Wired Internet Connection Much Slower than Advertised

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robocat

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Jun 4, 2013
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My family's been dealing with really slow internet for a while, and I was enlisted to help. We have a several computers and an Xbox sharing a WiFi connection, and one computer plugged into the router directly with an Ethernet cord.

We're paying for Centurylink high speed internet, which is advertised to be speeds "up to 40 Mbps," but when I did a speed test I was getting a measly 1.3 Mbps download speed. I thought that maybe the problem was the router, but when I plugged my Ethernet cord directly into the modem, I was still getting around 1.3 Mbps. Virus scans haven't turned up anything, so I don't think its a problem with my computer.

We've had the modem and router for about 12 years, so I'm wondering if something's off there.

Is there a way for me to check if its the modem without buying and installing a new one? And, are there other possible causes for this I might've missed?

Thanks!
 
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rex4235

rex4235

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Jun 9, 2012
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With DSL you wouldnt experience network utilization issues like cable. The "up to 40Mbps" gives leeway for distance to node, latency, and line degradation. Sounds like a tech needs to do a line test on site. It could be a number of things. Run a ping test and see what you getting.
 
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robocat

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Jun 4, 2013
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Haven't contacted them yet. I'll give the tech support line a call, though, if it's fairly possible it's on them.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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If you're getting that slow speed plugged directly into the modem, it is likely it is on them.
 
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robocat

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Ok, thanks! I'll look into that, then.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Good luck. Several years ago, I had a long running battle with Cox Cable. Dropouts for hours at a time, 3-4 days a week.
They eventually fixed their upstream equipment.
 
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rex4235

rex4235

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Yea, Im in a similar scenario w/ Cable One. After 7+ tech calls, they finally sent a tech on site. Turns out they are in the process of upgrading the nodes and head-end (because they are opening up 75 Mbps soon) Unfortunately it took 2+ weeks to get a solid answer. Everything up unto that point was tech jibber-jabber about "peak time" and crap. Just stay on it. They often time bank on the fact that they can feed people BS until the issue resolves itself
 
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smorizio

smorizio

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Is this dsl or cable modem. If it a cable modem google the cable modem info to see what cable modem standard is. Is it and old 1.x unit or newer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOCSIS
newer modems get higher speed to to channel bonding. if you can log into you modem check it line noise and signal level. Post it here. in older homes the older splitters were know to cut digital signal. Check the main line if you can if this is dsl. Overtime could be a lose wire or rust in the junction box.
Also look at the wires from your home to the pole. Could be cut up by trees or grounding out.
 
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robocat

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Well this is embarrassing...after contacting the CenturyLink people it turned out our connection is only 1.5 Mbps. I think I misread a promotion on the account page. That said, now I know we're paying $45 a month for that 1.5 Mbps, which is pretty outlandish. I imagine we'll be shopping around in the near future.

Anyways, thanks very much everyone for the help!
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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The tech can monitor and evaluate the incoming signal. Everything outboard of the box on the house is their responsibility.
If it is inside of that (house wiring), he can recommend a fix, or you pay him to fix it.
 
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rex4235

rex4235

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At least you know you're getting what you're contracted for!
 
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USAFRet

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That is pretty outlandish. I'm paying about that (for the Net part of Net/TV/Phone bundle) for 50up/25down FiOS.
 
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