Computer wireless speed less than Ethernet ?
izub
Enthusiast - Level 3
Can someone explain why my wireless  laptop,( the Acer Aspire one) computer on Speednet shows a consistent download speed of 7 or 8 and my ethernet connected computer(an old Compaq laptop) shows consistent 20? Laptop is new so not a lot of stuff on there should move faster  Thanks...
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Re: Computer wireless speed less than Ethernet ?
TimSykes
Specialist - Level 2
There are many things, signal strength, physical obstacle like walls, if you use 802.11b, encryption, way to many factors come into play. That is why wireless should be used in last case.
Re: Computer wireless speed less than Ethernet ?
izub
Enthusiast - Level 3
thanks...I was just curious...still goes pretty quick, just not as fast as my wired unit. Also I am downstairs so yerah, walls etc
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Re: Computer wireless speed less than Ethernet ?
TimSykes
Specialist - Level 2
Oh one other thing, and its a big one. Wireless stuff ie mice keyboards and phones. All run on the 2.4ghz spectrum same as the fios wireless router and all routers but the 802.11b
Re: Computer wireless speed less than Ethernet ?
G-Pon
Contributor - Level 1

The wireless speed will always be slower than the hard-wired one. The technology was (years ago) developed for an office space or Starbucks type deployment where the wireless hub would be in the middle of the same room in which the computers would be used.

Common sources of wireless problems you CAN control:

Cordless Phones

Cell Phones

Garage door openers (yours)

Flourecent lights (bad or failing balast especially bad)

High intensity desk lamps

Energy Saver flourecent light bulbs

Common sources of wireless problems you may or may not be able to control:

Garage door openers (your neighbor's)

Law Enforcement ankle bracelets

Walls

Floors

Bad or failing brushes in electric motors (refrigerator, dryer etc.)

Common sources of wireless problems you will not be able to control:

Airport radar

Cell Phone towers in area

Bad balast in public/street lighting

Bad or failing utility capacitors (those big round drums on some telephone phone poles)

Other radio broadcasts

Each of these things, and others, cause radio issues for your computer's and router's 2 way conversation. And they may change.

Often just knowing these things can cause problems may allow you to re-arrange your desk, office or home to place the competing devices out of each others way. Don't have the cordless phone base station sitting on top of the router for example.

I've also noticed that diffrent brands of wireless routers do seem to do better in some places than others. This defies logic because the FCC caps the strength of the signal, but maybe some antenne are better at going through walls, and others at going through floors. I really don't know, but more than one bad wireless problem has gotten better by bridging another router or two onto the Verizon one. (just plug it into port 1, 2, 3, or 4 on the Verizon router & follow the instructions that came with it.)

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Re: Computer wireless speed less than Ethernet ?
BassBob
Newbie

G-Pon,

You missed one - Microwave Ovens.  Our Panasonic is situated almost inline (as the radiowaves fly) with my primary laptop location and whenever it's on, I get the infamous "IE cannot display this page" screen.  As soon as the MW shuts off, SURF'S UP.

Now, when I'm in the same room ~5' from the router, when the microwave is BEHIND me, NO PROBLEMO!

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Re: Computer wireless speed less than Ethernet ?
TimSykes
Specialist - Level 2
Also a good way to help a bad signal is to try channel 11 or your router. I don't know why but a lot of times using this channel for wireless seems to work the best for most people. I figure its because a lot of 2.4ghz and other wireless devices do not utilize the channel 11 on the 2.4ghz spectrum. 
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