Slower internet connection using USB Wi-Fi adapter
Slower internet connection using USB Wi-Fi adapter
I’m checking if your Sony laptop is experiencing slower performance due to age or if the adapter is limiting your connection. The results from speed tests suggest the issue might be with the adapter itself, especially since speeds drop significantly when using Ethernet. USB 2.0 can deliver up to about 480 Mbps in theory, but real-world speeds are usually much lower due to hardware constraints.
The signal rate is described with three figures. I'm trying to clarify what each one means.
WiFi operates in half-duplex mode, allowing only sending or receiving at once. Therefore, halve advertised speeds unless they explicitly state otherwise. It also runs exclusively on 2.4GHz, which typically caps performance around 30-60mbps. Some high-speed 2.4GHz models exist but are rare. https://www.tp-link.com/in/home-networki...ifications TL;DR: consider a superior USB adapter or upgrade the laptop.
I notice the connection relates to the 802.11n standard with a maximum speed of around 150Mbps, yet the actual speed is only 57Mbps. Could the USB 2.0 constraint be affecting performance?
Reviewed other devices and confirmed quicker speeds. This indicates the issue lies not with the connection, router, or modem, but possibly with the individual computer or USB adapter. Consider replacing the whole PC or checking a USB WiFi adapter that uses a stronger external antenna and supports 5GHz networks.