How Do I Get Better nbn Performance on Wi-Fi?

LRazoot on 07/05/2020 - 12:01

Hey Guys,

I have been reading up trying to understand what I can do to get better performance from my Modem's Wi-Fi.

Keep in mind this is not ISP related (direct connection give close to full potential result)
I am also doing speed tests OUTSIDE peak times.
I am only using Speedtest by Ookla (www.speedtest.net).

I have my current NBN connection with FibreMax - 100/40Mbps.
I am using a TP-Link VR500v modem.

Connecting directly with a network cable I will almost always get 92Mbps or more.
But connecting to the modem's Wi-Fi it varies from device to device:

via Wi-Fi:
iMac -> 80Mbps
Macbook -> 55.99Mbps
iPhone -> 54Mbps
Samsung A20 -> 38.4Mbps
Lenovo V145 -> 27.95Mbps

As the forcefully appointed technical support family member, I do get a lot of complaints from my users and don't know why we getting these varied speed test results.

Can anyone help? Please
Thanks

Internet

Comments

  • OverburdenedWarrior on 07/05/2020 - 12:13
    +1

    You may want to check you're connected to the 5GHZ WiFi access point. Some modems will output them as two separate access points, others will combine them and switch as to 2.4GHZ as you get further away. What's your signal like on the device furthest from the modem?

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 07/05/2020 - 12:14
    +7

    What are your family members trying to do that 27.95-55.99 Mbps is insufficient? I doubt that's the problem.

    I'm assuming the problem is when everyone is online at once, on multiple devices, all streaming and downloading. You may need to setup QoS rules on your router so everyone gets a fair share.

  • Diji1 on 07/05/2020 - 12:27
    +5

    If they're in different locations that's expected behavior. Wifi is significantly effected by local conditions.

  • mskeggs on 07/05/2020 - 12:34

    I would also say the results you are posting are good/expected.
    Assuming the device limits are consistent, the likely bottle neck might be the device CPU.

    I am a little suspect on my wi-fi router’s cpu, plus possible wifi congestion, so I have moved some things to Ethernet.
    And perhaps getting printers, IoT devices that can’t use Ethernet all setup on 2.4Ghz so the 5g has less congestion for active devices?

  • neo on 07/05/2020 - 12:41
    +1

    I assume you've tried all the main channels? 1, 6, 11 and see which is best as it can make a big difference. Use WiFi Analyser app on one of the Android devices to see which main channel is the least crowded.

  • Bargain80 on 07/05/2020 - 12:46
    +1

    also, how big is your house. what's the position of the router compared to the other devices.

  • pjetson on 07/05/2020 - 13:04
    +1

    When each of the devices is right next to your Wi-Fi with nothing in between, what speeds do they get? How are you measuring the speed?

  • Axelstrife on 07/05/2020 - 13:23
    +1

    I have that router modem, got it free from Kogan when i was with them.

    I got full speeds (100/40) with that over wifi, check that you are using 5ghz wifi not the 2.4ghz, and have sufficient signal.

  • CC123 on 07/05/2020 - 13:28

    What's your budget? - could invest in one of those powerline-wireless kits OR powerline adapter + additional router to boost wireless signal
    Is your house 2 (or more) stories high?
    Where is your modem located?

  • BigBoy47 on 07/05/2020 - 14:11
    +1

    Test your local network speed with something like iperf instead - it helps to remove the variable of nbn/wan speed variations while you're changing and testing your config

    A couple simple things to try - use an analyser (like Wifiman) on your phone to find the right wifi channels to use; check that your devices are using 5GHz (if range allows); consider getting additional access points in cold-spots (range extenders are much worse in my experience, but powerline works fine).

  • mooney on 07/05/2020 - 14:47
    +1

    I would assume its likely about location in house. To address it I finally went with a mesh network solution. I chose google wifi but i have heard lots of cheaper solutions do solid jobs also. Highly recommend.

  • Bid Sniper on 07/05/2020 - 15:09

    Test speed in same spot with different devices.

    if same; then its wifi signal attenuation issue, ie distance, materials, interference.
    if different; then its device issue.

    5ghz has a smaller range than 2.5ghz, so 5ghz will probably be worse.
    Use a wifi anylser app on your phone, scan to see what other wifi signals around the house. I suspect its overlapping bands with other WIFI networks, so set it to an unoccupied bands, I usually fix to channel 12 away from default set bands (ie 3 and 6) of other networks, less interference.

  • wiipantz on 07/05/2020 - 15:25

    Ethernet>5Ghz>Unoccupied channels
    Failing that time to look at https://www.smallnetbuilder.com/ get some more info. Also each of those devices can be tweaked including the router, which as another look could be upgraded.

  • keo on 07/05/2020 - 15:36
    +1

    To troubleshoot properly first upgrade router firmware if available and turn off all internet devices.

    Using just one device (I usually choose the newest portable device I own and make sure nothing is running in the background, especially torrents) test the speed right next to the router in both 2.4 and 5 ghz. Then try same in other rooms to find out which band and location is best/worse. Then you can try changing channels and repositioning router as required. Lots of information on how to do all this online. Also need to make sure that it is indeed a wifi problem and not caused by improperly set torrent/download/upload saturating bandwith.

    If money if not an object for small house or apartment a new good router will make a huge difference, for larger property mesh. Wifi extenders connected to a crap router can make things worse. I am still using my rock solid asus ac68u, no speed difference in wifi in all rooms where router provided by internet supplier would drop 10 mbps standing next to the router.

  • Poor Ass on 08/05/2020 - 18:25
    -1

    I found that VR500v which is a stock standard modem router Kogan uses is pretty bad. I reckon they do something dodgy on it to restrict speed. If not, then it's got a reception issue.

  • CheapieChippie on 09/05/2020 - 14:35

    Some some phones there is a save power in android wifi option. Turn that off to get more speed.

    it's in the advanced wifi settings menu.

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