High latency is common and gets worse during uploads.
High latency is common and gets worse during uploads.
My setup includes a router (Arris TG1682G) and an Asus x470-F motherboard running Intel I211-AT with Gigabit LAN controller. The connection uses a 100ft cat 7 cable from my PC to the router, purchased on Amazon via Xinca. My plan is 150 Mbps from Xfinity. I recently experienced slow performance—my upload speed dropped to 0.19 Mbps during a test. Normally I expect 50ms minimum and 60-70ms average, but in my university lab (DigiPen) I consistently saw 30-40ms ping for Overwatch. This is unusual. Could the router be underpowered or the cable quality affecting speed? Also, are there any issues with the connection or local network settings? Thanks for your help!
Yes, the router's configuration panel includes Quality of Service (QoS) settings.
QoS stands out as the best option here, though I’m worried the router might not support it effectively. That’s why I rely on pfSense, assigning particular clients and ports to ensure they get priority.
QoS can help lower your ping by prioritizing critical traffic, ensuring smoother performance.
It will lower the effect of high-latency bandwidth usage. This happens by, for example, capping how fast one device can upload data, which helps prevent overloading your internet connection. But it won’t speed up pings when you’re the only user on that network.
It doesn't improve your general latency (that's managed by your ISP). It does address sudden spikes in ping due to users on your local network consuming high bandwidth. By giving priority to urgent data like gaming packets over slower ones such as file transfers, it helps maintain a consistent 60-70ms ping instead of drops during heavy usage.
1. When your upload reaches full capacity, packets pile up. Quality of Service is the best solution.
2. The variation in ping from your home to university is caused by your router. These devices usually have many fun features that slow down processing and cause packet buildup again. Enterprise-grade hardware can handle this efficiently with almost no delay. Consider disabling unnecessary features on your router or temporarily turning off the firewall. If ping improves, consider replacing your router. However, a 20ms ping is not justified by the cost.
My dad mentioned they lease the modem for $10 a month, which adds up to about $120 a year. After checking, the modem was released in 2014, and he quickly decided to upgrade to something new, around $100 to $200. If you have any advice on which model to choose or tips for finding a good one, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’m eager to get it soon so I can enjoy better performance. Thanks!