Wireless connection slow compared to ethernet in same router

gallego1 · 26-05-2008, 20:47

Hi

I wonder if anyone can advise

I have just upgraded to 20Mb BB and the speed throuth the modem is between 12 and 18Mbs

Through the router with a cable is similar speeds

But using the wireless even though I am 3 feet away records a speed of between 4 and 6 Mbs

Is the wireless option this much slower normally

Router is a safecom swbar 5400

Wasnt a problem on 4mb as the wireless picked up 4mb

any help appreciated

Cerberus · 26-05-2008, 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by gallego1

Hi

I wonder if anyone can advise

I have just upgraded to 20Mb BB and the speed throuth the modem is between 12 and 18Mbs

Through the router with a cable is similar speeds

But using the wireless even though I am 3 feet away records a speed of between 4 and 6 Mbs

Is the wireless option this much slower normally

Router is a safecom swbar 5400

Wasnt a problem on 4mb as the wireless picked up 4mb

any help appreciated

This probably wouldn't help much, but I was wireless up until today. I decided that after months of getting 4-5Mbps that I would try my PC hardwired to the router. Hey presto 17-20Mbps.

Sorry for annoying you Virgin Media, I actually got it wrong and it wasn't your fault.

My advice, stick to being hardwired.

oliver1948uk · 26-05-2008, 21:27

Wireless through Linksys WRT54G router a few minutes ago (the clock is one hour slow). I have tried connecting with a cable and it is no faster.

Mon, 26 May 2008 20:23:41 UTC

Test 1: 1024K took 456 ms = 2245.6 KB/sec, approx 18504 Kbps, 18.07 Mbps
Test 2: 1024K took 429 ms = 2386.9 KB/sec, approx 19668 Kbps, 19.21 Mbps
Test 3: 1024K took 427 ms = 2398.1 KB/sec, approx 19760 Kbps, 19.3 Mbps
Test 4: 2048K took 854 ms = 2398.1 KB/sec, approx 19760 Kbps, 19.3 Mbps

Overall Average Speed = approx 19423 Kbps, 18.97 Mbps

AbyssUnderground · 26-05-2008, 23:50

You could try http://www.speedguide.net/files/TCPOptimizer.exe and set the slider to 20Mbps. It often improves wireless speeds. If its no better or makes it worse, you can load the default windows settings back in.

danielf · 26-05-2008, 23:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by gallego1

Hi

I wonder if anyone can advise

I have just upgraded to 20Mb BB and the speed throuth the modem is between 12 and 18Mbs

Through the router with a cable is similar speeds

But using the wireless even though I am 3 feet away records a speed of between 4 and 6 Mbs

Is the wireless option this much slower normally

Router is a safecom swbar 5400

Wasnt a problem on 4mb as the wireless picked up 4mb

any help appreciated

4 to 6 Mbps does sound rather slow. However, wireless speeds are generally slower than wired speeds (the wireless protocol eats up quite a lot of the bandwidth). Normally, you are lucky to get more than 15 Mbps from a wireless G connection (I don't know about all this speedbooster stuff. It may be better). You may be unlucky with your router (Safecom isn't exactly the best known brand when it comes to routers). If you can, it might be worth trying a different router (if you can borrow one from a mate for the evening for instance).

ajnicho · 27-05-2008, 09:20

I've just returned a Belkin Wireless-N router for the very same reason. PC is about 4 metres away and can get no better than 8-10mb/s, but 18-19 mb/s wired.

Returned it for a full refund then bought a network starter kit from Screwfix. Luckily I'm getting new floor laid so could rewire at the same time.

TheDon · 27-05-2008, 11:29

With wireless you really need to check what channels other wireless users nearby are using. you don't want to be using a channel that has significant overlap with your neighbours else you both will get vastly reduced speeds.

To stop overlap you want to be 5 channels away from your neighbours wireless channel, so if they're on 1 you want to be on 6. In an ideal situation you can get 3 wireless networks in the same area with perfect reception using channels 1, 6 and 11.

This shows the channels and the overlap they have, so if you have multiple wireless networks in your area check their channels, and then work out which channel gives you the least (and ideally no) overlap and you'll see significant increases in speed.

Richy99 · 27-05-2008, 11:43

all depends on the wireless dapter being used aswell

my n series router and usb adapter can easily cope with 20meg

Aragorn · 27-05-2008, 11:51

You should also check there are no 'B' wireless devices on the network, as these will slow down all access (4.5 Mbps is the typical data rate for 802.11b). If the router will allow you, try setting it to 802.11G mode only, as opposed to b/g mixed.

tweetiepooh · 27-05-2008, 11:52

Wireless can be slower than wired. The best speed will usually occur if using the same manufacturer on each end of similar version as this will enable any special tweaking that may go on.

Others have already mentioned channels, don't forget that in Europe we get 13 of them rather than 11 in the US.

Also some equipment (microwaves, other radio gear) and wall materials can cause problems.

Finally with MIMO you may get a drop off in performance at very short ranges. Can't remember where I saw this though,