How to check frac T-3 speed

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

MarkusAurelius

Who is your ISP? What form of muxing are you using to bond the T1s? Is the Tiara going into a Cisco router? Which firewall are you using?

There are many variables here, as The Captain mentioned. For example, if you're not using a tier 1 ISP, then even if they give you 4 T1s, you're sharing their backend to their provider with all their other clients. Also, there have been problems with certain recent IOS versions working with the Tiara. Or....

The first thing you'd want to check is usage reports from your provider. Most ISPs provide them free of charge or for a small fee.

Markus - Problem is, I don't think he trusts his provider - I think he's looking for physical verification. That being said, I didn't disagree with anything you stated, however (except for maybe the tier-1 distinction - anyone will do that to you if you don't write a good contract).

I am listening...

Cheers,
-Jon

ASKER

FYI - I have tested by using 3 machines FTPing a Novel server, McAfee server, Netscape server and a Microsoft server

The results are as follows:

All three machines started downloading a 40MB file at the same time.
All three machines downloaded at a rate of 2Mbps

We added a fourth machine and ran the same test...
All machines continued to equal dowload speeds of
6 - 6.2Mbps

So, does that supply thr proff you require, or do you want more suggestions?

Cheers,
-Jon

Do you need more here, or have you been helped?
Asta

asta - thanks for seconding that motion hehe - long time, no see, btw. Glad to see one of my fav experts still around.

Cheers,
-Jon

Thanks, Jon, happy to participate when I can, though time is so limited. You're always here helping and that is just terrific. ;)

Please do let us know the outcome here, sysval, so we don't spend time chasing this isue for you if you've already been helped.

Thank you,
":0) Asta

ASKER

Thanks for all the advice... but I still do not have a fool-proof test showing the speed.

I re-sell the service and need a simple way to verify the line speed for my customers.

THANKS!

It is an interesting issue; since there are many variables that impact line speed tests, but here are some links to help you further, I hope.

http://home.cfl.rr.com/eaa/Bandwidth.htm
http://www.testmyspeed.com/howto.htm
http://bandwidthplace.com/speedtest/
http://www.pcpitstop.com/internet/Bandwidth.asp
http://www.t1-t3-dsl-line.com/

ASKER

I would like to thank everyone for the comments... I have not found a reliable way to test the available speed... atleast a simple one that a customer will understand.

I think this question is one that does not have a simple solution.... I plan on deleting this question.

Thanks to:
astaec

The--Captain
MarkusAurelius

Your time and comments are greatly apprec.

I'm baffled that these links didn't provide a mixed bag of "simple" tests; truly baffled.

? Asta

http://www.pcpitstop.com/internet/Bandwidth.asp had both a download and upload bandwidth test ...

Running the test multiple times is recommended ...You should regularly run both tests to make sure you're getting the rated upload and download speeds from your connection.

http://www.pcpitstop.com/internet/bandwidth_about.asp

http://www.pcpitstop.com/internet/BandwidthResults.asp

Even though you may not wish to give any points either directly, or to split them among participants, I do not feel this question should be deleted. If you wish to have your points refunded, I would recommend posting a zero point question in the Community Support topic area, include this question link and request a PAQ/refund versus a deletion.

This question has some excellent guidance for others seeking the same type of help, and can then find it when they search our PAQ (Previously Asked Question) database.

Asta

I'm interested in the test s/he eventually used to satisfy the customer... That would be nice to have in the PAQ as well.

Cheers,
-Jon

That's for sure, Jon. Couldn't agree more. Nice EOW picture, btw.
":0) Asta

I guess if it were me, and based on this:

My provider assures me that the service is 6Mbps
(four T-1's)

....I'd ask them to provide me some proof.

Asta

ASKER

My provider (as did I) tested for several days using many speed test sites:
toast.net
dslreports.com
etc.
Also a packet analyzing software (Bricks)
and a Fluke packet analyzer

Unfortunalty when using a UDP broadcast the packet order is not in seq. causing the link to fail. ( common prob for muxing and demuxing)

The end result was that my provider
removed the mux four T's) and installed an ATM solution.

FYI - The customer was Microsoft.
(But the future tests will be for non-technical clients)
.
.
.
Because I value EE and all who participate, I will award the points to The--Captain (first to resp.)

All comments are GREATLY appreciated!

ASKER

Asta,
I'm baffled that these links didn't provide a mixed bag of "simple" tests; truly baffled.

? Asta
--------------------------

I have used the bandwidth test site as long as they have been around... unfortunately when sending a 6mb broadcast out 4 sep. links the order is completely out of sync. Thus, causing either a false result or a failed test.

The site you suggested were used long before having to ask EE

ASKER

Thanks to ALL who participate!