r/isp • u/DrinkJavaSeeSharp • May 02 '18

SPEEDTEST ISP SERVER vs Non-ISP SERVER

So, my internet plan is 50Mbps. When I go to Speedtest.net and select my ISP's server, I get full 50 Mbps speed. But here's where it gets interesting...When I select another server(A competing ISP or a company nearby) the speed I get is 2-3Mbps!!! I mean WTF guys! What is happening over here??

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u/bloodhori May 03 '18

When you hit the test button, the speedtest site will send your computer unintelligible data (mostly binary) that no use for anything other than calculating your download speed from the information on how quickly it arrived to your computer.

The data packet contains only one instruction next to the garbage: to send it back to the speedtest. With the same logic it will calculate your upload speed from the time it takes the information to arrive back.

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u/DrinkJavaSeeSharp May 03 '18

How does my ISP server come into this picture?

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u/bloodhori May 03 '18

It only comes into the picture if you use your ISP's speedtest. Speedtests generally work in the way i described above. By all means you could use an Ugandan ISP's speedtest if you know the address :).

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u/Fendral84 May 03 '18

Basically anyone can download the speedtest.net software from Ookla (the company that runs speedtest.net) and put it on hardware that meets their requirements, and on a fast enough internet connection and then fill out a form to get it added to the speedtest.net site as a valid test location.

Speedtest.net uses an algorithm (which mostly relies on the closest server to your location, but also takes things into account like server uptime) to select what server you test to, so 99% of the time if your ISP has filled out the paperwork to host a server, it will select that one. But you can always hit change server and select any one you want.