⚠️ If you have a 500Mbps or faster line, keep reading all the way to the App-Based Test section below or read our iPerf guide linked below.
🧩 Why are cabled speed tests needed? #
We need cabled speed tests to rule out Wifi related problems and the fibre networks require these tests to open support tickets. Please view our Ethernet Testing Policy for more details.
You will need an Ethernet cable and a laptop with a Gigabit Ethernet port. Ethernet adaptors are available on sites like Takealot.
🌍 Browser-Based Speed Test #
Step 1 #
Reboot your router and fibre box (ONT/CPE) and check they have stable power. Check your cabling and power adapters. Make sure everything is “clicked” into place and
Step 2 #
Check if the lights on your fibre box (ONT/CPE) show an active fibre connection:
- Green ‘PON’ light for Octotel
- Green ‘Broadband’ light for Frogfoot
- Green ‘F’ or Orange ‘FX’ light for Vumatel
- Green ‘PON’ or similar for Openserve
Step 3 #
Connect a laptop directly to your fibre box (ONT/CPE) with an Ethernet cable. Check that there is a Gigabit link between the laptop and the fibre ONT/CPE. Usually the ONT will show a Green LAN light if there is a Gigabit link. If the LAN light is Orange it maybe only be a 100Mbps link.
Make sure all VPN services are disabled.
Test your speeds at: https://speedtest.co.za
Openserve fibre customers can test with a laptop connected to the router or configure a PPPoE login on their laptop.
⚠️ 100Mbps Speed Limit #
When you see speed test results around 90Mbps, the problem is usually a router with 100Mbps Ethernet ports or a cable which is damaged or old. Check that the router has Gigabit ports and you are using a fairly new Ethernet cable (Cat5 or better). An Orange LAN light on the fibre box (ONT / CPE) usually indicates a 100Mbps connection.
🐢 Slow Speeds #
If you still notice speed problems, please email our support team the following:
- Photo of your fibre box lights,
- Screenshot or photo of your speed test result (from speedtest.co.za)
- Details of which fibre network you are on, and your general location
- Summary of the problem, for example: “download speeds are slow in the evenings, but seem fine in the day” or “After Loadshedding I often notice the following problem…”
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🚀 App-Based Test #
⚠️ Browser speed tests often become unreliable above 300Mbps, and many speed test servers only have a 1Gbps connections.
If you are Gigabit Fibre customer and are struggling to achieve fast speed test results, please install an app or use iPerf.
🚦 How to test with the Speedtest App #
✅ Using a Gigabit LAN port and Cat5/Cat6 Ethernet cable, plug a laptop or desktop PC directly into your fibre box. Openserve customers should configure a PPPoE login on a laptop.
✅ Install the Speedtest.net app (download) on your laptop or desktop and run a few tests. Select a server in Cape Town. Try a few different servers.
Keep an eye on your device’s CPU while you are running the tests to ensure your laptop/desktop is not saturating its CPU.
🏁 Speeds to Expect #
- Web based speed test: around 800Mbps – not a very accurate test
- Speedtest.net desktop app: around 900Mbps – more accurate test
- iPerf3: up to about 950Mbps should be possible on a healthy line – accurate test
🤓 If you want to take your testing to the next level, consider our iPerf testing process.