I'm looking for some advice on how to improve my internet speed. I recently found out that the Ethernet cable in my wall is actually Cat5 instead of Cat6, and I'm only getting about 80-90 Mbps, even though I'm paying for a 400 Mbps plan. I initially thought the wiring was good since I was told it was Cat6. My router and modem are upstairs, so running a new cable directly from the router to my PC isn't easy. I've tried using a powerline adapter, but that didn't work out. Is there any way to get better speeds? Any devices or solutions would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
You might want to look into what's happening between your router and PC. Have you confirmed that the wiring isn’t connected to a slow switch somewhere? Also, if you pull out the faceplate from the wall, you can sometimes see if there’s a way to swap the cables. If that’s not an option, maybe consider a cable management solution that can bring the router closer to the PC, if that's doable in your space.
First things first, you should check if your PC is directly connected to the router upstairs. If you do that and get the speeds you’re supposed to be paying for, then the issue might be with your wiring down below. If you’re stuck with Cat5 cables that can't handle higher speeds, it might be time to look into rewiring for Cat6. I ran into a similar problem and had to drill and run new cables through the walls outside, which was a hassle but worked for me! But I get it, it can be tricky depending on your house setup.
Yeah, I totally relate! My setup was really awkward too, so I had to get creative. Maybe check the installation before going all in on drilling holes!
It sounds like you're doing okay with your setup, but have you connected your PC directly to the modem? If you get much better speeds there, it's likely something in your current wiring setup. Just remember, always double-check your cables and connections since a poor termination could really drag those speeds down. If everything checks out but speeds are low, maybe try contacting your ISP to discuss your plan and see if there are upgrades available.
I had a similar issue! I peeled back some of the wall, and it turned out I just needed to replace a few connectors. It made a massive difference!