Cant get reliable internet

**Chris134** · March 24th, 2012, 06:46 PM

Im no network expert but after 2 wireless adapters and 2 routers my internet is still unstable and slow.

The long history is filled with cutouts, my internet completely stopping, the connection to the router is always fine, but the internet not so much. Currently i have an E3000 linksys wireless router that is doing better, only had one complete failure but the connection is slow, even for my wireless N. have a rosewill rnx-n1 adapter. Im wondering if its my router set-up maybe? any ideas guys?
Reason im bringing this up now is in a voice chat other people will cutout for 1 to 3 seconds where i cannot hear anything. My end is fine for them. it is a stutter that has also appeared in games. Quite frustrating but also needs a fix asap.

**KarmaKiller** · March 24th, 2012, 06:55 PM

If you've tried various routers and wireless adapters with the same outcome, most likely that is not your issue. It very well could be your modem, or even beyond that your service to the house/apt.
Have you tried testing on a wired connection? Do multiple ping test/ speedtest, that would at least give you some more info to work on.

**Chris134** · March 24th, 2012, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by KarmaKiller

If you've tried various routers and wireless adapters with the same outcome, most likely that is not your issue. It very well could be your modem, or even beyond that your service to the house/apt.
Have you tried testing on a wired connection? Do multiple ping test/ speedtest, that would at least give you some more info to work on.

Generally these applications give me a decent rating. B on pingtest and 3.5mb/s and 1 upload on speedtest.

**KarmaKiller** · March 24th, 2012, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by Chris134

Generally these applications give me a decent rating. B on pingtest and 3.5mb/s and 1 upload on speedtest.

Is that on your wireless network, or plugged in via Ethernet cable?
Who is your ISP? What area are you in? What package do you pay for?
It's common for major cable companies to experience 'busy' time, basically when everyone gets home from school/work and starting facebooking, stream via netflix, etc etc. Normally speeds drop during that time, but it will depend on your area, how widely used the network is, infrastructure your ISP has in the area.
Have you contacted your ISP's support and talked with them?

**GroundZero3** · March 24th, 2012, 07:55 PM

Are you using any kind of wireless encryption? How far are you from the wireless router? If you set up a constant ping to your router (gateway) can you please post some results.

Anyone else using the internet connection? Do you have the latest firmware installed on the router and the latest drivers installed on the wireless card?

I assume you dont experience any of these issues if you are directly plugged into the router with a cat5 cable correct?

**Chris134** · March 24th, 2012, 08:06 PM

Well being in North Carolina my ISP is Time Warner Cable. I am maybe 25-35 feet from my router and have an average of 2-3 bars. There is only one other PC (laptop) on the network using wireless G, and my phone that uses wifi.

I may or may not have the latest firmware for the E3000, i heard that it might be unwise to get any from customer reviews. Lastly my connection is un-encrypted.

Edit: also i understand busy time, generally its never caused me an issue during those times, its either a constant unreliability or perfectly fine. The last few days ive had stuttering VOIP that really made me create this.

**GroundZero3** · March 24th, 2012, 08:11 PM

Test all your issues with your machine plugged directly into the router and report back please

**PoonDoggy** · March 26th, 2012, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by GroundZero3

Test all your issues with your machine plugged directly into the router and report back please

What GZ said, except that I would plug directly into modem...that will eliminate the router as being the issue and you can work forward or backward from there.

**Taxmancometh** · March 26th, 2012, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by Chris134

Lastly my connection is un-encrypted.

You want that connection encrypted. You are responsible for what ever is downloaded from your IP address. Someone could be leching from your network and downloading kid porn. You don't want the FBI to come knock on your door.

**stroyal** · March 27th, 2012, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by Taxmancometh

You want that connection encrypted. You are responsible for what ever is downloaded from your IP address. Someone could be leching from your network and downloading kid porn. You don't want the FBI to come knock on your door.

If that is happening, that could be your slowdown

**Chris134** · March 27th, 2012, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by Taxmancometh

You want that connection encrypted. You are responsible for what ever is downloaded from your IP address. Someone could be leching from your network and downloading kid porn. You don't want the FBI to come knock on your door.

Yeah slow internet is the least of my problems if this is occuring. LOL!

**RayH** · April 1st, 2012, 09:55 PM

What is "slow" and are you referring to P2P downloads? Some ISP choke P2P and with cable, you might have too many on your node... I have a friend who is getting 50% and less of the advertised max speed with his cable internet provider...