Tech Help Wi-fi on a Linksys EA3500

mcxphoenix

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Joined
Feb 9, 2012
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The wi-fi on my router is having connectivity and speed issues. I tested to make sure it wasn't my modem, and the ethernet ports on the router are also fine. Here is what its doing: The internet package I pay for is 50 mbps down/5 up. I can connect the computer that is next to the router to it and achieve those speeds or greater. However, if I connect via wi-fi, I get speeds averaging about 20 mbps that will drop to 6-10 randomly every minute or two, if it doesn't go out entirely (which has been happening daily anyway). This has been going on for about a week now. I contacted Linksys support and as I got this router in 2012 they don't want to attempt to help me before charging a non-refundable arm and a leg.

I have tried powercycling all devices multiple times, checked for updates on the firmware, and everything else I could think of besides love tapping the router with a sledgehammer repeatedly.

Any idea what my next move is? This is making for a poor gaming experience.
 
I used to own an EA3500. Without a doubt the worst router I've ever owned. I bought a Netgear. I'll post the exact model when I get home (around 5 PM Eastern).
 
The wi-fi on my router is having connectivity and speed issues. I tested to make sure it wasn't my modem, and the ethernet ports on the router are also fine. Here is what its doing: The internet package I pay for is 50 mbps down/5 up. I can connect the computer that is next to the router to it and achieve those speeds or greater. However, if I connect via wi-fi, I get speeds averaging about 20 mbps that will drop to 6-10 randomly every minute or two, if it doesn't go out entirely (which has been happening daily anyway). This has been going on for about a week now. I contacted Linksys support and as I got this router in 2012 they don't want to attempt to help me before charging a non-refundable arm and a leg.

I have tried powercycling all devices multiple times, checked for updates on the firmware, and everything else I could think of besides love tapping the router with a sledgehammer repeatedly.

Any idea what my next move is? This is making for a poor gaming experience.

First, let us understand that hardwired and wifi results will always be different.

Check your wifi channels for interference. Check your wifi signal.

Do basic things before spending money into a new router.
 
Like Ric said. Get an app for your phone that can see various wifi signals and check for any signals that are on the same channel as yours. If they are on the same channel change your wifi to use a channel that isn't being used.

See if you can conduct speed tests from various devices if possible. This will help rule out a software/hardware issue on your PC.

Also keep in mind your distance from the wifi router, how the antennas are aligned, and what materials/objects may be obstructing/attenuating any signal between your PC/Laptop and the router.
 
the other part to this too, run a traceroute when you notice the drop. Could be somewhere along the line between you and the server is actually the one dropping the packets.... this also could explain the lag.
 
A traceroute will only potentially show you the hops that may drop packets. You want to run an MTR to show that.
 

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