LAN to WAN speed issues?

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goodtimesnw

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Feb 21, 2014
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Hey all - I've got an interesting issue that I cannot figure out.

Im the network "geek" for the firefighter union here. Recently I upgraded our aging routers with two Linksys EA3500's. The setup is pretty simple - Cable Modem > WAN Router #1 > LAN of Router #1 to WAN of #2. I wanted to set it up this way so I could keep the guest network active (because I read that you cannot have an active guest network if DHCP is disabled).

When moving from upstairs (router #1 coverage) to downstairs (router #2 connection), the connection gets unusually slow (including vice-versa). Performing a speedtest on my iPhone app, the connection starts out fine, then suddenly drops to .75-1MB. Then, during the speed test, it experiences a series of spikes in speed then back to slow.

WIRED devices are fine - no issues.

Now the curious thing: If I "forget" the network and re-connect, its back to full speed.

The SSID and WEP2 Personal info is identical as I want the network names/passwords to be the same at every station. I have changed the channels on each router so that they wouldn't conflict.

Any idea why the drops in speed when changing router connections? Thanks so much..
 
Solution
ronintexas
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 cell phone, and when moving from zones in the house, I have to disable wi-fi, then re-enable wi-fi to connect to the proper router. For some reason, either the Android OS wants to keep a connection until it absolutely loses it....there is software that enables wi-fi scanning to obtain the best signal, but when I tried that, it was constantly jumping wi-fi connections. Using speedtest.net app on the phone, it is kind of hit or miss for throughput on the cell phone.

In using my laptops - both work better connecting throughout the house - they have software (both ASUS brand - comes with the laptop) that will inform you when there is a better connection, and you click to switch. The phone has nothing like...
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ronintexas

ronintexas

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Dec 10, 2012
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There is a possibility of two issues:
1) The phone isn't switching over from one network to the other. The way to test this - change the SSID to something like FIREHOUSE1 and FIREHOUSE2 (you can utilize the same password for both), that way, you will know which wifi network you are on. Using the same SSID - you won't know which one you are connected to.
2) At some point, there is going to be a "spot" where both networks are of equal strength - switching them to different channels helps - but there is always going to be a "dead zone" somewhere.....

Another thing - is router #2 setup in "access point" mode? (see page 45 of the manual) http://downloads.linksys.com/downloads/userguide/EA-Series_UG_Full_3425-00125D_EN_FR-CA_Web.pdf
 
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goodtimesnw

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Feb 21, 2014
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Thanks - Ill try switching network names - however I'm at a rather large station with routers on opposite ends of the station and different floors. And - I stand next to each router to confirm its one network to another.

As far as the second routers config, it definitely isn't in access point mode. Its in the same, DHCP enabled mode as router #1... essentially a second network (LAN of #1 to WAN of #2)
 
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ronintexas

ronintexas

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Dec 10, 2012
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I have configured multiple routers with the same SSID before, I just know that troubleshooting the connectivity is very tough. When first setting up the routers, it is best to have different SSID's (temporarily), place the routers where they are going to go, and test connectivity. You will find some devices do not drop a connection from one network to another until the network is unusable (i.e. no connectivity) - it isn't a case of selecting which network has a better signal strength. That may be why when you "forget the connection", it connects at the higher speed.

BTW - thank you for your service to the community :)
 
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goodtimesnw

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Feb 21, 2014
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So I tested with different SSIDs - same thing. When I left the service area of Router 2 to Router 1's area, SpeedTest shows an inital burst of great speed, then the needle freezes for a couple seconds, then "snaps" erratically to different speeds, only to settle on 0.5/1-ish speed... the baseline looks sawtooth.

Rectified with a forget network/rejoin. Of course, when I leave that area and move back to the first router, same thing.

Im wondering - should I set Router 1 to 5GHz and Router 2 to 2.4GHz? Think that would help?
 
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ronintexas

ronintexas

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Dec 10, 2012
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I have 3 routers in my house - and each has a different SSID (same password) for each radio. So I have "TEXAS1" to "TEXAS6". Some of my devices won't connect on the 5GHz.....so only a 2.4GHz connection is available to it. I arranged the 3 to minimize the "dead zones". The one problem I have is it doesn't want to automatically switch over to the better signal.

When you said that you "left the service area of router 2 to router 1's area..." - did it change networks to the 2nd SSID? Also - what device(s) are connecting to both networks?
 
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goodtimesnw

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Feb 21, 2014
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Re: the SSID. Both the 2.4 and 5HGz radios - on each respective router - share the same SSID. I just changed the SSID's for each ROUTER. (Router 1 has FIRE1 for both bands and router 2 has FIRE2 for both bands). Its impossible for a device to stay connected from one router to another because of the distance between them.... and the station is all cement and metal.
 
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ronintexas

ronintexas

Judicious
Dec 10, 2012
5,911
0
32,960
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 cell phone, and when moving from zones in the house, I have to disable wi-fi, then re-enable wi-fi to connect to the proper router. For some reason, either the Android OS wants to keep a connection until it absolutely loses it....there is software that enables wi-fi scanning to obtain the best signal, but when I tried that, it was constantly jumping wi-fi connections. Using speedtest.net app on the phone, it is kind of hit or miss for throughput on the cell phone.

In using my laptops - both work better connecting throughout the house - they have software (both ASUS brand - comes with the laptop) that will inform you when there is a better connection, and you click to switch. The phone has nothing like that.....just remember or forget....but if you disable/enable wi-fi, it takes about 3-5 seconds to switch routers.
 
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