More Powerful Router or Powerline Adapters? - Comcast

[Joe-OSU-]

This is a multi-part question, but I’m sure these are easy answers for people who know wireless networking. I know it's long, but you can skip to the questions at the end if you'd like.

First off, I’m currently renting my modem from Comcast, but I’d like to purchase one to save some money. Comcast lists the “approved” modems on their site mydeviceinfo.comcast.net (with the options Extreme 105, DOCSIS 3.0, and Retail devices). From what I’ve read searching the forums, it seems that modem/router combos aren’t the way to go. In that case, I’ve been looking at the SURFboard SB6141.

Second, I have been having issues with wireless network speeds since my recent move from Ohio to Connecticut. The issue seems to be with my routers. The reason I say that is I get full speeds whenever I have my computer hardwired, but it drops to almost nothing when wireless. I can only think of one hardware change between the two locations, and that is the modem. Unfortunately, I can't recall what modem I had with Time Warner, but my current modem is the SURFboard SB6120. In Ohio, my router was in the first floor living room, and my computer in the office above it. In Connecticut, I have moved the router as close as possible. It is in my bedroom on the second floor, with my computer in the office across the hall. This doesn't seem like a significant enough distance to drop my speed so much (unless the walls are made of lead and I am unaware).

Ohio (before):

• Time Warner
  Modem: Unknown
  Paid for 25Mpbs
  Received
  • Wireless: 13-20Mbps

Connecticut (now):

• Comcast
  Modem: SURFboard SB6120
  Pay for 105Mpbs
  Receive
  • Wired: 105Mbps
    Wireless: 0.77Mbps

Equipment (both locations):

• Routers: Linksys WRT110 or WRT54G ver. 2 (same results with both)
  MOBO: MSI Z87-GD65 Gaming
  PSU: Corsair CX600M
  Wireless Adapter: D-Link DWA-131 Wireless N Nano USB Adapter (plugged into 3.0 port on MOBO)
  OS: Windows 7 Professional Edition Service Pack 1 (build 7601), 64-bit, version 6.1.7601.

Additional Information:

• Signal strength always seems to be around 4-5 bars.
  Anywhere from 5-6 other wireless signals in the area. (townhome)
  I like to online game, so reliability is a concern as much as speed.
  I've been looking at powerline adapters also, but I don't know much about their reliability/performance.
  I'm ok with spending around $100 for the modem and another $100 for a router/powerline adapter kit (I could be persuaded to go higher).

I'm aware that my routers are only rated for 54Mbps, so I should be looking to upgrade anyway.
My questions are:

• Could there be an issue with my routers and the modem?
  If not, should I be expecting a similar issue even if I get a router with a higher max downstream?
  What router would you suggest for a two-story townhome with a 105Mpbs download package?
  Would a powerline adapter kit be a safer option?
  • I don’t know much about the powerline route. Are they reliable? Are they not recommended for gaming?
  Is the SURFboard SB6141 a good choice?

 

[BuddhaSkoota]

• Could there be an issue with my routers and the modem?
  If not, should I be expecting a similar issue even if I get a router with a higher max downstream?
  What router would you suggest for a two-story townhome with a 105Mpbs download package?
  Would a powerline adapter kit be a safer option?
  • I don’t know much about the powerline route. Are they reliable? Are they not recommended for gaming?
  Is the SURFboard SB6141 a good choice?

If speed when wired is fine, then the modem is not the problem. It's all about the wifi.

A new router may or may not solve the problem, especially since you are experiencing the issue with your two existing routers. Your problem likely stems from an interference/channel congestion issue. There are some things you can try first. Try changing the wireless channel on the router. Move the router away from potential sources of RF noise (e.g. PC, modem). Eliminate any other possible sources of frequency interference (e.g. cordless phones, wireless cams, etc.). Even fluorescent bulbs have been known to cause reception issues.

Power line network adapters are a better choice over wireless, but that can be dependent on the connection quality between adapters. Power line adapters are affected by distance, noisy appliances/devices, and certain electrical protective circuit breakers. I'd recommend trying them out, especially if you are an avid gamer. When they work, speed, connection quality and reliability can rival wireless most times.

If you decide to try a different router, the choice you make depends on the capability of your wireless adapters. You might consider upgrading to an AC router, or at least one the is dual-band capable. It appears your current equipment is only 2.4GHz, so getting on the 5GHz band may alleviate interference issues. You would also need to upgrade your wireless adapter to AC or dual band.

 

[smitbret]

This is a multi-part question, but I’m sure these are easy answers for people who know wireless networking. I know it's long, but you can skip to the questions at the end if you'd like.

First off, I’m currently renting my modem from Comcast, but I’d like to purchase one to save some money. Comcast lists the “approved” modems on their site mydeviceinfo.comcast.net (with the options Extreme 105, DOCSIS 3.0, and Retail devices). From what I’ve read searching the forums, it seems that modem/router combos aren’t the way to go. In that case, I’ve been looking at the SURFboard SB6141.

Second, I have been having issues with wireless network speeds since my recent move from Ohio to Connecticut. The issue seems to be with my routers. The reason I say that is I get full speeds whenever I have my computer hardwired, but it drops to almost nothing when wireless. I can only think of one hardware change between the two locations, and that is the modem. Unfortunately, I can't recall what modem I had with Time Warner, but my current modem is the SURFboard SB6120. In Ohio, my router was in the first floor living room, and my computer in the office above it. In Connecticut, I have moved the router as close as possible. It is in my bedroom on the second floor, with my computer in the office across the hall. This doesn't seem like a significant enough distance to drop my speed so much (unless the walls are made of lead and I am unaware).

Ohio (before):

• Time Warner
  Modem: Unknown
  Paid for 25Mpbs
  Received
  • Wireless: 13-20Mbps

Connecticut (now):

• Comcast
  Modem: SURFboard SB6120
  Pay for 105Mpbs
  Receive
  • Wired: 105Mbps
    Wireless: 0.77Mbps

Equipment (both locations):

• Routers: Linksys WRT110 or WRT54G ver. 2 (same results with both)
  MOBO: MSI Z87-GD65 Gaming
  PSU: Corsair CX600M
  Wireless Adapter: D-Link DWA-131 Wireless N Nano USB Adapter (plugged into 3.0 port on MOBO)
  OS: Windows 7 Professional Edition Service Pack 1 (build 7601), 64-bit, version 6.1.7601.

Additional Information:

• Signal strength always seems to be around 4-5 bars.
  Anywhere from 5-6 other wireless signals in the area. (townhome)
  I like to online game, so reliability is a concern as much as speed.
  I've been looking at powerline adapters also, but I don't know much about their reliability/performance.
  I'm ok with spending around $100 for the modem and another $100 for a router/powerline adapter kit (I could be persuaded to go higher).

I'm aware that my routers are only rated for 54Mbps, so I should be looking to upgrade anyway.
My questions are:

• Could there be an issue with my routers and the modem?
  If not, should I be expecting a similar issue even if I get a router with a higher max downstream?
  What router would you suggest for a two-story townhome with a 105Mpbs download package?
  Would a powerline adapter kit be a safer option?
  • I don’t know much about the powerline route. Are they reliable? Are they not recommended for gaming?
  Is the SURFboard SB6141 a good choice?

The modem won't affect your wireless speeds if your wired speeds are fine.

Also, you are saying the speeds are the same regardless of whether you use the WRT110 or the WRT54G?

Pull that wireless adapter out of the USB 3.0 port and move it to a USB 2.0 part as far away as possible and re run the test. There is research that indicates USB 3.0 actually interferes with WiFi signals. You'll get no benefit from running USB 3 instead of USB 2, anyway.