Different download speeds using same modem and CAT 6 cable

Hello,

I'm getting vastly different download speeds on three computers.

Computer 1 - Dell Optiplex desktop - 440 mbps median, min 19 mbps, max 791 mbps over the last 18 months

Computer 2 - Dell Inspiron - 10-20 mbps

Computer 3 - Dell Inspiron - 30-40 mbps

All computers are hardwired to my brand new rented ($25/month) Xfinity cablemodem and are hardwired with CAT6 cable.

I'm paying for Gigabit service ($116/month).

I am not, repeat, not getting anywhere near gigabit service.

Responses

XfinitySara

Official Employee

•

1.6K Messages

1 year ago

Hello, @transformasian! Thanks for creating a post about your speed concerns. I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you're having reaching the speeds you subscribe to, and I'd love to see what we can do to help! Have you recently reviewed these Internet Troubleshooting Tips by chance? If not, I highly recommend this as a great place to start. Let us know what all you've tried so far, and if we need to take a closer look or troubleshoot your service remotely, we still have that option :)

2

0

T

transformasian

3 Messages

Hi XfinitySara,

The Xfinity modem is definitely improving the speed on my hardwired CAT6 desktop. My latest test is 941mbps down, 120 mbps up.

Performance on the two hardwired CAT6 laptops is slightly better, but definitely not the gig speed of my desktop, more like 40 mbps down/up.

Wondering if there's different hardware on the laptops that's throttling the speed? Is there a way to figure out the network connector in the laptop and it's performance?

thanks.

1 year ago

0

XfinityNicolas

Official Employee

•

1.1K Messages

transformasian, there shouldn't be something throttling it but what models of inspirons do you have? With the difference between the devices speeds, I'm wondering if there is some update or issue with their network card.

I am an Official Xfinity Employee.
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11 months ago

0

EG

Expert

•

110K Messages

11 months ago

@transformasian

FWIW. We've seen posts here showing that some Dell computers have a program that limits download speeds (like a type of a QoS (Quality of Service) feature). It's called Smart-Byte. If you can find it, disable it and see. YMMV. Worth a shot. Good luck !

Found this;

How do I turn off SmartByte on my Dell laptop?

NOTE: To to turn SmartByte on or off:

Press and hold the Windows ( ) key, and then press the q key.
In the Search box, type "SmartByte."
Touch or click SmartByte (Trusted Microsoft Store app).
Touch or click the slider to the right of SmartByte to turn the SmartByte application off or on.

(edited)

0

T

transformasian

3 Messages

11 months ago

Hi @EG and @XfinityNicholas,

Thanks for these tips

1. did not find a SmartByte app running on either laptop or desktop, including checking all tabs on the Windows Task Manager

2. I did figure out that besides being hardwired CAT6, both laptops also had wireless turned on

2.1 Turned wireless connection off

3. I ran Ookla Internet speed test on both

3.1 Laptop 1 - Hilarious - runs even slower - 32 mbps down/93 mbps up

3.2 Laptop 2 - Also hilarious - 25 mbps down/ upload test failed

3.3 Desktop - 490 down/45 up

4. I ran packetstats.com. Average ping responses:

4.1 Laptop 1 - 1000 ms = 1 second

4.2 Laptop 2 - 250 ms = 1/4 sec

4.3 Desktop - 760 ms = 3/4 s - getting better from max 13.9 sec

I'm going to call Xfinity and have a tech come in.

This is ridiculous.

For the low low price of $25/month for renting the modem (vs. the one I bought a couple years ago, and may just switch back to) and around $250/month total for cable/internet/phone...

Just love paying premium for dialup acoustic modem speeds.

Thanks for your help tho!

1

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XfinityRichard

Official Employee

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1.8K Messages

Thank you so much for trying those steps @transformasian , and for the other troubleshooting steps you performed. I do apologize for the inconvenience this is causing you, I understand how frustrating this is for you. Please be assured you reached the right person to assist you. Can you please DM me your first and last name, along with your full-service address so that I can assist you further.-Richard

To send a direct message [private message]:

Click "Sign In" if necessary
Click the "Direct Message" icon
Click the "New message" (pencil and paper) icon
The "To:" line prompts you to "Type the name of a person". Instead, type "Xfinity Support" there.
- As you are typing a drop-down list appears. Select "Xfinity Support" from that list.
- An "Xfinity Support" graphic replaces the "To:" line.
Type your message in the text area near the bottom of the window
Press Enter to send it

I am an Official Xfinity Employee.
Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.
Was your question answered? Please, mark a reply as the Accepted Answer. tick

11 months ago

0

EG

Expert

•

110K Messages

11 months ago

@transformasian

Quite welcome ! Sorry to hear that Smart-Byte wasn't the problem. Good luck with the tech visit ! Please post back with the outcome.

0

Your Home Network

transformasian

Different download speeds using same modem and CAT 6 cable

XfinitySara

transformasian

XfinityNicolas

EG

transformasian

XfinityRichard

EG

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