Low latency paired with strong upload and download rates.
Low latency paired with strong upload and download rates.
I recently faced unexpectedly slow internet performance, which had only occurred sporadically before. After several weeks without a router reset, I disconnected and reconnected it, yet the issue persisted. Despite performing multiple speed tests, adjusting power settings, reinstalling drivers, and ensuring all system components were up to date, improvements remained elusive. It’s worth noting that my setup isn’t directly wired to the router, and there’s a noticeable gap between my device and the router that still allows strong speeds with minimal latency. The two speed tests I conducted—one immediately after the other via WiFi on the same server—showed inconsistent results: high ping in one case but solid download speeds in another. While the average ping was low (around 4ms) with no packet loss, the overall experience felt problematic. I’m seeking guidance to identify the root cause, possibly related to network settings or DNS configuration. Thank you for your time and assistance; your insights would be invaluable.
Thank you for your response! I see these speed tests come from the same server, which is usually my default connection.
Hi, sorry for the delay. I completed the WiFi tests with a hardwired setup and everything looks normal. The speed test using the same server over WiFi shows inconsistent high ping values. This wasn’t the usual behavior before, especially at that time, which leads me to believe there’s another issue—not just that I’m not hardwired, but that my best connection would be better if it were directly wired, which isn’t feasible long-term.
Conduct a wireless scan from your PC using a free WiFi analyzer. Are there competing wireless networks nearby? Are other devices on the same network using the internet simultaneously? Does the ping decrease when you get closer to the access point? Is there any barrier blocking the signal path, such as walls or ceilings? Are there microwaves or wireless phones near the computer or access point?
Thanks for the response, Falcon! 1. There are no networks that overlap with mine (currently) 2. Yes! there are 2 other devices that are often connected to my WiFi (other than my own)--neither of which should be using more bandwidth than a google/youtube video would warrant. 3. My ping stays the same regardless of my proximity to the wireless access point; unless I go full on hardwired to my router. 4. Absolutely; there is an entire floor (with all that entails) between my router and my desktop---this is admittedly doing me no favors I am aware, however there is currently no viable alternative. I'd like to add that even given those negative factors (distance, objects, potential interference, etc) I am still able to pull normal (5-25ms) ping at times, and only intermittently (or with certain servers) I am getting this terrible spike in ping. Thank you very much for your response again Falcon.