Web Based vs Local Application Speed Tests

[Googalabosh]

I've recently discovered a big issue between running a speed test via web based applications and local (downloaded) applications. I've tested many brands and have come up with the same results but I will focus on Ookla for this post.

When I run the tests online I get between 100 Mbps and 200 Mbps. But when I run the downloaded applications I easily get over 800 Mbps. I am paying for the 800 Mbps Xfinity (Comcast) plan.

I have tried different browsers as well as adjusting throttling speeds in Chrome. No matter what I do, I continue to get sub 200 Mbps with online speed testers.

I also tried resetting my TCP/IP settings with the following commands:

• Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
• Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.
• Type ipconfig /release and press Enter.
• Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
• Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

For a moment I thought this worked. After restarting my computer, I ran a test and was getting 800+ Mbps via the speedtest.net test but ran the test a few minutes later and it's back to 200 Mbps.

Attached are my Ookla screen shots for the web based and local applications. You can also see that I used the same server as well (Baltimore, MD Comcast).

Can anyone explain this to me?

 

My setup:

-Comcast Cable

-Arris G36 Gateway

-TP-LINK 24 port gigabit Ethernet unmanaged switch

-Trendnet 16 port unshielded patch panel

-Cat 6 cable

-Both computers are connected via ethernet

 

[GhostRoadieBL]

that is really weird.

typically when you increase down speed you also get an up speed increase as well if it's on the ISP side. Unless there's some very specific settings changed on the router/access point to limit users or messing with QoS settings which can cause a difference in priority of packets from programs vs browsers.

 

If you have access to the router settings, check for QoS or Quality of Service /Packet Priority /Game Mode! type of labeled settings and turn them all off if you care about making everything "fair" between programs but this can cause overall slowdowns depending on how many people are on the network.

 

For that large a difference I would also expect caching as those speeds are nearing the gigabit level of speed maxing most motherboard ports and well exceeding most wifi networks, that's curious and could explain it but that's well above my network knowledge on how a site vs a program could cache a return signal and just reloading it from memory instead of sending and receiving like the software is designed to do.

[Googalabosh]

I've finally found the problem: my firewall!

 

I have Bitdefender for my virus/firewall protection. I turned off the firewall and started getting 800+ numbers. I tested this multiple times with the firewall off and on and proved it definitely is my firewall.

 

How I fixed my BitDefender Firewall slowing down my browser speeds:
 

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/3766/

1. Open the Bitdefender window.

2. Click Protection on the left-hand side.

3. In the Firewall panel, click the switch to turn on Firewall.

4. Click the Settings button on the Firewall pane.

5. In this window, select the Settings tab.

6. Go to Port scan protection and click the switch to turn it OFF.

7. Click Edit stealth settings next to Stealth Mode.

8. Set the switch corresponding to your network adapter to OFF, then press OK.

9. Now access the Network Adapters tab.

10. Click the box corresponding to your network adapter and select Home/Office.

11. Close Bitdefender, restart the PC, and check if the Internet connection speed has improved.