Wireless Router Speeds

[MurrayKahn]

I have Comcast cable internet and a Linksys G (WRT54GS) wirelss router. When I check my download speed from my wired connection I get 16-22MBS, but when I connect via my wireless router I get about 2.6 - 5MBS. Does this sound correct and is there a way to increase my wireless speed?

 

[eibgrad]

I assume these numbers are "mbps", i.e., megabits per second.

We know your ISP is providing 16-22mbps under ideal conditions (wire). But since wireless G performance can vary greatly, it’s entirely possible you’ll get much less. I will say that 2.6-5.0mbps seems exceptionally slow. I’m getting about 15mbps w/ wireless G, while my ISP is providing 10mbps. So both my wired and wireless adapters show the same performance since neither can’t saturate the Internet connection. All I can say for sure is that your ISP is definitely not the problem. Wire proves it.

The only thing that immediately comes to mind is perhaps your wireless router is configured for mixed mode (B+G). This can have a significant negative impact on wireless performance. Unless you have wireless B clients, make sure your wireless router is configured for G-only.

 

[MurrayKahn]

Thanks for your reply and sorry for my slow response! Where do I need to go in order to change the settings in my router for just G only and not mixed? thanks again.

 

[eibgrad]

Under wireless setup, same place where you specify the SSID, channel, etc.

 

[Blueruss16]

I assume these numbers are "mbps", i.e., megabits per second.

We know your ISP is providing 16-22mbps under ideal conditions (wire). But since wireless G performance can vary greatly, it’s entirely possible you’ll get much less. I will say that 2.6-5.0mbps seems exceptionally slow. I’m getting about 15mbps w/ wireless G, while my ISP is providing 10mbps. So both my wired and wireless adapters show the same performance since neither can’t saturate the Internet connection. All I can say for sure is that your ISP is definitely not the problem. Wire proves it.

The only thing that immediately comes to mind is perhaps your wireless router is configured for mixed mode (B+G). This can have a significant negative impact on wireless performance. Unless you have wireless B clients, make sure your wireless router is configured for G-only.

Would you be kind enough to clarify the KB/s-Kb/s-MB/s-Mb/s situation. Also, is it possible to experiment with the wireless channel? I.E. Change it up or down from where it's sitting, say from circa 2.4 to circa 2.5. Thereby finding a less used, faster connecting channel?