Wi-Fi extremely slow for computer, but not tablet/smartphone.

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indianking

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Jul 18, 2016
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Hi everyone,

I need everyone's infinite wisdom in resolving a wireless network issue that's been plaguing me for over an year. Here's the setup: we have a wireless network housed in a separate room. My main desktop is located in our bedroom a few rooms apart with a many walls in between. Whenever we use our wi-fi through our tablets or smartphones, it is relatively fast throughout our entire home, but when I use it on my desktop it is extremely slow. Most of the time it will be around 50kb/s, but sometimes it will jump to 300-400kb/s.

I tried buying different wireless cards and adapters, but absolutely no luck! Do you have any suggestions to fix this issue?

Here is our hardware:

  • Internet

    • Modem: Arris TM822A
      Router: Linksys WRT54G
    Tablets/Smartphones (Fast wireless internet):

    • Samsung Note 4
      iPhone 6
      Microsoft Surface Pro 3
    Desktop:

    • Processor: AMD Phenom II X6 1055T
      RAM: 8 GB
      OS: Windows 10 Pro, 64 bit
      Internet Adapaters that I've tried (Slow wireless internet:

      • Linksys WUSB100 v2 (I tried using a USB extension cord as well)
        TP-LINK TL-WN881ND (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0079XWMEI/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
        There were two more that I had used in the past, but I no longer remember what they were.
If I can provide any additional information, please let me know! I should a note that this issue was present before I upgraded to Windows 10 (I had Windows 7 before).

Thank you!
 
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mikejahnke101

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May 15, 2016
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Is the desktop connected to a different wifi network by chance? (Provided you are running multiple networks on this router)

Also, are you trying to use this computer while the other devices are connected? Because this could take up a lot of bandwidth.

Another question I have for you is have you tried connecting this desktop to one of the wired Ethernet ports on the back of the router? This would give you a solid connection to the router.

Something that could be causing the slowness is the fact that it is a few rooms apart with walls in between. If the computer by a vent by chance? This could be causing the bad connection.

Now, contrary to popular belief, wifi signals do NOT travel between walls (and if they do, its a very faint signal) They need open space for the best connection. My theory is that the wifi receiver on the computer is facing the wall in your bedroom. So both the wall, and the computer case itself, along with the desk, could be blocking the signal from reaching and getting a solid connection to your router.
 
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indianking

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Jul 18, 2016
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Is the desktop connected to a different wifi network by chance? (Provided you are running multiple networks on this router)
Unfortunately, only one network. Under "Network Connections", I have three connections. An Ethernet, it is labeled as "Network cable unplugged". A "Wireless Network Connection 4, this is connected and the one I want to be connected to. A Wirless Network Connection 6, is labeled as "Not connected".

Also, are you trying to use this computer while the other devices are connected? Because this could take up a lot of bandwidth.
Yes, however when even when I'm on at 3:00 AM when everyone else is asleep it is still slow.

Another question I have for you is have you tried connecting this desktop to one of the wired Ethernet ports on the back of the router? This would give you a solid connection to the router.
I haven't tried directly connecting it to router before, but early last year my desktop was in the same room of the router and it was much faster.

Something that could be causing the slowness is the fact that it is a few rooms apart with walls in between. If the computer by a vent by chance? This could be causing the bad connection.
There is a vent in the room, but it is about 15 feet away from the desktop and not in the direct line to the router.

Now, contrary to popular belief, wifi signals do NOT travel between walls (and if they do, its a very faint signal) They need open space for the best connection. My theory is that the wifi receiver on the computer is facing the wall in your bedroom. So both the wall, and the computer case itself, along with the desk, could be blocking the signal from reaching and getting a solid connection to your router.
So I was thinking something similar before. The TP-LINK was on the back of the computer almost touching the wall and it was slow, so I purchased the USB adapter. It was originally connected to the front of the desktop, but since it was still slow, I connected it to a USB extension cord (about 10 feet long) and placed it as close to the door as possible (still slow), so I moved it higher up (still slow).


It's really weird. For example, this morning I couldn't even play a 144p video on YouTube, but now it will load a 720p just fine. Should I look into purchasing a different adapter?
 
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mikejahnke101

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May 15, 2016
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From the sounds of it, the adapter could be going bad.

Do you know if anyone else is having connection issues?

Another thing that could help, and I know this might sound odd, but have you tried changing the position of the antennas on the router? If possible, try pointing the antenna towards the room with the computer. This way it will broadcast more directly towards the room and may give you a better signal.
 
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indianking

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Jul 18, 2016
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I'm the only one have any issues :(

That is something I have never considered trying... I'll let you know what happens tomorrow! Our internet speeds in general are relatively slow (15 Mbsp if I remember correctly). With that said, hopefully upgrading our internet in the next few years. Do you have any suggestions on the best adapter to purchase in the meantime?

Thank you for the help!
 
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mikejahnke101

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May 15, 2016
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yeah hopefully upgrading will do the trick! In the mean time, a good wireless adapter would be. Now another thing that could be going on is that the router is getting old. If I looked up the correct router, it's broadcasting with wireless G. The adapters you used may only be using wireless N. Now you will still be able to connect, but using wireless G signal type can be slow.

In my opinion, I would upgrade the router; one that uses wireless N signal type or even wireless AC. Wireless N is now the standard mainly, but AC is starting to take over since it is so fast. Wireless N is backwards compatible with Wireless G, but you still may get slow speeds.

A good wifi adapter would be this one. But in my opinion, hard wiring would be the best way to go.

https://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-Range-Wireless-Compact-Adapter/dp/B0010OXEGW/ref=sr_1_43?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1468946573&sr=1-43&keywords=usb+wifi+adapter&refinements=p_89%3ANetgear%7CLinksys%7CCisco
 
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