The USB Wi-Fi adapter claims fast performance, but your connection only manages a few megabits per second.
The USB Wi-Fi adapter claims fast performance, but your connection only manages a few megabits per second.
I purchased the TP-Link tl-wn722n USB Wi-Fi adapter for my PC. The Amazon listing and packaging claim speeds around 150mbps, but I’m only seeing about 1% of that. Network tests on my laptop and phone show much higher speeds, so it’s not my router. Anyone know what might be affecting performance or how to fix it?
USB networking gear isn't great at all. The problem might be that it's only a single band device. It operates on 2.4 GHz, which has many interference sources like cordless phones, baby monitors, microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and other 2.4 GHz gadgets. Although range might be limited, 2.4 GHz offers decent coverage and can penetrate walls fairly well. If you're using an Android phone, use a WiFi analyzer app to see nearby networks and their channels. Choose the least crowded channel. If that doesn't fix it, update your device drivers. You could also switch USB ports—move it from back to front ports, as metal cases in computers often block Wi-Fi signals. Finally, consider upgrading to a better adapter.
You usually achieve better outcomes by avoiding the most inexpensive option available. Which router are you using? This device is quite outdated—it supports only one frequency band (2.4 GHz) and the 802.11n protocol, released more than a decade ago through IEEE.
I’m checking the performance by running tests and measuring response times.