Slow performance on Netgear router. (The story keeps going)
Slow performance on Netgear router. (The story keeps going)
There are multiple issues involved, varying from basic to more complex. First, let's clarify a few points: FIOS doesn't rely on the DOCSIS standard at all. The internet connection might come via a coax cable, but FIOS doesn't use DOCSIS to send it to your gateway. They either connect directly through fiber or via MoCA, but never DOCSIS.
Second, your gateway or modem is likely a MoCA 2.0 device, which can reach about 1Gbps under good conditions, depending on the quality of the cable and the setup from the cabinet to your home.
Third, a router and modem working separately don't set strict limits; it's the combination unit that has constraints. If you have a DOCIS 3.0 modem (typical for cable internet, not FIOS), your speed is constrained by two factors: the maximum speed your ISP offers and the inherent limits of the standard. In practice, you usually reach the ISP's cap before hitting the theoretical maximum, since providers often avoid exceeding it to prevent complaints about slow speeds. If your router supports gigabit speeds but your modem only provides 400Mbps from the ISP, the bottleneck is the modem. DOCSIS 3.1 is meant for speeds around 500Mbps or higher, but that’s not relevant here.
Fourth, depending on your router, there may be restrictions on how much data can flow from LAN to WAN and vice versa. Many consumer routers have CPU limitations—perhaps a basic ASIC—that can’t manage many connections or perform extensive NAT, causing performance issues. I doubt your router is hitting this limit; you should be seeing the speeds advertised.
Regarding the specific concern, I’ve reviewed the thread and agree with the observations. It could be QoS settings or a rate limiter causing the problem. I checked with a colleague whose router had a packet counter enabled by default, which significantly strained the CPU and reduced his throughput. You might want to investigate that setting or consult your ISP for further guidance.
Thank you for addressing the DOCSIS issue. I verified that all download-slowing features were disabled. Feel free to suggest alternative settings, and I’ll test them. Please review the attached screenshots.
Turn on Dynamic QOS settings. Set your 500/500 Mbps download and upload speeds manually. Restart the router, then verify performance again.
Completed the task, identical outcome. Revised version attempted twice but no change.
Adjust the configuration to disable Netgear Armor if active. Checking if connecting the router as an access point alters performance. It might be best to return to the ISP's primary gateway for optimal speed. Avoid purchasing another Netgear device unless necessary.
BROOOOO there is no fucking way. ok this is the chain right now: modem - Frointer router - netgear router (AP mode) - my computer = 50-60MB/second. Seems like I am forced to use the Frointer router.
Lol! Great work! Does this configuration suit you in its current form? Essentially, you’ve transferred routing and DHCP duties to the ISP gateway. The Netgear X6S functions as another access point for that gateway. This setup suggests the basic router (without bandwidth optimization or extra security features) is impacting your 500Mbps connection speed. Surprisingly, this thread was the final reason I stopped using or recommending Netgear wireless routers. I currently have two older R7000 models that I use as gigabit switches for testing third-party firmware.