What is my broadband 'IP profile' and why is it important?

Your 'IP profile' (or 'BRAS profile') is a speed limit applied to your broadband service by the local exchange. Its purpose is to ensure the exchange doesn't 'overload' your broadband service by sending more data down your phone line than it (or your BT Home Hub, router or modem) can physically handle. Without this 'throttle', your broadband service would suffer from data loss.

The exchange sets an initial IP profile for your line as soon as it detects an active broadband service. It then monitors the line's speed for several days and adjusts the IP profile to a rate slightly less than the regular maximum speed that the line is able to handle. Generally speaking, this maximum possible speed is usually related to the length of the line between your home and the telephone exchange. The shorter the distance, the faster the speed your line can support.

The IP profile will then be maintained at this rate unless there's interference or a fault. If this happens the exchange will automatically reduce speed to prevent data loss. Once the interference or fault has been cleared, the exchange will then return the IP profile to its pre-fault rate following three days of consistently higher line speeds.

You can use your IP profile as a 'health check' for your line speed. You can measure it by running a broadband speed test. Normally your IP profile should be around 500 kbps less than your line's maximum connection rate. Where it's significantly less, it could indicate a fault in either your home wiring or BT's network. Or it could be because of electrical interference on the line.