device for connecting to internet networks
device for connecting to internet networks
Hello, I just upgraded my internet to 1GB/s and ran a speed test using the wired connection to the modem/router they gave me. I’m still having issues—I’m connected via a Cat 6 Ethernet cable, and my motherboard is the B360 Gaming Plus with an Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN controller. When I test speeds to servers near New York, I get full performance, but on sites like Chicago or San Francisco, I only see 640-650 Mbps. Is distance really affecting my connection? And would switching to a Cat 8 Ethernet cable improve things?
There are two aspects to consider. How many network jumps are required? This relates to the overall distance. Your speed is limited by the weakest connection in the path. You'll encounter a bandwidth of about 645Mbit at some point between you and either the Chicago or San Francisco server. You might experiment with other devices on your network if you want maximum performance. Achieving full speed near your nearest server while still maintaining similar speeds elsewhere is perfectly acceptable.
Your connection is already gigabit capable, so upgrading the cable isn’t necessary. If the speed you receive matches what you paid for during testing, your internet should be functioning properly. The speed isn’t a guarantee across all servers and is just a peak from the ISP network.
You pay for what you get, but the other side doesn’t cover the cost of such quick speeds. You’re limited by the slowest part—your ISP—and nothing you can do about that. (Simplified) To see if an upgrade is worth it, try it yourself. Download something, test the speed, and notice if it really helps your routine. That’s what you’re actually paying for.