Potential Wireless Card Problem

[Axioen_]

Recently I departed from my old Comcast modem. Thing was about 5 years old and eventually died. It worked well during it's time and I had no internet connectivity issues. I just recently got their new modem/router combination and it's not working worth a damn for me. The 10 year old laptop downstairs seems to get a fine connection, but my laptop upstairs is having serious trouble. Here's where it gets weird. I can download games from steam at 1.6 mb/s, though I'm too laggy to skype. Apparantely my input is too low quality/laggy/staticy to hear clearly and their output is the same for me. I can't play games with anyone because I get huge lag spikes, whilst hitting 60fps. My computers hardware is fine, but I'm worried about the wireless card. I can connect to webpages moderately fine and such, but I can't connect to 10.0.0.1 (XFINITY's router page). I did a speedtest last week and I got around 0.50 mb/s, though my iPhone right next to me is reading 35mb/s. I'ved done multiple virus scans, checked device manager, and reset the damn thing a couple times. It's been like this for a few weeks and nothing I try is working.

All replies appreciated.
Thank you very much.

 

[Carobthomp]

It sounds like you might be experiencing a wireless interference issue, common with modem/router combinations, as they don't always have the strongest routers. First thing first, routers work best when they are at level or above the devices trying to connect to it, relocating it may help. Secondly, try changing your wireless channel between 1, 6, and 11, to try and isolate you from some other frequencies from WiFi in your area. Also take into consideration that several devices like microwaves, cordless phones, stereos, baby monitors, radiant heating in floors, etc can cause interference/limit the connection, so try to figure out if any similar device might be in your home causing that issue.

If you try that, and you still have issues, it might be worth while to look into getting a newer, stronger router, something with an 802.11ac wireless beaming technology (works good against interference), and if you do that, make sure you let your cable company know so they can turn off their router, as that can cause issues if two are connected to the modem.

Also keep in mind that wireless speeds will always fluctuate. If you continue to have issues, check your wireless card, as it may be out-dated, you could always test that theory by switching to a USB wireless adapter to see how well it works.

 

[Axioen_]

Thank you! I'm going to attempt to use my USB wireless adapter tomorrow. If thats the problem then I'll buy a second one for my laptop.