User guide

2 Getting up to speed
Getting up to speed
For the first 24 hours or so, your broadband might slow down or even stop now and
again. That’s normal. It takes that long for your broadband to reach its top speed.
You can help it along by leaving your Hub on all the time, and using your broadband
as much as you can for the first 24 hours.
After ten days, you can check your broadband speed at www.speedtester.bt.com
When you use the broadband speed tester:
• plug your computer directly into your BT Business Hub with an Ethernet cable –
if you use wireless or connect to a Local Area Network (LAN), you won’t get an
accurate result
• leave your browser open on your computer but close any other tabs
or applications
• make sure there’s no one else using your network – if there is, you won’t get an
accurate result
• leave your computer to run the test until it finishes
The speed of your broadband line isn’t the only factor that affects how quickly you can
work online. There are other things you can do to improve performance:
Wireless or wired
A wireless connection can be very convenient, but it isn’t the fastest way to connect.
Connecting directly to your Hub with an Ethernet cable will be faster and more reliable.
If you’re going to connect wirelessly, remember that greater distances and being in
different rooms or on different floors will reduce connection speed and reliability.
Keep your Hub away from other electrical devices or large metal objects, as these can
interfere with the signal. You might also want to consider upgrading your computer
to the latest wireless ‘n’ technology for faster wireless speeds – you can now get wireless
cards with this at www.businessdirect.bt.com or high street computer shops.