How do I run a speed test?

The speed advertised will be sent to your router and will be visible when you run a wired speed test. Find out how. Important to remember: – When running a speed test via an Ethernet cable, it’s important that the Ethernet cable is a cat6 or above, as lower ratings may limit the speed provided to the device. Cat5 cables can only transmit a maximum of 100Mb, while cat6 can transmit up to 10Gb. – Please ensure the Grain server is selected. – Speeds can vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to, how many devices you have connected, whether they are performing background activities, like anti-virus software or a VPN. It is therefore worth carrying out several tests, and taking the average of all of the results. Gigafast speeds: When you sign up to our Gigafast package, we send 1Gbps to your router, however as some of the data is used to carry communications up and down the fibre-optic cable, you are realistically likely to see closer to speeds of 900Mb on a speed test. Please note: 900Mb speed is not achievable by a single device over Wi-Fi, for this speed a wired connection is required.

What if I’m not seeing my full speeds?

First, check your set-up using a wired speed test using the correct test site and Grain speed test server. This removes Wi-Fi from the equation and gives you a true measure of what’s being delivered. If the wired speed is correct, the issue is likely with Wi-Fi performance or the device itself. If the wired speed is incorrect, reach out and our Tech team will take a further look into your set-up. We’re happy to help troubleshoot and provide guidance – and in some cases, recommend equipment upgrades or adjustments to improve performance.

What speeds are guaranteed?

We guarantee that the full advertised speed of your package is delivered to your router (our point of termination). No matter your package, the full line speed is sent directly to the router in your premises. However, the speed your devices receive over Wi-Fi – can vary. That’s because Wi-Fi is influenced by many external and environmental factors that are outside of our control, such as: – The layout and size of your home – The distance between your device and the router – Walls, insulation and materials that block or weaken signal – The capability of your device (older devices often can’t use full speeds) – The Wi-Fi standard your device supports (e.g. 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz) – Other devices in use at the same time sharing bandwidth For example, older laptops, tablets, and smartphones may not support higher speeds – and gaming consoles often connect only to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which is slower and more prone to interference.

Can I do a speed test over Wi-Fi?

You can run a speed test over Wi-Fi – but we wouldn’t recommend relying on it to tell the full story. Wi-Fi is super handy, but it can also be a bit temperamental. Things like walls, distance from the router, and even your microwave can mess with your signal. While some modern devices might show impressive Wi-Fi burst speeds, those results can fluctuate and don’t always reflect the true performance of your broadband line. For the most accurate, consistent results, plug directly into your router with an Ethernet cable. A wired connection removes the quirks of Wi-Fi and gives you a clear picture of your actual line speed – no interference, no guesswork.

How do I know I’m on the right Wi-Fi frequency?

One travels further, and the other faster. Make sure your devices are on the right frequency for their needs. Our service transmits both 2.4GHz (further at lower speeds) and 5GHz (closer range but faster speeds). Each device might have a preferred frequency, and you can check on the settings. We recommend putting your laptops, tablets and mobiles on 5GHz.

Why does my Wi-Fi feel slower in some rooms?

Walls, floors, and large objects can block signals. Have you considered using a Wi-Fi extender for better coverage? Find out more.

What household items cause Wi-Fi interference?

There’s a number of unexpected things that could be slowing down your Wi-Fi signal, as they have the ability to absorb or reflect wireless signals. Mirrors. They don’t just reflect light. Mirrors with even a thin metal backing can reflect Wi-Fi signals, causing them to bounce around and potentially create dead zones or electromagnetic interference. Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth devices, such as speakers, keyboards, and headphones, can operate on similar frequencies as Wi-Fi and might cause interference if they’re in close proximity. Our recommendation? If you’re not using it, switch it off! Fluorescent lights. Believe it or not, certain types of fluorescent lights can emit electromagnetic interference that can impact your connection, especially in the 2.4 GHz range. If possible, give alternative lights a go – like LED. Water. It’s bad news for your family goldfish. Water can absorb and weaken Wi-Fi signals. Large containers of water like fish tanks, or even a crowded room of people, can reduce performance. Microwaves. They’re a recipe for disaster! That’s right, microwaves also operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency range and can cause temporary interference when in use. Corded electronics. Some corded electronics, especially those with motors or transformers, can generate electromagnetic interference that might impact wi-fi performance. Walls and floors. As you would have guessed, thick walls made of concrete or brick, as well as floors with metal reinforcement, can significantly weaken Wi-Fi signals as they absorb or reflect the wireless signals.

Can VPNs, antivirus or firewalls affect speed?

Yes. These services often reduce throughput depending on provider quality, server location and load. Corporate security software may also limit performance. If safe, test with these disabled or on another device.

Why am I only seeing around 900–950Mbps?

This usually indicates a 1Gbps bottleneck, caused by: A device limited to 1Gbps Traffic management settings changed from default Inadequate Ethernet cables (e.g. Cat5 instead of Cat5e or above) Only one router port supporting multi-gig speeds. Connecting to a standard 1GbE LAN port will cap results at 900–950Mbps Even devices with multi-gig Ethernet ports can be limited by processor performance, USB bus speed, drivers or power-saving settings Many websites, game platforms and cloud services rate-limit individual users, which is outside Grain’s control and does not indicate a fault if speed tests show the line performing correctly A 1Gbps switch anywhere in the LAN caps everything downstream at 940Mbps

Testing your broadband speed

It's quick and easy to do!

How to test your broadband speed

Here's how to do it right!

Running a speed test is a quick and easy way to check how your broadband is performing—and what might be slowing it down. We’ve pulled together a no-nonsense guide to help you get the most accurate results, plus a few handy tips if your Wi-Fi feels a bit sluggish.

Remember: We know, it’s tempting to whip out your phone and hit “Go” on a speed test site, but Wi-Fi can be unreliable for testing. For the best results, always plug your laptop or PC into the router using an Ethernet cable!

Grain Customer using Wired Internet connection

Always test using a wired connection

For the most reliable results, use a CAT5e (or above) Ethernet cable to plug your laptop or PC directly into the router.

Head over to speedtest.net

Make sure to select the Grain server from the list. That way, you’re testing directly against our network—not someone else’s.

Things that can affect broadband speed

Even with a solid connection, a few sneaky culprits can slow things down:

Avoid testing over Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is great, but it’s prone to interference. Walls, big houses, distance from the router, older devices—all of it can impact your speeds. Always test using a wired connection for the best results.

Choose the right device

Start with a modern device that supports high speeds. Older laptops, phones, or TVs may have speed caps, so double-check your device's specifications if results seem low.

Devices hogging bandwidth

The more stuff connected, the more data being used. Unplug or disconnect everything you can, and reconnect devices one at a time. Older devices, in particular, can slow everything down.

Running a VPN

Turn it off before testing. Otherwise, you'll be measuring your VPN speed—not your broadband speed.

Wi-Fi band & channel interference

Our routers use dual bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz). If you're seeing signal issues or congestion, switching to a different Wi-Fi channel or splitting the SSID to connect your device might help.

Run the test multiple times

Run your speed test at various times of the day to get an accurate understanding of your connection's performance during peak and off-peak hours.

Troubleshooting tips

If your results are lower than expected, verify your device supports high-speed connections, check your Ethernet cable and router set-up, and ensure no other devices are using the bandwidth. Still seeing issues? Get in touch with our Tech Support team for expert help.

Get in touch

Need a stronger signal?

If your speed test looks fine over Ethernet but your Wi-Fi still feels patchy, it could be time to boost your signal. A Wi-Fi extender can help fill in any coverage gaps, especially in larger homes or tricky layouts.

You can rent or buy one from us, or upgrade to a Boost or Pro package to get one included. Find out more.

Frequently asked questions

How do I run a speed test?

The speed advertised will be sent to your router and will be visible when you run a wired speed test. Find out how.

Important to remember:

– When running a speed test via an Ethernet cable, it’s important that the Ethernet cable is a cat6 or above, as lower ratings may limit the speed provided to the device. Cat5 cables can only transmit a maximum of 100Mb, while cat6 can transmit up to 10Gb.
– Please ensure the Grain server is selected.
– Speeds can vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to, how many devices you have connected, whether they are performing background activities, like anti-virus software or a VPN. It is therefore worth carrying out several tests, and taking the average of all of the results.

Gigafast speeds:

When you sign up to our Gigafast package, we send 1Gbps to your router, however as some of the data is used to carry communications up and down the fibre-optic cable, you are realistically likely to see closer to speeds of 900Mb on a speed test.

Please note: 900Mb speed is not achievable by a single device over Wi-Fi, for this speed a wired connection is required.
What if I’m not seeing my full speeds?

First, check your set-up using a wired speed test using the correct test site and Grain speed test server. This removes Wi-Fi from the equation and gives you a true measure of what’s being delivered.

If the wired speed is correct, the issue is likely with Wi-Fi performance or the device itself. If the wired speed is incorrect, reach out and our Tech team will take a further look into your set-up.

We’re happy to help troubleshoot and provide guidance – and in some cases, recommend equipment upgrades or adjustments to improve performance.
What speeds are guaranteed?

We guarantee that the full advertised speed of your package is delivered to your router (our point of termination). No matter your package, the full line speed is sent directly to the router in your premises.

However, the speed your devices receive over Wi-Fi – can vary. That’s because Wi-Fi is influenced by many external and environmental factors that are outside of our control, such as:

– The layout and size of your home

– The distance between your device and the router

– Walls, insulation and materials that block or weaken signal

– The capability of your device (older devices often can’t use full speeds)

– The Wi-Fi standard your device supports (e.g. 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz)

– Other devices in use at the same time sharing bandwidth

For example, older laptops, tablets, and smartphones may not support higher speeds – and gaming consoles often connect only to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which is slower and more prone to interference.
Can I do a speed test over Wi-Fi?

You can run a speed test over Wi-Fi – but we wouldn’t recommend relying on it to tell the full story.

Wi-Fi is super handy, but it can also be a bit temperamental. Things like walls, distance from the router, and even your microwave can mess with your signal. While some modern devices might show impressive Wi-Fi burst speeds, those results can fluctuate and don’t always reflect the true performance of your broadband line.

For the most accurate, consistent results, plug directly into your router with an Ethernet cable. A wired connection removes the quirks of Wi-Fi and gives you a clear picture of your actual line speed – no interference, no guesswork.
How do I know I’m on the right Wi-Fi frequency?

One travels further, and the other faster. Make sure your devices are on the right frequency for their needs. Our service transmits both 2.4GHz (further at lower speeds) and 5GHz (closer range but faster speeds).

Each device might have a preferred frequency, and you can check on the settings. We recommend putting your laptops, tablets and mobiles on 5GHz.
Why does my Wi-Fi feel slower in some rooms?

Walls, floors, and large objects can block signals. Have you considered using a Wi-Fi extender for better coverage? Find out more.
What household items cause Wi-Fi interference?
There’s a number of unexpected things that could be slowing down your Wi-Fi signal, as they have the ability to absorb or reflect wireless signals.
- Mirrors. They don’t just reflect light. Mirrors with even a thin metal backing can reflect Wi-Fi signals, causing them to bounce around and potentially create dead zones or electromagnetic interference.
- Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth devices, such as speakers, keyboards, and headphones, can operate on similar frequencies as Wi-Fi and might cause interference if they’re in close proximity. Our recommendation? If you’re not using it, switch it off!
- Fluorescent lights. Believe it or not, certain types of fluorescent lights can emit electromagnetic interference that can impact your connection, especially in the 2.4 GHz range. If possible, give alternative lights a go – like LED.
- Water. It’s bad news for your family goldfish. Water can absorb and weaken Wi-Fi signals. Large containers of water like fish tanks, or even a crowded room of people, can reduce performance.
- Microwaves. They’re a recipe for disaster! That’s right, microwaves also operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency range and can cause temporary interference when in use.
- Corded electronics. Some corded electronics, especially those with motors or transformers, can generate electromagnetic interference that might impact wi-fi performance.
- Walls and floors. As you would have guessed, thick walls made of concrete or brick, as well as floors with metal reinforcement, can significantly weaken Wi-Fi signals as they absorb or reflect the wireless signals.
Can VPNs, antivirus or firewalls affect speed?

Yes. These services often reduce throughput depending on provider quality, server location and load. Corporate security software may also limit performance. If safe, test with these disabled or on another device.
Why am I only seeing around 900–950Mbps?
This usually indicates a 1Gbps bottleneck, caused by:
- A device limited to 1Gbps
- Traffic management settings changed from default
- Inadequate Ethernet cables (e.g. Cat5 instead of Cat5e or above)
- Only one router port supporting multi-gig speeds. Connecting to a standard 1GbE LAN port will cap results at 900–950Mbps
- Even devices with multi-gig Ethernet ports can be limited by processor performance, USB bus speed, drivers or power-saving settings
- Many websites, game platforms and cloud services rate-limit individual users, which is outside Grain’s control and does not indicate a fault if speed tests show the line performing correctly
- A 1Gbps switch anywhere in the LAN caps everything downstream at 940Mbps