Wifi/Network card help urgent
Wifi/Network card help urgent
My internet performance is very poor, as mentioned before, paying for 120mb DL but only getting 500 k/bs. I tried testing my sister's laptop to see if it would help, and it actually works well with over 100mb DL. I bought a new adapter, hoping it would improve things, but it didn’t really make a difference. I checked network cards to check for faults, but the only thing that stands out is my graphics card. So I wondered, "Do I even have one?" yet I do have a Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller. Given these problems, should I consider upgrading?
Some additional details: It appears with the Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller, there’s only an Ethernet cable option available, which matches what I see online. The Ethernet port I have is already built into my motherboard (BIOSTAR Group A320MH PRO). I can’t use Ethernet otherwise, as I’d have to run it through holes in the floor or ceiling from my room.
I’m not very familiar with how computer cores work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Start by checking if your slow internet is due to your connection or WiFi issues. The best way to find out is to connect your computer directly to the router using Ethernet, possibly using another laptop as a test. Then visit speedtest.net and check your download speed over Ethernet. If it’s slow there too, contact your ISP—it might be a problem with your connection or equipment. If everything works on Ethernet, the issue likely lies with your WiFi.
Initially, I'd place the PC in the same room as the router or cable modem and connect it via Ethernet. If you're experiencing high speeds, it likely indicates a WiFi interface issue rather than a physical connection problem. It doesn't specify whether your adapter is PCI-based or USB thumb drive-based, but this shouldn't affect performance if both are working properly. Check the device manager for any yellow triangle exclamation points that might signal trouble.
Start by checking if your slow internet is due to your connection or WiFi issues. The best way to find out is to connect your computer directly to the router using Ethernet, possibly using a different device like a sister's laptop. Then visit speedtest.net and test your download speed over Ethernet. If the speed is similar, the problem likely lies with your WiFi.
If the speed remains low on Ethernet, reach out to your ISP. The issue could be a faulty connection or a bad router/modem.
When testing via WiFi, it becomes trickier because the problem might stem from a defective router, a faulty WiFi card in your device, interference from neighbors or other 2.4GHz devices near the router, or obstacles like walls blocking the signal. If you have several walls between you and the router, using the 2.4GHz band instead of 5GHz would be better, as 5GHz has a shorter range.
Consider upgrading to a powerline adapter (such as Av1000 or faster) rather than a WiFi card for your desktop. This offers improved performance and stability, though it may not be ideal in older buildings with poor wiring that generates a lot of RF noise.
If you're using a shared router—common in apartment complexes with multiple users—this situation can become quite complex.
10tacle :
First, I'd move that PC into the room where the router/cable modem is and ethernet connect it. If you are getting fast speeds there, then you know you have a WiFi interface failure somewhere. You don't say if your adapter is PCI based (internal card with an antennae) or USB thumb drive based, but that really shouldn't matter if both are functioning correctly and Windows doesn't have an issue in the device manager (look for the yellow triangle exclamation points for any problems there).
In normal circumstances, the PC's motherboard shouldn't care whether you are using ethernet or a wireless device as far as performance is concerned outside of normal WiFi distance degradation over being hardwired.
I havent tried testing the ethernet since the cord i have may be broken since I havent used it in years, I've only tested distance and it doesnt seem to matter. My PC by the router = same speeds, my sisters laptop in my room = same speed for her (over 90-100mb). Even our phones completely shatter my PC connection lol. I've ruled that out so i narrowed it down to something within my computer. I do have a USB adapter, its a netgear 300mb/s one but no network adapter cards, and i had intended on ordering a TP Link PCI 150mb/s or something like that (on a budget). Ive ran tests/diagnosis on anything involving internet connection on my PC and they all come back good & working normally, all drivers updated.
update: Just realized i said i dont have a network card technically (? theres no card at all in the slots so im not even sure) but i supposedly have the one i listed in the question, realtek pcie family controller one. Apparently its built for using LAN connection, i just assume maybe i need one for WIFI instead?
Also i've read that a USB adapter and a network card are pretty much the same thing so would it be a waste of money to try one?
I agree with 10tacie.
Initially, we should check if your slow speeds stem from your internet connection or a WiFi issue. The only way to confirm this is by connecting the computer directly to the router via Ethernet. Then visit speedtest.net and measure the speed using an Ethernet connection. Testing with a website download or torrent isn’t ideal because the data your server can send might not match what your connection can actually receive.
If speeds remain slow over Ethernet, reach out to your ISP. The problem could be a faulty connection or a defective router/modem.
Should the speed test on Ethernet appear normal, the issue likely lies with WiFi. Pinpointing this can be tricky—possibilities include a bad router, a faulty WiFi card in your device, interference from neighbors or other 2.4GHz devices near the router, or excessive walls or obstacles between you and the router. If you have multiple walls, using the 2.4GHz band instead of 5GHz might help, as 5GHz signals have shorter range.
I recommend considering a powerline adapter (such as Av1000 or better) rather than a WiFi card for your desktop. This offers improved performance and stability, though I wouldn’t suggest it in older apartment buildings with lots of RF noise.
If you’re using a shared router—like one in an apartment building with nearby devices sharing the same network—it becomes another matter entirely.
I recently tried Ethernet after struggling to set everything up. My download speed is solid at around 190mb/s. I really wish I could use Ethernet, but I still need WiFi. Also, considering interference and other factors, I don’t think the router itself is the main issue. Everything else in the house runs smoothly, even my TV. So nothing seems to be slowing things down.
Additionally, I’ve noticed my PC’s internet connection frequently drops. When I try to connect, it shows as connected but no internet, despite everything else working fine—like browsing, YouTube, or gaming. The ping is high, yet performance remains normal throughout the day.
I've started making some changes and have moved the router to my room. Now my issue is having to re-route the coax cord from the outside of my house to my room using the wires attached to my property without causing any problems, though I'm sure I did it correctly. Thank you for all your support.