Should I get a new router?

mrmike16

Honorable
Mar 10, 2016
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My modem/router combined device is seeing some bad days, even though it is new. I can't tell if it's the bandwidth, or the router part of it!

So I am getting a new WiFi adapter for my desktop computer (The one I have is 50Mbps...), but that won't help my laptops, my LG G4, or my Surface 3, which have been suffering the most internet speed problems. I also want to note that it was the worst when my father used his VoIP phone, but sometimes the internet is fine while he is on it.

So how can I tell if it's just bad bandwidth (we are considering switching the plan if that is the case) or the router?

Are router/modem devices that come with the service that bad?
 
Solution
To see if it's the ISP rather than the Wifi, connect with an ethernet cable and head over to DSLreports to run their bufferbloat speedtest.

If it's the ISP then I strongly recommend putting that Modem into Bridge Mode and getting a separate router that can do fq_codel QoS. If it turns out to be Wifi then it's possibly just interference so try changing the band to 5GHz on an empty channel, or if your combo device has no 5GHz at least a different channel.

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Not necessarily.

But to find the problem, you have to do some investigating.

What performance do you pay the ISP for?
What do you get wired directly to the router?
What speed do you get with a WiFi device in the same room line of sight?
 
To see if it's the ISP rather than the Wifi, connect with an ethernet cable and head over to DSLreports to run their bufferbloat speedtest.

If it's the ISP then I strongly recommend putting that Modem into Bridge Mode and getting a separate router that can do fq_codel QoS. If it turns out to be Wifi then it's possibly just interference so try changing the band to 5GHz on an empty channel, or if your combo device has no 5GHz at least a different channel.
 
Solution

Quarkzquarkz

Distinguished
Sep 18, 2013
445
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18,965
One of the ways to test bandwith connection speed is to try it with an rj45 direct line connection. I say this because it's still very reliable and it's a good baseline to compare with wifi connection.

Once you get that down, try to see if perhaps its the desktop that needs wireless drivers updated that is causing intermittent speed issues. Also always check if your router has the latest drivers updated. And also testing on the time of day has some significant impact because of other uses during peak hours.

Lastly, sometimes a good reboot of the router and modem will fix lag issues and also check for server outages around your area online. Good luck!
 

mrmike16

Honorable
Mar 10, 2016
310
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10,915
Thanks for the replies! I'll have to see when the office room is available to test that out, and during a time when it is going slowly. I think we pay for 100 mbps if that makes sense...
Forgive my non-network-savviness, but I have no idea what fq_codel is. I might Google that.
Unfortunately, I've been trying to get a hold of the provider to get my online account info. Without it, I can't see much on the router's website.