What Is Sync Speed and How Can I Check It?

Modified on Sat, 28 Mar at 9:50 AM

This article explains what sync speed is and how to check it on your bOnline router.

What is sync speed?

Your sync speed, also known as your access line speed, is the maximum speed at which your router can connect to the internet. It is determined by how far your premises are from the local telephone exchange.

Sync speed is not completely fixed. It can change each time you reboot your router and can also be affected by factors such as severe weather.

Your sync speed will always be higher than your actual (throughput) broadband speed because it is free of any signal interference. You can check your actual broadband speed using the Speed Checker.

How to check your sync speed

These instructions apply to bOnline routers only. If you have an Openreach modem or a router not supplied by bOnline, refer to your router's manual or the manufacturer's support site.

Open your browser and enter http://192.168.1.1 in the address bar, then press Enter.
Enter your router username and password. These are printed on the sticker on the back of your router.
Depending on your router model, you will see one of the screens shown below. Follow the instructions for your router.

Router screen 1: DSL (Sync) view

The Zyxel router interface showing the Summary page with the DSL Sync status and green tick button visible.

Select Summary from the menu on the left.
Select the green tick button next to DSL (Sync).
Your upload and download sync speeds are displayed next to DSL Line Speed.

Router screen 2: ADSL Summary view

The Zyxel router interface showing the Summary page with the ADSL Summary tab and line speed values in kbps.

Select Summary from the menu on the left.
Select the ADSL Summary tab.
Your upload and download sync speeds are displayed next to ADSL line speed (kbps).

Router screen 3: Internet Connection Status view

The Zyxel router interface showing the Check my Internet Connection Status page with Upstream and Downstream line rates under the Line Quality heading.

Select Check my Internet Connection Status.
Under the Line Quality heading, your sync speeds are displayed as Upstream line rate and Downstream line rate.