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Slower connection through Ethernet versus Wi-Fi

Slower connection through Ethernet versus Wi-Fi

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GMB_01
Member
231
11-04-2019, 07:33 PM
#1
I have a 1 gig connection through my ISP. On Wi-Fi I reach speeds near 800 MBPS, but with a CAT6 cable to my router it drops to about 400 MBPS. When streaming games on Steam, I see 80-100 MB/s over Wi-Fi versus 25-30 MB/s via Ethernet. My setup includes a Wi-Fi 6 router, a Wi-Fi 6 PCI adapter, and a motherboard supporting 2.5 GBPS. All drivers are installed and BIOS is updated. What should I investigate to understand the speed drop on Ethernet? TYIA
G
GMB_01
11-04-2019, 07:33 PM #1

I have a 1 gig connection through my ISP. On Wi-Fi I reach speeds near 800 MBPS, but with a CAT6 cable to my router it drops to about 400 MBPS. When streaming games on Steam, I see 80-100 MB/s over Wi-Fi versus 25-30 MB/s via Ethernet. My setup includes a Wi-Fi 6 router, a Wi-Fi 6 PCI adapter, and a motherboard supporting 2.5 GBPS. All drivers are installed and BIOS is updated. What should I investigate to understand the speed drop on Ethernet? TYIA

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LolaLouie
Senior Member
742
11-05-2019, 06:30 PM
#2
I looked through your router model on the SNB forums and found this information. It seems to be limited by hardware, favoring Wi-Fi or LAN due to typical consumer usage. I’ll share my thoughts here. For a 1 gig service, you’re unlikely to reach speeds you’d expect with regular consumer equipment. I understand most people prefer not to install or manage complex solutions like OPNsense or upgrade gear. However, if you can change the router, that would help. Also, if you need VLAN tagging or similar features on the router, it could further impact performance. All in all, it looks like this setup isn’t designed for gigabit speeds, which is disappointing given the price point.
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LolaLouie
11-05-2019, 06:30 PM #2

I looked through your router model on the SNB forums and found this information. It seems to be limited by hardware, favoring Wi-Fi or LAN due to typical consumer usage. I’ll share my thoughts here. For a 1 gig service, you’re unlikely to reach speeds you’d expect with regular consumer equipment. I understand most people prefer not to install or manage complex solutions like OPNsense or upgrade gear. However, if you can change the router, that would help. Also, if you need VLAN tagging or similar features on the router, it could further impact performance. All in all, it looks like this setup isn’t designed for gigabit speeds, which is disappointing given the price point.

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Andy31576
Member
188
11-27-2019, 01:56 PM
#3
Thank you for your response. I realize I won’t receive the full gigabit, but I’m still managing 800 MBPS over Wi-Fi and that’s fine. I just don’t understand why the speed drops to half when using an Ethernet cable. I think I don’t need a new router, or at least I hope not.
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Andy31576
11-27-2019, 01:56 PM #3

Thank you for your response. I realize I won’t receive the full gigabit, but I’m still managing 800 MBPS over Wi-Fi and that’s fine. I just don’t understand why the speed drops to half when using an Ethernet cable. I think I don’t need a new router, or at least I hope not.

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C7s
Junior Member
47
11-29-2019, 09:52 AM
#4
If you would read through that post, you will find that it is a CPU limitation, so Ethernet speed is half of the wifi speed. So it is a hardware limitation that cannot be changed. If you are wired, you will have half the speed of the wifi connection.
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C7s
11-29-2019, 09:52 AM #4

If you would read through that post, you will find that it is a CPU limitation, so Ethernet speed is half of the wifi speed. So it is a hardware limitation that cannot be changed. If you are wired, you will have half the speed of the wifi connection.

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LuigiXGames
Senior Member
426
11-29-2019, 10:40 AM
#5
That's my bad, I didn't notice there was a link. I'll read through it.
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LuigiXGames
11-29-2019, 10:40 AM #5

That's my bad, I didn't notice there was a link. I'll read through it.