My router's built-in speed test reports about 2,379 Mbps, but downloads on my computer reach only around 380.9 Mbps. The units are correct. I'm trying to figure out whether switching from Wi-Fi to Ethernet would make a major difference or whether the limitation is with my computer, network hardware, or the download server.
3 Answers
Use Ethernet if you can. It avoids wireless interference and also frees up Wi-Fi capacity for phones, laptops, and other devices. For speeds above 1 Gbps, make sure the cable is connected to a 2.5- or 10-Gbps port on the router and that your computer has a matching Ethernet adapter. Also keep in mind that multi-gig internet is rarely noticeable for ordinary browsing, gaming, or streaming; low latency and a stable connection often matter more.
The router test measures the connection between the router and the test server, not necessarily the speed from the website or service you’re downloading from. Wi-Fi can also make it difficult to reach gigabit-plus speeds in real-world conditions. Try a wired test with a suitable Cat6 cable and confirm that the computer and router negotiate at the expected link speed.
If the computer is using Wi-Fi, Ethernet could make a big difference. Wireless performance depends on the band, Wi-Fi standard, signal strength, interference, and obstacles such as walls. A wired connection is generally faster and more stable. Just check the port speeds on both the computer and router—if either one is limited to 1 Gbps, that will be your ceiling. For multi-gig service, you need a 2.5 Gbps or faster port on both ends.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload