I'm using a Rogers Xfinity modem in bridge mode with an ASUS AX55 router on a 1 Gbps plan. The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks are separated so devices don't switch between them.
Recently, one desktop has started experiencing extreme latency spikes—roughly 8,000–14,000 ms every 30 seconds when connecting from British Columbia to California. The spikes sometimes stop temporarily, but they also occur while watching livestreams, not just during games. Other devices on the network, including my laptop, phone, and my brother's PC, don't have this problem.
The affected PC uses Wi‑Fi USB adapters, and the issue occurs with both a Netgear A7500 and a Netgear 6150. Signal strength is excellent, and I'd prefer not to run an Ethernet cable across the house unless necessary. I've restarted and factory-reset the modem and router, reinstalled the adapter drivers, and changed power-management and roaming settings. My ISP says there's no problem on its end. What else should I test to determine whether this is Wi‑Fi interference, the computer itself, or something else?
4 Answers
Because two different adapters show the same behavior while other devices are fine, check for something specific to the PC: cloud-sync programs, downloads, antivirus or security software, VPNs, motherboard utilities, and scheduled Windows tasks. A network monitor such as Resource Monitor can show whether the machine is sending or receiving traffic during each spike. You can also try a clean boot or a temporary fresh user profile to rule out background software.
Separating the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names should not by itself create 8-second latency spikes. You can reset the router to a simple default configuration as a test, but don’t assume that changing SSIDs will fix a problem that only affects one computer. Check the router’s client and channel information, and make sure the adapter is actually connected to 5 GHz rather than merely showing full signal bars.
First determine whether this is game-specific. Since it also happens during livestreams and shows up in an independent latency test, the game probably isn’t the cause. Run two continuous pings at the same time: one to your router’s local address and one to a reliable internet host. If both spike, the problem is between the PC and router—likely the USB adapter, interference, or software on that computer. If only the internet ping spikes, investigate the modem, ISP path, or background traffic.
The most useful test is temporarily connecting that PC by Ethernet, even if only long enough to reproduce the problem. If the spikes disappear, focus on the wireless setup rather than Rogers. Try a different USB port—preferably a front-panel extension or USB 2.0 port so the adapter is away from the computer and USB 3 interference. Also test the other Wi‑Fi band and a fixed, less-crowded channel.
It happens in Counter-Strike, while watching livestreams, and in packet tests. The spikes appear about every 30 seconds and reach roughly 8,000–14,000 ms.