Peter that's interesting that you say the BBC web site checks your speeds automatically....how can I view there readings...just had a look on the I player page I cannot see anything relating to it.
Your right about routers going down...Virgin sent me a new super hub a few months ago after my old one started to give very hit and miss results...not sure how old it was but it was the original equipment we got from Virgin and may have been the best part of 10 years old.
Nick.