My router's built-in speed test reports about 2,379 Mbps, but downloads on my computer reach only around 380.9 Mbps. I've already verified that the units are correct. I'm currently wondering whether switching from Wi‑Fi to Ethernet would make a major difference, or whether the limitation is more likely caused by my computer, network hardware, wireless conditions, or the download server itself.
3 Answers
If the computer is using Wi‑Fi, Ethernet could make a substantial difference. Wireless performance depends on whether you’re connected over 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, the Wi‑Fi standard supported by both devices, interference, distance, and walls. For wired speeds above 1 Gbps, both the router port and the computer’s Ethernet port need to support 2.5 Gbps or faster; otherwise the connection will usually top out around 1 Gbps. If possible, hardwire stationary devices since it also reduces congestion for everything else using Wi‑Fi.
A Cat6 Ethernet cable is a reasonable test, but check the hardware before expecting the full 2.3 Gbps. Confirm that the computer has a 2.5 Gbps or 10 Gbps network port and that the cable is connected to a matching high-speed port on the router; some routers have a mix of 1 Gbps and faster ports. For ordinary browsing, gaming, and streaming, 1 Gbps is already more than enough for most people, so latency, jitter, and stability may matter more than the maximum download rate.
Getting over 1 Gbps consistently on Wi‑Fi is difficult in real-world conditions. Your access point and computer must support compatible high-speed Wi‑Fi modes, and interference or obstacles like concrete, metal, and glass can reduce throughput significantly. Ethernet avoids most of those wireless issues, but the cable, router or switch port, and computer port still determine the maximum speed. Also, the router’s speed test measures the connection to one particular test server, while the site you’re downloading from may have its own bandwidth or connection limits.
The important part is that both ends need to support at least the target speed. A 2.5 Gbps port is enough for a 2.5 Gbps connection, while faster service would require a faster port, such as 10 Gbps.