[SOLVED] Why is the PC not using all the bandwidth?

[0_3mar_0]

Hi,
I have an internet service that provides 100mbps of download speed and I have a PC that doesn't use it all. I measured the speed on speedtest.net and the result was only 2mbps. I can't connect the PC to the router using a cable, therefore I use a USB adapter to connect through Wi-Fi. At first, I thought the problem lies in the adapter. I made sure to install the right drivers, I reinstalled them several times, and I even changed the adapter itself and tried a new adapter but unfortunately no luck. I took the PC to the customer service of the shop I bought it from, but they also couldn't solve the problem. Sometimes I realized a change in speed which is due to changing the location of the PC but I didn't know that until I focused on it. The PC was on the ground, and I got only 2mbps. I moved it on top of a table, and the result surprised me. The speed went from 2mbps to 25mbps! So I guess changing locations is a step to the solution, but it is still not enough, because I can't move it freely anywhere, and I need the full speed. I am pretty sure the problem lies within the PC or perhaps Windows 10 Pro. It has nothing to do with the ISP in my opinion. I measured the speed on several other devices in my house and they all showed 100mbps and are working properly with no problems. Here are some of the specs if that helps:
i5-9400f
RTX 2060 super
16gb RAM
Windows 10 Pro
128gb m.2 ssd and 1tb hdd
I hope someone knows a solution to this problem, because it is really annoying.

 

[rocktalkrock]

Can you identify the USB adapter you are using?

 

[0_3mar_0]

Can you identify the USB adapter you are using?

It's Tp-link TL-WN725N. here's a link:
https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/usb-adapter/tl-wn725n/
I'm not sure if it's v3 or v1 though sorry.

 

[rocktalkrock]

It sounds like you are just getting a weak signal between your router and the USB Wi-Fi adapter. Can you not move the router to a better location to give out a stronger signal? Perhaps raising it up higher.

 

[0_3mar_0]

Unfortunately, I can't move the router, but it is already in a high and good location to distribute the signal very well. There is also another point I'm not sure if I can explain clearly. The router provides 2 networks to connect to, a 2.4G network and a 5G network. The signal of the 2.4G network is weak but has a good range, while the signal of the 5G network is strong but has a close range. My house is not so big, so the 5G network can reach every room and every device in it. Yesterday, the PC was connected to the 5G network and I got 25mbps. Today, the 5G network suddenly disappeared and I had no option but to connect to the 2.4G network, from which I got 10mbps of download speed. I was also able to move the PC today very close to the router for a quick test before returning it to its place. First, the 5G network didn't appear, even though the PC is so close to the router. Second, I measured the speed and I got about 27mbps, which I think proves that the closer the PC is to the router, the higher the speed is, but I couldn't reach the full 100mbps speed yet, and besides, the other devices I have are also far from the router and they are able to reach the full speed. Third, I tried connecting the PC to the router using an ethernet cable and I was able to reach the full speed. Still, that doesn't solve my problem, because I can't keep the PC next to the router. As I said, I only moved it for a quick test.

 

[kanewolf]

It's Tp-link TL-WN725N. here's a link:
https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/usb-adapter/tl-wn725n/
I'm not sure if it's v3 or v1 though sorry.

"nano" USB adapters are garbage. They have no space for a large antenna. That one is also not dual band.
If you want better bandwidth then you have to get a better adapter. Something like this -- https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/usb-adapter/archer-t4u/

 

[0_3mar_0]

Thanks for the suggestion.
What about this one:

Linksys | Networking & WiFi Technology

Experience fast, reliable, secure and easy to use WiFi when you level up with connectivity solutions made for home, business, and enterprise from Linksys.

www.linksys.com

Is it good or perhaps better than the one you suggested? I found it in one of the shops in my region, while the one you suggest can hardly be found.

 

[kanewolf]

Thanks for the suggestion.
What about this one:

Linksys | Networking & WiFi Technology

Experience fast, reliable, secure and easy to use WiFi when you level up with connectivity solutions made for home, business, and enterprise from Linksys.

www.linksys.com

Is it good or perhaps better than the one you suggested? I found it in one of the shops in my region, while the one you suggest can hardly be found.

It is similar. I only suggested TP-Link since that is what you had.
USB WIFI is difficult to predict. The case can block a lot of the signal, so which USB port you use can make a difference also.

 

[0_3mar_0]

I bought the Linksys one and tested it. finally reached the full 100mbps speed. I didn't know the problem is with the adapter, especially after changing it before. Thank you so much for your help. I appreciate it.

 

[beers]

I didn't know the problem is with the adapter

That usually happens when you buy the cheapest one you can find 😉

Glad you got it sorted.

 

[DeauteratedDog]

Those 'nano' adapters are a menace.