Why is one laptop getting better Wifi speeds?

[donline]

Hi folks, I've just bought a new ASUS X-series laptop with 802.11ac Wifi adapter built in.

However, I just tested it and I'm only getting 70 Mbps connection speed via our Belkin dual band N+ Router, whilst our older laptop (Sony Vaio, around 7 years old, with 802.11n Wifi adapter) is getting 130 Mbps...

Any ideas why the older laptop is getting a faster connection speed?
(I've made sure that the positioning/distance of the laptops is the same).

Thanks

 

[makkem]

Hi
The Sony adaptor may have a better antenna and with it being an adaptor is probably better positioned with no chassis or components to block the signal.
Try turning the Asus around in 90 degree intervals to see if it affects the speed.

 

[donline]

Hi
The Sony adaptor may have a better antenna and with it being an adaptor is probably better positioned with no chassis or components to block the signal.
Try turning the Asus around in 90 degree intervals to see if it affects the speed.

Thanks makkem

I'm not sure if I'm understanding you right, but both systems are laptops with internal Wifi adaptors.

As you say, maybe the Sony laptop has a better quality adaptor.

I was wondering about getting this product to see if it would help (would do you think?):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-Archer-T4UH-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B00TEYAN2S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1464465475&sr=8-2&keywords=EXTERNAL+wifi+adapter

I'll also try turning the Asus laptop around at 90 degree intervals as you suggest

 

[makkem]

With you saying that the Asus had a built in adaptor and the Sony just had an adaptor ,I took it that you meant an external USB adaptor.
Its still the same reasoning,the Sony may have the Antenna located in a better position.
That TP adaptor would improve it as the antennas are free from obstructions and it can be moved for better reception.
Can I ask,is there a reason for wanting more than 70Mbps as that is generally more than enough for most purposes .What speed broadband do you have ?

 

[donline]

With you saying that the Asus had a built in adaptor and the Sony just had an adaptor ,I took it that you meant an external USB adaptor.
Its still the same reasoning,the Sony may have the Antenna located in a better position.
That TP adaptor would improve it as the antennas are free from obstructions and it can be moved for better reception.
Can I ask,is there a reason for wanting more than 70Mbps as that is generally more than enough for most purposes .What speed broadband do you have ?

Cheers makkem

Thanks for clarifying about the antennas. I'll play around with positioning the laptop, otherwise I think I may try the TP antenna and see if the speed picks up.

I just wanted the 100Mbps as that's what our other laptop has and it runs really smooth on the web. I believe 100Mbps is the max we can get with our service provider.

 

[maxwellmelon]

have you made sure both are connected to 5ghz freq. if the one is connected to the 2.4ghz freq that would slow it down

 

[donline]

With you saying that the Asus had a built in adaptor and the Sony just had an adaptor ,I took it that you meant an external USB adaptor.
Its still the same reasoning,the Sony may have the Antenna located in a better position.
That TP adaptor would improve it as the antennas are free from obstructions and it can be moved for better reception.
Can I ask,is there a reason for wanting more than 70Mbps as that is generally more than enough for most purposes .What speed broadband do you have ?

Hi makkem, I tried turning the Asus around in 90 degree intervals (plus put it right next to the router) but this didn't make any difference to the wifi speed (the signal strength went up one bar though from 3 to 4, out of 5 max).

 

[donline]

have you made sure both are connected to 5ghz freq. if the one is connected to the 2.4ghz freq that would slow it down

Thanks maxwellmelon

I'm not sure what freq they are connected to (I know that the router is dual-band though). How can I check/specify which freq the laptop connects to? Thanks!

 

[maxwellmelon]

well left click on the wireless symbol down in the taskbar. it will list all available networks and show which you are connected too. without knowing how you named your 2.4ghz and 5ghz network in the router (hopefully not the same mine I added 2.4 and 5 at the end of each so I can tell the difference in the router settings) but make sure your connected to the one that's your 5ghz.

 

[donline]

well left click on the wireless symbol down in the taskbar. it will list all available networks and show which you are connected too. without knowing how you named your 2.4ghz and 5ghz network in the router (hopefully not the same mine I added 2.4 and 5 at the end of each so I can tell the difference in the router settings) but make sure your connected to the one that's your 5ghz.

Thanks maxwellmelon

I didn't realise you could create two separate wifi connections with the same router? I thought the two bands (2.4ghz and 5ghz) just automatically transmitted at the same time...

Hmm, I need to look into the router's settings (not Windows settings?) and see what I can do.

Cheers again

 

[donline]

I managed to do what you said maxwellmelon and it worked out great, thanks!