Dropping Download Speed from my Wireless Router

[JudeDias]

I've a Prolink H5004N wireless router that is probably 2-3 years old. I've noticed that I have to place my computer (or other devices) right next to it to be able to get a download speed of 6-7 Mb/s (this is the speed that is provided by my ISP). The moment I move my computer away from (right next to) the router (even a few couple meters), my download speed instantly drops to 0.50 - 1 Mb/s (I've checked the speeds using Ooklas Speed Test. I also directly connected my computer to the router via cable and this too provides the max 6-7 Mb/s download speed).

I would like to know if this is an issue with the router and if it should be replaced or is there some other issue that I am not aware of. Please advice what I should do. I would like to have a consistent download speed around the house and the drop in download speeds is aggravating me. As I mentioned earlier, the only way I am able to get the maximum download speed (6-7 Mb/s) is by placing my computer (literally) next to the router.

This is not just for the one computer but the above is the same for all the computers in my home and other wireless devices such as my iPhone and iPad. This is new to me and any help would be appreciated.

 

[flamefire999]

It's the router. I had the same problem and I was confused for ages until I got a replacement and it fixed it. On my broken router it was the antenna that was screwed up because it got kicked or something. I would get an upgrade too but that's up to you. But if you don't want to upgrade then I would just search around to find the cheapest one.

 

[APassingMe]

That's standard WiFi behavior, for speed to drop as you move away from the router. However if you're talking about 6 mpbs and not 6 MBps then you have some issues, probably a weaker WiFi router or some kind of reduction in power from aging electronics. It's not normal to see that big of a loss of throughput from 3 year old gear though, most electronics randomly die before you notice any kind of usability loss like that.

If you have N WiFi on all of your machines then you should benefit from a new Wireless router.

 

[g90814]

Have you done anything in the router settings? Perhaps a reset and reconfigure would be in order. Also check to see if the firmware is up to date.

 

[JudeDias]

Have you done anything in the router settings? Perhaps a reset and reconfigure would be in order. Also check to see if the firmware is up to date.

The router settings have not been altered. And as far as I know, the firmware is up to date. Also I do notice that an antenna in the router is a tad bit loose. Should I be concerned?

 

[APassingMe]

I would just go ahead and upgrade, it is likely you have a broken antenna but it's probably not worth trying to fix over getting a new router.