Getting the most out of my Internet Connection

[Ecg28713]

I just signed up for Internet through ZITO Media and I chose the 100Mbps plan and I also chose to buy my own modem so I didn't have to rent equipment. I chose the Arris Surfboard SB6141 and I have a Linksys N900 Smart router for Wireless. I'm not super well versed in networking, but I see that I am not getting the full 100Mbps that I am paying for. I know enough that I realistically won't get 100Mbps all the time or at all due to many many circumstances. But I'm pretty sure that all the equipment that I have should be able to handle 100Mbps. My question is I'm the best test that I have gotten with my equipment is 50Mbps. Am I in the realistic zone for what I'm paying or should I get closer to 100Mbps than that? Everything on my Router and modem is set to the default settings. Am I asking to much or is this a typical speed for my advertised plan speed?

 

[captaincharisma]

is that the same modem ZITO uses? if you want to get the most out of your internet connection your best bet is to use the same equipment that your ISP uses. also it may be something to do with your modem/router combination.

it does suck you have to pay an additional fee for equipment from the ISP but you get the equipment they test and use to get their advertised speeds

 

[JamesSneed]

Have you tested hard wired into your Arris Surfboard SB6141? The site www.fast.com is one of the better speed tests, It's owned by Netflix.

 

[aquielisunari]

I just signed up for Internet through ZITO Media and I chose the 100Mbps plan and I also chose to buy my own modem so I didn't have to rent equipment. I chose the Arris Surfboard SB6141 and I have a Linksys N900 Smart router for Wireless. I'm not super well versed in networking, but I see that I am not getting the full 100Mbps that I am paying for. I know enough that I realistically won't get 100Mbps all the time or at all due to many many circumstances. But I'm pretty sure that all the equipment that I have should be able to handle 100Mbps. My question is I'm the best test that I have gotten with my equipment is 50Mbps. Am I in the realistic zone for what I'm paying or should I get closer to 100Mbps than that? Everything on my Router and modem is set to the default settings. Am I asking to much or is this a typical speed for my advertised plan speed?

Your ISP's bandwidth test should also be compared with other tests such as https://testmy.net/hoststats/zito_media and http://www.speedtest.net/. I also test at multiple servers in my area. The result should be VERY close to the speed stated by your ISP. Half speed suggests a problem. Okay fine, there are peak periods and such but through those tests at multiple times per day you should be seeing the speed you agreed to. I'd also understand 50 if you were at a site such as Softsonic downloading something. I'd be on the horn with your ISP 5 or 10 minutes ago.

 

[cryoburner]

Have you tried connecting an ethernet cable to the wireless router to test the performance, or have you just tested over Wifi? The wireless performance will also depend on the devices receiving the signal. Do they all support Wireless N connections or better, or are they connected via something like B/G?

 

[Ecg28713]

Have you tested hard wired into your Arris Surfboard SB6141? The site www.fast.com is one of the better speed tests, It's owned by Netflix.

I have tried speed tests directly wired to the modem and I see no change.

 

[Ecg28713]

Have you tried connecting an ethernet cable to the wireless router to test the performance, or have you just tested over Wifi? The wireless performance will also depend on the devices receiving the signal. Do they all support Wireless N connections or better, or are they connected via something like B/G?

I have tested both. They told me that the modem would be compatible and they said that they do offer Arris Modems.

 

[Ecg28713]

Have you tried connecting an ethernet cable to the wireless router to test the performance, or have you just tested over Wifi? The wireless performance will also depend on the devices receiving the signal. Do they all support Wireless N connections or better, or are they connected via something like B/G?

I have tried both. I have done tests from many different sources such as my Xbox, Playstation, Computer, and as many test sites as I can. I'm just wondering if my quest to get the best out of my own equipment is worth it or if leasing the router is worth the extra money. Its hard to complain considering its many times faster than anything I have ever had before. But I'm also wondering if I drop down the plan to 50 Mbps if it will slow down even more.

 

[Solandri]

The SB6141 is one of the most popular DOCSIS 3.0 modems in the world, and should be able to hit about 250-300 Mbps. If it's not working, it's probably the ISP which has problems.

Call the ISP and request that they "reset" your modem from their end. The way these modems work is that they transmit/receive on multiple frequency "channels" simultaneously. Each channel can carry about 40-50 Mbps. The SB6141 is 8x4 channels (8 down, 4 up), so can hit a theoretical max of 320-400 Mbps down, 108 Mbps up (upstream channels are narrower). However, sometimes the frequencies the ISP's equipment assigns to your channels don't match with the frequencies your modem is looking for on its channels. An ISP-induced reset synchronizes these frequency allocations between their equipment and your modem. (You may have to do this again from time to time, because cable companies occasionally reconfigure their network when local traffic patterns change.)

All that said, the fact that you're getting exactly half the speed you're paying for suggests the ISP has you incorrectly set up as a 50 Mbps account instead of 100 Mbps. Question them about that too, although they might not admit it and your problem will "mysteriously" fix itself.

 

[JamesSneed]

I would certainly call your ISP because your SB6141 router can do way more than 50Mbps when hard wired. It could be something trivial like they provisioned you for 50Mbps by accident.

 

[ohiou_grad_2006]

Sometimes too though, depending where you live, if you are further in the country or in a rural type area, that may be all they can actually send. For example, I have charter internet, my wife and I live in a smaller town. We pay for 100mbps(lowest option we can select). I would say on wifi, at least on the old 2.4ghz wifi, I can pull 48-50mbps. When hardwired, I can pull 65-75mbps I would guess. But as I said we are in a smaller community, so who knows how good the wiring is after it comes off the pole. What they may tell you as well is that with residential, they make a best effort to deliver that speed, but can't guarantee it.

However, do give them a call, it may just be something simple on their side where they can reprovision the signal and get you running closer to what you are paying for.

 

[Ecg28713]

Sometimes too though, depending where you live, if you are further in the country or in a rural type area, that may be all they can actually send. For example, I have charter internet, my wife and I live in a smaller town. We pay for 100mbps(lowest option we can select). I would say on wifi, at least on the old 2.4ghz wifi, I can pull 48-50mbps. When hardwired, I can pull 65-75mbps I would guess. But as I said we are in a smaller community, so who knows how good the wiring is after it comes off the pole. What they may tell you as well is that with residential, they make a best effort to deliver that speed, but can't guarantee it.

However, do give them a call, it may just be something simple on their side where they can reprovision the signal and get you running closer to what you are paying for.

They told me it could take a couple of days to get up to speed, but I'm not sure how true that is, but I have gotten a test to show me 100 Mbps so I know it will go at least that fast. They did say it would take a few days to get to that point and it was true at least from my point of view. That was right before I swapped out the ISP provided equipment. So I'm gonna see what unfolds and then call them back. I do live in a smaller town, but where I live is a straight shot to town so I don't think its my location. I've been in places that are like that and for once its not because of where I live.

 

[aquielisunari]

Sometimes too though, depending where you live, if you are further in the country or in a rural type area, that may be all they can actually send. For example, I have charter internet, my wife and I live in a smaller town. We pay for 100mbps(lowest option we can select). I would say on wifi, at least on the old 2.4ghz wifi, I can pull 48-50mbps. When hardwired, I can pull 65-75mbps I would guess. But as I said we are in a smaller community, so who knows how good the wiring is after it comes off the pole. What they may tell you as well is that with residential, they make a best effort to deliver that speed, but can't guarantee it.

However, do give them a call, it may just be something simple on their side where they can reprovision the signal and get you running closer to what you are paying for.

Other businesses would be accused of false advertising, offering false hopes and bait and switch. Offering one thing but... I am in the country. I see hundreds of stars at night. I remember living in the city with only a dozen or less in sight. On two sides of us there is a smallish forest. In front of us there is a HUGE field(50 acres?) and to our left there are more trees. Not surprising there isn't any internet infrastructure out here. We get satellite or some phone based internet. I receive what they say I am paying for. There was a short period there where I wasn't. Long and short of that was a credit to my account and their next generation of modem. Basically a free upgrade. Problem solved.

It's not being rude or greedy asking your ISP about your service. If I am going to routinely receive half of what I pay for, me and them will have a conversation. You are not the only one under a contractual obligation. Even though this is very fast for you it's up to them to fulfill their end of the deal. Whether it's a pound of apples or 100mb/s it's our responsibility to keep these companies honest, to a point.

 

[ohiou_grad_2006]

Agreed. He should definitely call them. For me, my connection is plenty, which is usually streaming on 2-3 devices at once, plus online gaming and maybe cell phones going at the same time. So yeah, we are pretty good on the connection we have.

 

[aquielisunari]

Sometimes too though, depending where you live, if you are further in the country or in a rural type area, that may be all they can actually send. For example, I have charter internet, my wife and I live in a smaller town. We pay for 100mbps(lowest option we can select). I would say on wifi, at least on the old 2.4ghz wifi, I can pull 48-50mbps. When hardwired, I can pull 65-75mbps I would guess. But as I said we are in a smaller community, so who knows how good the wiring is after it comes off the pole. What they may tell you as well is that with residential, they make a best effort to deliver that speed, but can't guarantee it.

However, do give them a call, it may just be something simple on their side where they can reprovision the signal and get you running closer to what you are paying for.

They told me it could take a couple of days to get up to speed, but I'm not sure how true that is, but I have gotten a test to show me 100 Mbps so I know it will go at least that fast. They did say it would take a few days to get to that point and it was true at least from my point of view. That was right before I swapped out the ISP provided equipment. So I'm gonna see what unfolds and then call them back. I do live in a smaller town, but where I live is a straight shot to town so I don't think its my location. I've been in places that are like that and for once its not because of where I live.

Sounds like a good plan.

 

[JamesSneed]

Also, you may try doing a speed test way out side of peak times like between midnight and 6am. It could be they over provisioned to much which there won't be a whole lot you can do if that's the case. Smalls towns do this a lot to save a few dollars.

 

[ohiou_grad_2006]

Yes. Like some folks I've helped before. They paid for dsl, maybe like 6mbps, way out in the country. But they've had a lot of issues. The ISP basically even told them they have way too many people on that one line, which basically means their speeds are dismal, so much so they downgraded to like 1 mbps. Which is sad, because they used to like to game a lot, but their connection is too slow for that now.

 

[Solandri]

I am in the country. I see hundreds of stars at night. I remember living in the city with only a dozen or less in sight.

Totally off-topic, but even hundreds of stars at night is pathetic. I grew up just outside the suburbs in the 1970s. You couldn't count the stars. The Milky Way was a vast white carpet which stretched across the sky. Those of you who've never seen it (pretty much everyone under 40) should go camping at a dark site during clear weather at least once in your lifetime.

http://darksitefinder.com/maps/world.html

It's not being rude or greedy asking your ISP about your service. If I am going to routinely receive half of what I pay for, me and them will have a conversation. You are not the only one under a contractual obligation. Even though this is very fast for you it's up to them to fulfill their end of the deal. Whether it's a pound of apples or 100mb/s it's our responsibility to keep these companies honest, to a point.

Exactly. Every economic transaction is symmetric. You are paying for their service with money. They are paying for your money with service. If they're not giving you the agreed upon level of service, that's the same thing as you not paying them the agreed upon amount of money. In fact if it turns out to be their fault and you complain about it, they should give you a credit for the underperforming service thus far.

Yes. Like some folks I've helped before. They paid for dsl, maybe like 6mbps, way out in the country. But they've had a lot of issues. The ISP basically even told them they have way too many people on that one line, which basically means their speeds are dismal, so much so they downgraded to like 1 mbps. Which is sad, because they used to like to game a lot, but their connection is too slow for that now.

DSL is a bit different. Each connection on DSL from the customer to the DSLAM (ISP's equivalent of a DSL modem) is independent and unshared. The speed drops with distance from the customer to the DSLAM, so if the customer is too far from the phone equipment, there's nothing the ISP can do to improve speeds short of building a new office closer to the home.

Cable is shared between people in the neighborhood, and has repeaters to regenerate signal strength. If the cable ISP detects service levels are dropping because one neighborhood is saturating their bandwidth, they're supposed to re-subnet their equipment (basically redraw the lines of the service neighborhoods) so fewer high-use customers are sharing each cable subnet. If they're not doing this, then it's because the ISP is being lazy or they're not paying for the equipment needed to do this.

 

[Ecg28713]

So one of the installers tried to tell me that it is impossible to get 100 Mbps through my Xbox One and PS4. The Only way to get that speed is to hardwire it to a laptop. I say that's BS. I have seen speeds as high as 115 via Wifi on my Xbox. I called the customer service people and they seem to think its has something to do with my signal levels which is due to some of the wiring. Anybody have any input on this?

 

[ohiou_grad_2006]

It's possible that some of the wiring in your neighborhood might be older or not up to par. I guess you can complain since you are paying for 100, but you might see how much the 50mbps package is vs the 100. Maybe save some money if they refuse to do anything.

 

[Ecg28713]

It's possible that some of the wiring in your neighborhood might be older or not up to par. I guess you can complain since you are paying for 100, but you might see how much the 50mbps package is vs the 100. Maybe save some money if they refuse to do anything.

It's $10 Less for the 50 Mbps package, but their is a Cap Difference, 500GBs vs 850GBs I know it would be more than worth the extra $10 for the extra Cap space. They are a pretty new service for our area and I live just outside of the city limits so location isn't a problem, we are a straight shot from town. The thing that bothers me so much is the fact that I have seen speeds of +100 Mbps.

 

[ohiou_grad_2006]

Ah. So it at least bursts to that, but they are acting like you can't get that sustained. When you get the 50 for example, are you just on wifi or hardwired etc? Might be worth plugging directly into your modem and seeing what speed you get directly from the modem, you've probably done this multiple times. If you have, disregard this. But could it be possible that the router you are using could be holding it back? I know at our home, as I said, we can usually get about 75 hardwired. If I'm on 2.4ghz wifi though, I get closer to 40-50. On 5ghz, I think I get 65ish, and then hardwired depending what's running on the network, I can do 65-75. We do a lot of streaming so sometimes speeds vary even on hardwired if my wife is streaming for example, but still fast enough for what we use.

 

[Ecg28713]

I've done both wireless and wired on multiple devices. I haven't gotten anything greater than 47Mbps. This is at non peak times as well. as well as both 2.4 and 5 Ghz Bands. Also my router is a Linksys N900 Smart Router which should handle up to 450Mbps. The Modem should handle 348Mbps.

 

[JamesSneed]

So one of the installers tried to tell me that it is impossible to get 100 Mbps through my Xbox One and PS4. The Only way to get that speed is to hardwire it to a laptop. I say that's BS. I have seen speeds as high as 115 via Wifi on my Xbox. I called the customer service people and they seem to think its has something to do with my signal levels which is due to some of the wiring. Anybody have any input on this?

Since you said you already tested it hard wired I would just call them on it and say yes show me 100Mps hard wired as IM not getting that either.