Variable download rates paired with steady upload performance
Variable download rates paired with steady upload performance
You're experiencing uneven internet performance. It seems your connection might be affected by hardware issues rather than just software settings. Checking your network card and drivers could help, but since both upload and download are fluctuating, it's possible a faulty cable or a problematic chipset is at play. Running tests with other devices on the same network should confirm if the problem lies with your equipment.
Check performance under unusual timing, such as 4 AM. My prediction suggests you're sharing bandwidth with many users. This behavior is typical despite the use of fiber.
What network device are you using? The type and model of your router can affect performance, especially if it has active protection that analyzes incoming traffic. This might limit your download speeds based on the firewall or router's processing capabilities. For instance, devices like SonicWall or Unifi gateways running such protection can reduce speeds to as low as 120Mbps depending on the model and hardware. Even though the connected network cards support 1Gbps, if they're not, your speeds might come from external sources like speedtest.net. You may also try Verizon’s speed test for more accurate results. It’s frustrating when high-speed connections strain their servers, causing delays or overloads.
I’d be the biggest data consumer on my fiber connection. With FiOS TV, I rely on their router for everything. I checked speed tests from their site—Ookla results match mine. I’m not using any firewall or other external devices besides what FiOS has already installed. On my PC, there’s a Cat 6 cable to the router and another to a private network via a 36-port Dell switch. Swapping the cables doesn’t affect performance. Files transfer between my PC and other servers on the network happen at gigabit speeds. I suspect the issue isn’t with my network card. The timing of my speed tests changes; sometimes I get over 900 Mbps downloads and upload, but for a few days to a week it drops to half. I’ve contacted Verizon support more than I’d like to remember—they say their router pings without issues and speed stays stable. I’ve swapped cables and cards without any change.