Slow Speed

[lupi]

I have a 100/10 internet plan, but testing shows I'm only getting 65 on the download. I'm not sure of what numbers I should be checking in the modem screen, but it's a 4x4 and all channels report good connection. This speed is what I should have been getting prior to a couple raises of the max speed for my tier, could it possibly be that my account is still flagged for a lower than max level?

 

[ch33zw1z]

Sounds like cable internet.

If your ISP has been changing speeds, it's a good idea to full power cycle the modem.

unplug everything from modem, if it has a battery then remove that as well.

wait 5 minutes

plug in battery (if required), plug in coax, Ethernet, phone (if required), plug in main power

after a few minutes, test again....and test with a LAN connection...do not test with wireless.

 

[lupi]

I just changed out my router and modem was power cycled during that.

 

[Fardringle]

If it is an "up to 100/10" plan (most plans are "up to" and not "guaranteed"), then you may occasionally see the max speed, but probably only during non-peak hours and only if the ISP hasn't oversold the available bandwidth in your area.

That said, I would try (temporarily) connecting the computer directly to the modem after power cycling the modem and verifying that you have an active firewall running on the computer. Run the speed test that way to eliminate the router as a potential bottleneck. I would also try more than one speed test site to see if the results are consistent.

 

[JackMDS]

That said, I would try (temporarily) connecting the computer directly to the modem after power cycling the modem and verifying that you have an active firewall running on the computer. Run the speed test that way to eliminate the router as a potential bottleneck. I would also try more than one speed test site to see if the results are consistent.

The above (done with a Wired connection) should be always the first thing to do to get a frame of reference if the real bandwidth coming directly out of the Modem.

When many ISPs quote the client's giving bandwidth they mean that it would be the Bandwidth coming out of their Control Server and designate to you. What ever happens in the way from their source to the client is another story.

While One is connected directly with a single computer to the Modem it is advisable to run a Trace to the ISP systems.

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/country_traceroute.html

 

[razel]

It is your cable modem. On Spectrum/Time Warner a 4 channel modem is not approved for 100mbps speeds and they will not provision it to you. You will want to get a greater channel modem regardless. The more channels, the less chance of slowdown when things get busy. Yes, your ISP may still be flooded with Internet packets, but at least the pipes running to your home aren't additionally holding you back.

Find out the max channels they support and buy accordingly. A 24 channel modem from Netgear or 16 channel from or Motorola/Arris should run you about ~$100. Getting a modem with more channels than your ISP supports will be a waste. ISPs will more likely go DOCSIS 3.1 rather than support more channels with 3.0.

After you get to 100mpbs, you will want to make sure your WiFi router is also gigabit. Otherwise with 10/100 fast Ethernet you'll top off around 90's mpbs. Your LAN cable between the cable modem and router will then need to be pretty decent as well.

Best of luck.

 

[lupi]

I was thinking modem may be an issue. When I got it, it was good for anything offered and was only being used as a 2x2. Shortly after I noticed it swapped to 4x2 and now they have maxed it at 4x4. Not sure exactly when, but my previously tier limit of 50mbps is now 100mbps, and after navigating their so user friendly site, looks like they say you need at least a 8x4 for the 100mbps speeds so modem likely is a limiting factor. So guess it's time to go read some 16x4 reviews and do some shopping.

 

[razel]

Same upgrade issue I had here. During the intro 1st year promo I went with 100mpbs and had the max 16 channel modem. I was getting 90mpbs. I then remembered that my router was only had 10/100 wired and after upgrading to a gigabit, I got 126mpbs. I wasn't complaining!

My problem became upgrading long 40ft LAN cables and the wireless cards in my laptops. Although they were wireless N 300, then only supported 2.4G and that frequency even with the best WiFi routers benchmarked off smallnetbuilder top off in the ~150mpbs with an ideal lab environment signal. Realistically where the laptops spend most of their time, 60mbps was realistic.

After the year promo expired, I signed up for 50mpbs, with the 16 channel modem I was benchmarking 58mpbs. After Time Warner got bought by Spectrum, speeds jumped up to 70mpbs... which I feel is the perfect speed for home taking into account the realistic typical home wireless speeds. If you want faster speed, connect wired.

By the way, if you ISP supports the same modems, I am beyond happy with the Netgear CM500 (16 channel) and CM600 (24). I also had no issues with Motorola/Arris SB6183 (16).... but those had IPV6 and security issues that were patched recently. Those also have ridiculously bright LEDs that some can use as a night light. Seriously bright.

 

[lupi]

Hmm, frys has the cm600 on sale right now but can't get the stupid cart to accept the promo code.

 

[razel]

Interesting... I don't see it in my Fry's promo emails. Might vary by location area. You can still do a store pick up, but you are just better off using their cart to check stock then just go to the store.

 

[lupi]

 

[mxnerd]

The promo code said Monday 1/9.

====

Oops, it also said good through 1/14

 

[lupi]

Looks like walmart/amazon have it on sale for 110, and I have 10 in reward certs at bestbuy so think I'll go price match there and pick one up. Ends up only 10 above that sale price.