HELP: Home internet speed issues

zach

Well-Known Member
Jul 17, 2006
1,556
91
48
The Subs
Looking for some insight on an speed issues with my desktop.

I have a modem and wireless router in the basement while my desk top is upstairs. The speeds coming out of my modem and router are 20-25 which is really good.

However, my speeds at my desktop are only between 2-5, upload and download. My desktop is connecting to the router via a system in which you plug into the AC outlet and hooks to the computer via an Ethernet cable. Best Buy told me that this would be the fastest option over a wireless thumb drive.

Anyone have experience with the plug/Ethernet system vs a wireless thumb drive system? Any thoughts on why this plug and play system is so slow?

Product is similar to this: XAVB2101

Z
 
How old is your home? I think some of the powerline adapters in the past have really sucked, but I recently bought a set for an upstairs BD player and it works great. I've heard if you have an older home the wiring isn't very good and they don't work well. If that is the case you MAY be better off going wireless.
 
I haven't looked at Powerline stuff in a while but what ruxCYtable said definitely used to be true. There was a lot of variability in speeds and compatibility issues too. If the router and the powerline adapter are different vendors they may not work well together. I will say that this was 4-5 years ago and I have heard that most of these issues have been addressed. But if you just got it from BB that may not be your issue.

I have seen another issue that may or may not be applicable so I will throw it out there. I once saw someone who had a cable box (mediacom) which offered both ethernet and usb interfaces; since so many things are usb today she used that. Her performance was crap even though her Mediacom connection was fast. The culpret? The usb connection for some reason was running in 1.1 mode and was limiting transfer speeds. Sometimes there is a bottleneck like that effecting things: you just need to find it.
 
12 year old home.
Hmmm, that's not too old so I wouldn't think the wiring would be the problem. It could be the line has a lot of noise on it and the adapter isn't filtering it all out.

Do you still have your receipt? If so, you could return it and try a different one. I bought a Trendnet pair from newegg and I'm getting the same speeds upstairs in my house as I am at the point of entry, so obviously I've been real happy with it.

Sorry you're having a problem and wish I could be of more help.
 
Whomever told you home wiring would be faster than wireless -- especially if you only care about internet -- was simply -- let's just say "incorrect".
 
Whomever told you home wiring would be faster than wireless -- especially if you only care about internet -- was simply -- let's just say "incorrect".
Ted, there was a time your statement would have been correct, but it is no longer. The technology has improved. I'm getting twice as fast an internet connection in my upstairs family room over powerline than I was via wireless.
 

Help Support Us

Become a patron