Problem with 2 Gbps internet connection
Problem with 2 Gbps internet connection
I recently secured a 2gbps fiber plan and have been struggling to achieve the maximum speeds on both PCs. Both devices connect via Ethernet, but I only see full or near-full performance (1400-1700mbps) when directly linked to the ISP ONT. Using an Ethernet switch doesn’t help—my roommate’s PC gets a connection while mine remains disconnected. The Windows troubleshooter indicates I lack a valid IP address when trying to connect through the switch, and renewing it didn’t fix the issue. My router has been in use for years and seems to be limiting performance, as both PCs cap at around 900mbps regardless of port speed (one port supports 2.5gbps). I’m avoiding the router for Ethernet to prevent further bottlenecks. I’ve also tried Cat8 cables, which shouldn’t cause problems. I’m new to network setup and fixing issues, so I’m eager to get both devices running at their intended speeds. Any suggestions?
The router supports only a single port at 1GbE. To achieve speeds above 1GbE, you'll need a router with more than one 1GbE port.
The setup requires matching network speeds. Your adapter supports only 2.5GbE or higher. Connect it to a corresponding switch—either a 2.5GbE or MultiGbE model. If you have a 10GbE device, it won’t automatically drop to 2.5GbE unless it’s a MultiGbE; otherwise, it will fall to 1GbE. For clarity, the Telus ONT uses a 2.5GbE port for WiFi7 and other ports are 1GbE. Position the switch between the ONT and your device, then link the PC to that switch.
The ONT from the ISP features a 10GbE/MultiGbE port with four 1GbE ports. My Ethernet device is also 10GbE/MultiGbE capable. I followed the configuration you provided earlier (sorry for the vague description), but internet access remained impossible via that setup. The alternative PC connected through the same switch received a strong signal. I tested all switch ports without success, and the troubleshooter still indicated an invalid IP address. Additionally, my Ethernet card was configured for 2.5 full duplex both when plugged directly into the ONT and in the ONT→Ethernet switch settings.
Router supports 1.5GbE and 4GbE connections. I’m also steering clear of using it for Ethernet distribution.
Display a network diagram without using the router. Ensure a connection with more than 1GbE is available for quicker speeds to a PC.
Your configuration should be 1-ONT 2-router setup with 3-switch. Your current router may not provide enough power for the speeds you're aiming for. Just because it has 2.5 Gb ports doesn't guarantee it can manage those rates. I'd suggest switching to bridge mode and using a Unifi gateway like the Unifi Cloud Gateway Fiber.
The router you have won't function properly. Since the WAN port is only 1 Gig and the 2.5 Gig port can switch between WAN and LAN configurations, it won't work as intended. For routers, you should choose one that supports NAT at 2 Gig speeds—it's a common challenge. Most manufacturers don’t list these specifications publicly. You’re after specific throughput numbers for both WAN to LAN and LAN to WAN connections. In the past, gigabit internet users often built their own routers, though that’s less common now since 2 Gig options are available. The inability to extract a second IP suggests it’s an ONT device rather than a gateway, so bridge mode isn’t needed.
I discovered a few routers with several 2.5G LAN ports, which appears to be my best choice. The NAT performance varies based on the processor speed and firmware. I was mainly considering these two options:
- https://store.ui.com/us/en/products/udr7
- https://www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-s...s-rt-be92u