My internet is slow and I am trying to find out what is killing it. I have Earthlink cable max (aka road runner turbo). Its 15mbps speed. Once I directly connect to the modem, im only getting 5mbps so thats a problem in it self. I will call TWC and ask abou that.

At 5mbps its still pretty decent speed. But when I hook up my wireless router my speed drops down to 1mbps. I was told by a bestbuy rep that routers are only good for about 2 years. He said since the run all day everyday they wear out and dont transmit that good anymore. I have a 3 year old belkin wireless N router. My laptop even has wireless N built in.

I was told running WPA2-PSk will make it slow. I am not gonna an unsecure signal. So if I turn my security off and hide the SSID will this increase my speed?

[Edited on January 13, 2011 at 9:42 PM. Reason : typo]

1/13/2011 9:41:23 PM

From a security aspect don't do the 'hide BSSID' route. The fact that you're transmitting packets will make your presence known. And if they're using linux it will show up anyway - it searches for AP's based on reading the packet information instead of filtering for BSSID's. Or if they have a wide variety of packet sniffers or network monitors they'll find you.

Also, I'm not the expert on wifi routers, but I have a belkin G router that has been running as a router then repurposed as a repeater - been 4? 5 years? And my dad still uses a wirelss B router I got him with the upgraded 9Dbi antenna's waaaaaay back in the day when cable was the new hotness (for reference he purchased a brand new 1Ghz dell for the occasion!) with no huge loss in signal. WPA2/PSK should not add significant speed differences on N routers. You're talking 300Mbit capacity with a 15Mbit connection to the internet. You may notice it on intra-net transfers though. Or on connections that require huge amounts of ports (heavy bittorrent, etc.)

My first test would be to check your connection wired through the router. That may help determine if there is a internal problem with the router. Standard stuff like full reset (could be a NAT layer error) and checking for new firmware should also be on tap. I'd also test intra-net transfers. Computer to computer via FTP or filesharing. Test it with your computer and another computer - make sure it's not a driver update on your side that's breaking it.

If you've ruled out your equipment call TWC. Actually, call them anyway if you're only getting 5 on direct connection. Power surges through the cable line or through the outlet can cook your modem. I've been through 3 modems, all hooked to the same routers - it's probably on their end. And most likely you're leasing your modem - they'll replace it for free if you carry it to their service center.

1/13/2011 10:18:50 PM

Firmware is up to date in the router. Directly connecting to the router gets me about the same as directly connecting to the modem.

I disabled security and changed router from B,G, and N broadcast to just G. Speed has gone up to 2.7mbps.

1/13/2011 11:21:35 PM

I turned broadcasting back to B,G, and N
I turned show SSID on
Changed channel to 11
Still stuck around 2.7-3.2 mbps

Turned firewall off
speed jumped to 4.7-5.2 mbps

How will leaving the router firewall off work?

Doesnt my laptop have a firewall also?

1/14/2011 12:01:37 AM

yes but it is of a different nature

I prefer defense in depth

1/14/2011 1:45:16 AM

Man you are getting some really shitty information from Best BUy. Router's don't just 'wear out and not transmit as gud'. Sure they're prone to failure, but it's not like they have a performance half life. (overheating and such aside).

WPA2-PSK comment is actually exactly the opposite of truth. Using that encryption method is the only way to run at 802.11n. If you use anything else it (other than unsecured) it defaults to g. Neither of those are your issue, unless you can hook your laptop into the LAN port of the router and still get 1Mbps. Then there might be something wrong with the router, but it's doubtful.

1/14/2011 2:57:05 PM

You should change your routers oil ~every 3 months and replace it once a year.

1/14/2011 3:44:09 PM

The firewall is more a delay than a speed reduction. Its also maybe dropping packets.

First problem. Quit using your wireless to test your speed. Plug straight into the modem. If its 5mbps then, call TWC. When you get that fixed, then call us back and we can figure out whats with your router/ap. Dont try to diagnose 2 network problems at once. And especially over wireless, unless you have an anechoic chamber for a residence.

Also, when checking the modem, try multiple computers plugged in. You might also have a problem with your NIC or with a setting with the TCP Stack (dont laugh, Ive seen it, and it will fuck with both wifi and wired).

1/15/2011 2:59:50 PM

I'll give it a 95% chance you have a virus or botnet on at least one of your computers that is absolutely hosing your internet speed.

When I still did consulting work, this was almost always the cause of "slow internet".

1/15/2011 8:43:28 PM