Speed, one of the most contentious issues that face the public. Promise after promise Service Providers state we can surf the internet at speeds of 8Mbs and now second generation exchange cards can theoretically give us 24Mbs. Now let’s face the real world, read the small print in your contract and absorb these two key words. (up to).

Below are 4 of the key problems that can affect your speed.

Service Provider

Slow speeds at certain times of the day is normally caused by what is known as Contention this is basically the amount of people trying to access services at the same time (peak times). Due to competition rules, BT in agreement with the government regulator (Ofcom) has opened up access to all of their telephone exchanges. At this moment in time there is a rapid drive by Internet Service Providers to install their own Broadband equipment thus routing customers through their equipment and not BT Wholesale's. Now that The ISP's have control of their own virtual networks they can the dictate their speeds, cap downloads, set bandwidth restrictions etc.

Internal wiring faults

Internal wiring can have an affect on your speed. Broadband is very susceptible to interference from both electrical and radio interference. Common faults found in your premises that can affect your service are:

• Extension cables (unbalanced)
  
• Poor quality telephone sockets and connections
  
• Faulty thermostats that controls central heating and immersion heaters
  
• Christmas tree lights
  
• Satellite and free view boxes
  
• PIR security lighting.
  
• Power leads and equipment near broadband equipment.

Equipment faults

Issues can range from modems, routers, computer firewall's, viruses, filters or even other telephone equipment connected to the ADSL line.

Modem/router faults - Try resetting your modem/router, as with most electronic equipment, they can be prone to lock-ups (freezes). Make sure all your settings are correct; these can be confirmed with your Internet Service Provider.
You could even have a faulty modem/router or filter.

Firewall's - This is software that protects your computer by blocking and permitting programs access to your computer. Recent upgrades could possibly block you access to the internet.

Viruses/Spyware - These are programs that can infect your computer and can even prevent your browser from working. Make sure that your anti-virus software is up to date.

Reading this it all sound a bit depressing. So what do we do next? The key is to ensure that as with all problems note if there are certain consistencies with your problem i.e. the time of day etc

Confirm with your ISP what service you have and what speed you should be receiving ask them to have your line tested. (many customers do not know what type of service they have).

If you have a Fixed Rate product i.e. 512Kbs don’t expect a higher speed, this is because your service has been built at this speed.

If you have a Max service which is Rate Adaptive, remember this service can fluctuate with line conditions and at peak times. Recently installed Max services can take up to 10 days to settle and stabilise your maximum bandwidth.

If you have received a fast connection in the past, ask yourself have you changed any wiring, added a piece of equipment or maybe your ISP has changed your service or facilities. Check that you have filters in all sockets that have telephone equipment plugged into them.

To eliminate all the wiring and equipment in your premises prove your broadband in the BT/Openreach test Port.

If possible test your router in a friends line who has broadband or borrow their modem/router and try it in your BT/Openreach test socket.

There are many speed test sites but it is recommended that the site is approved by your ISP. Remember when proving speed issues, test your service in the BT/Openreach test port.