Computer Question, Re: Wireless Nework Speed....

[SacredCow]

I just purchased a new laptop (HP with Vista) and have been kind of disappointed with the speed of the intertubes through my wireless network. The biggest problem was with the power management settings of the laptop, and I've taken care of that. But still, the download/upload speeds (as checked at www.speedtest.net) are squirrely- one minute the download speed is 1.5ish Mbps (which is the max guaranteed by my internet plan, currently) and the next minute it's 0.4 Mbps or less. My OLD laptop, however (Acer with XP) consistently hits 1.3 to 1.6 Mbps. Physically plugging the new laptop into the router seems to give more consistent speeds, so it appears to be something related to the wireless.

The router is a fairly old LinkSys 802.11b. Could it be that a newer computer isn't as good with a b, and I should go ahead and get a g? Or should I upgrade to a faster internet package (the next level guarantees 10 Mbps)? Or both?

Thanks for any pearls of wisdom!

[NJmaverick]

1. When you check the properties of the wireless connection

what does it say your connection speed is?

[SacredCow]

2. I've got so many numbers floating in my head right now....

I'll have to double-check that tonight. But I want to say that it's 11 Mbps- on both of the laptops.

[NJmaverick]

3. Well those are max speeds

a G connection (which you would get from a new router) would give you 50 Mbps, so I would think that would be your best bet.

[SacredCow]

5. But if I'm seeing max network speed with the b of 11 Mbps....

how would that explain my problem of variation in download speeds? Right now, the max I am guaranteed is 1.5 Mbps (I have the 2nd level of Cox cable internet plans)- the next step up is about $20 more per month and guarantees up to 10 Mbps.

Now, I do gather that b routers are more prone to interference from other appliances, but I just don't get why my old laptop seems to be fine while the new one is squirrely.

[NJmaverick]

4. One more thing I thought of (doh, should have been a first)

check to see if HP has an updated driver for the wireless network card. That might also solve your issue).

[SacredCow]

6. THATs a thought....

Yeah, I definitely need to do that.

[Orsino]

7. If your new laptop's ethernet card allows you to set a duplex mode...

...please be sure it's hard-set for full duplex. Letting it auto-negotiate can also reduce throughput, so set it for full if you can.

[SacredCow]

8. That would explain the variability.....

I'll check that. Thanks!

[HopeHoops]

9. My wireless network suffers from TTGITH slow downs.

Three Teen Girls In The House.

When they aren't home, it screams.

[SacredCow]

10. LOL... I'm reasonably sure that isn't my problem.

I'm the only one using it.