FFTP: Does speed testing then cap speed based on results?

[User12345]

All

Does speed testing of Full Fibre using a third party service (such as Fast.com or the Network Speed Test Windows app) result then in the speed being capped based on the test results (happens because the BT system/server is notified of the speed achieved)?

Input appreciated.

Thanks

[imjolly]

FTTP connection speeds are set by the package you choose - nothing to do with speed tests

[User12345]

Thanks @imjolly, you may have misunderstood the question, that answer has nothing to do with the question I asked.

Seeking technical specialist input please. 

[licquorice]

Of course it answers the question. Speed testers have absolutely no bearing whatsoever on the speed you receive.

[User12345]

Hi thanks @licquorice , I'm seeking to clarify an explanation I have received.

To add to my question, does the BT Speed Test impact?
 
There may be data returned to the BT server when the test is undertaken. Checking this please with a expert who knows about this ….

[licquorice]

As both @imjolly  and myself have told you, the speed test result has absolutely no impact or bearing whatsoever on your speed. As @imjolly  stated, your speed is entirely governed by the package you are on and may also be affected by congestion on the network as FTTP is a contended service.

If you were to post the real question, we may be able to help you.

[NeilO · Accepted solution]

Hi @User12345 Thanks for posting. 

No, your speed can't be capped after running a BT or third-party speed test.

The BT speed test records the results on our diagnostics systems which in turn help us when we're investigating a reported fault but it will have no bearing on the actual broadband profile that is applied to your connection.

As previously mentioned the profile speed (speed cap) on FTTP is set by the package you have chosen.  

Can you elaborate on why you're asking this question?

Thanks

Neil

[User12345]

Hi @NeilO 

Thanks. 

Backstory is that since the installation of BT 900Mbps FFTP in the last three weeks I've since had both a BT Cube and then OpenReach back in, both very helpful, but shocked at drop-off of wifi speed when tested just beside the new SH2 router to c85Mbps. Yes, 900Mbps in (which I obviously cannot verify) to 89Mbps wifi speed directly from SH2. The BT black discs connected to the SH2 perform even worse, as they would.   The fibre connection was reset on the second call and speed is up but no where near expectations. All connections are via wifi, ethernet isn't going to work.  Irrespective of the usual responses regarding guarantees etc, this is a significant drop for someone who actually has and pays for this service.

One of the engineers mentioned the following - that checking wifi speeds - which I was doing very, very (very) regularly during these three weeks in question- can cause upstream issues; the result achieved then caps as that speed. This is verbatim, again he was really helpful. 

I was trying to elicit more on this from a tech expert who knows about this - without putting words in their mouth. It can't be the free services (so Fast.com/Ookla or a native Windows App etc) as these don't connect to the BT servers). However the BT Speedtest on the (iPhone) App and native dashboard (and BT Wholesale speed test of old) do connect and register the speed which is retained by BT. So I'm trying to ascertain of this is the test the engineer alluded to.

Having a 900Mbps FFTP service and not being able to test the speed to avoid any further degradation is not ideal, hence this question.

Thanks again.

[licquorice]

Notwithstanding your WiFi problems, the engineer was talking nonsense regarding the speed tests.

WiFi speed, as you are aware, is not guaranteed and you will need to carry out a speed test using Ethernet to ascertain if the problem is purely WiFi speed or throughput of the hub. 

Ideally, create a direct PPPoE connection to the ONT from a laptop using an Ethernet cable.

[gg30340]

"One of the engineers mentioned the following - that checking wifi speeds - which I was doing very, very (very) regularly during these three weeks in question- can cause upstream issues; the result achieved then caps as that speed. This is verbatim, again he was really helpful".

That is the best laugh I have had today. The "engineer" must be taking his money under false pretences because it is certainly not based upon his knowledge and ability!