Slow ISP vs. slow router

[Sumotku]

Lot's of internet speed issues over the last few months and a reset of the router and modem, as usual, fix things, for a while. What's a good method for identifying which is the problem, without replacing the router or modem with alternates?

 

[owensdj]

Connect the computer directly to the modem. If you don't experience the speed issue the problem has to be in the router.

 

[Lithium381]

Also, keep track of the time of day that it happens. I had issues with ATT DSL slowing down to .5mbps from 5pm - 9pm every day . . . they tried to say it was my router (which wasn't on their approved list, but was a cisco isr) but then why was my router able to get 6mbps at 3am EVERY day? . .

 

[Sumotku]

Thanks for the help. I will try the direct to modem test next time. I will plan to not restart the modem, but simply the computer if necessary to renew the IP address. This is with the Comcast monopoly, btw. I also see speeds decrease as Litium381 describes during peak hours but not to that extreme, perhaps 50% less at times. They cover their asses well by selling the service at a rated 3-6mbps.

 

[Lithium381]

Thanks for the help. I will try the direct to modem test next time. I will plan to not restart the modem, but simply the computer if necessary to renew the IP address. This is with the Comcast monopoly, btw. I also see speeds decrease as Litium381 describes during peak hours but not to that extreme, perhaps 50% less at times. They cover their asses well by selling the service at a rated 3-6mbps.

yeah, i was told i would not get less than three, but no more than 6 . . . but since i kept screenshots of speedtests I did almost hourly for two weeks they ended up giving me a two month refund . . out of my 6 month contract

 

[Sumotku]

Very good to know that worked for you.