My router is two floors below my computer, so I previously used an Ethernet connection through a booster and normally got around 160 Mbps. Recently, my speeds dropped to about 1.8 Mbps, making videos and games load very slowly. Restarting the router didn't help. An older laptop connected directly to the router reached about 400 Mbps, but switching that laptop to Wi-Fi reduced the speed to around 20 Mbps. I also tried powerline adapters rated for up to 1,000 Mbps, with both units on the same side of the breaker box, but my computer still gets no more than about 30 Mbps. I've replaced the Ethernet cables connected to the router. Could this be a driver or network-card problem, or are the booster and powerline setup more likely to be responsible?
3 Answers
The booster or repeater is the most likely weak point here. Wireless repeaters have to receive and retransmit the same data, which can cut performance significantly, and powerline adapters depend heavily on the electrical wiring and which outlets are being used. Check the adapter’s management software if it has one, since it may show the actual link speed between the two units. Also make sure they’re plugged directly into wall outlets rather than surge protectors or extension leads.
First narrow down whether the problem is the computer or the way the connection is being extended. Unplug every booster, repeater, and powerline adapter, then test Wi-Fi right next to the main router and test a laptop directly into the router with Ethernet. If those speeds are good, repeat the tests from the computer’s usual location. That will show whether the slowdown is caused by the distance, wireless signal, or one of the intermediary devices. Powerline adapters can vary dramatically depending on the house wiring, even when they advertise speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.
I’ll try testing each connection separately when I’m home and compare the results.
Drivers are possible, but I wouldn’t start there because the direct laptop test suggests the internet service and router are probably fine. Test another device through the same booster or adapter. If every device is slow there, the network path or extender is the issue. If only this computer is slow, then update or reinstall its network drivers and test with a live operating system from a USB drive. If speeds improve outside your normal operating system, that points to a driver or software problem. Some onboard network cards can also behave badly under heavy peer-to-peer traffic, so check whether the slowdown happens after using file-sharing applications.
I’m not familiar with peer-to-peer file sharing, but the computer does use the original onboard network card that came with it.
The Ethernet cables connected to the router have already been replaced. The powerline units are on the same side of the breaker box, but the wireless connection still drops to roughly 20 Mbps.