet adapter, such as a MacBook.

Question 5

Where can I check my internet speed?

Accepted Answer

Start 2 to 3 meters away from the Hub – The most accurate way to run a broadband speed test is to connect your device to the Hub using an Ethernet cable. Alternatively, if you’re running a WiFi test, you’ll want to be able to see the Hub and make sure that walls and obstructions aren’t blocking your WiFi signal.
Check all around the home – In rooms where the Ethernet cable can’t reach, simply connect your device to the WiFi and run a WiFi test to see how performance differs room-to-room throughout the property.

Question 6

Why do my broadband results vary?

Accepted Answer

Broadband speed test results are specific to one device and time. So if you repeat the internet speed check – on a different device, in another room or at a different time of day – it’s normal for results to vary as test conditions will have changed. Such as:

Good to know – Download speed and other internet speed check results are less likely to fluctuate on a wired connection when you’re using an Ethernet cable to connect your device to the Hub.

Provider	Fastest average speed
Virgin Media	1,130Mbps - 16x faster than UK average download speed*
Talk Talk	944Mbps
BT	910Mbps
Vodafone	900Mbps
EE	300Mbps
Sky	285Mbps
Post Office	67Mbps
Plusnet	66Mbps

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