I dislike the slow performance of my internet connection.
I dislike the slow performance of my internet connection.
Your device relies on a USB D-Link network card, which isn’t ideal for high performance. The speeds you’re seeing—around 4.85 Mbps download and 9.88 Mbps upload—are significantly lower than what a gigabit router should provide. Since your router is two floors away, powerline might be an option, but its effectiveness can vary. Ethernet isn’t practical in this setup. Consider upgrading to a wired connection or a more capable network interface if possible.
I’d check a PCIe Wi-Fi adapter operating in the 5.0GHz frequency range. It offers significantly more speed while maintaining reasonable latency (provided your router can handle it).
Powerline isn’t worth it—many users report issues regularly, mainly due to wiring distance and signal quality. People often overlook their home’s electrical setup or don’t assess its strength before buying.
Gigabit means the Ethernet ports on the router. It doesn’t mean: 1) the router supports Gigabit internet (most can’t handle gigabit NAT) 2) it guarantees you’ll get Gigabit over WiFi, since real-world WiFi isn’t reliable. Your actual speed depends on your ISP. If you pay for poor rates, you’ll see poor performance. If you pay for better rates, you should receive them. Note that WiFi speeds aren’t always consistent. If you share your internet speed or provider, we might offer some advice.
Please specify which router you're referring to, and I'll be happy to help!
Using a direct Ethernet connection to the router provides roughly 600-700mbps. My Xfinity router is the model I have.
You have a gateway. I've heard some Xfinity models aren't too bad, but I don't think using a gateway is necessary. A separate modem and router usually work better. Your problem probably lies in the placement of your gateway relative to the device you're trying to connect to. It might be affected by your home's building materials—WiFi performance drops through walls and concrete. Also, if there are too many wireless networks nearby, they can interfere with each other.
It's clear you're not getting a 700Mbit connection via WiFi outside your immediate area. The signal seems very weak even two floors away inside the house. You might want to consider relocating it closer to the router or finding another spot with better coverage. Alternatively, powerline could be the only option if moving isn't feasible.
If you were to try powerline wiring, would it be effective for your setup? Many people say it only works on the same circuit, and if your computer is as far from the main switch as possible, that might not be the case. Powerline seems like the best option for noticeable improvements. Also, you won’t be able to change rooms since you live with others.