Download speed dropped (rev 1!) - PC Help Forum - Free Computer Help, Windows, Hardware, Software and more!

londonmlad · #1 04-04-2008

Hi there,

Have windows vista on a dell laptop with AOL wireless broadband, netgear router.

Up until 2 weeks ago I was obtaining 250kb/s from sites such as download.com. However, for no reason at all it just dropped to around 80kb/s and would not go higher. It has been like this for 2 weeks with no improvement. Please note I have not in any way altered the configuration of my computer, location/connection of the wireless router etc, i.e I have not changed anything at all in my setup. I hoped it would sort itself out but still no joy, so I tried plugging into my old modem and going through that way (ethernet cable etc), which brought my speeds back to 250kb/s. Therefore it must be something to do with my router no? I have tried turning it on and off but nothing works, my ps3 also had problems connecting recently so it must be the netgear wireless router.

Can anyone please offer any advice / help?? Do I need a new router or is there an easy solution I am missing?!

Thanks in advance for any help!

Jelly Bean · #2 04-04-2008

Hello and welcome to PC Help Forum.

I am almost certain AOL caps your uploads/downloads.
They also block your router if you do not subscribe to there higher payments and use there router.

Is this your own router?

londonmlad · #3 04-04-2008

Hi Jelly Bean,

Thanks for your reply. I don't think AOL do cap my downloads, i've had it about 6 months and this is the first time it's ever happened. I am using their router but as i say have not had problems previously. Also as i said the download speeds went back to normal when I used the traditional method (ethernet and modem) while still signing on with aol.

Therefore it must be the router i'm guessing?!

Jelly Bean · #4 04-07-2008

Try clicking tools/internet options,delete temp files/cookies/history.

Try a repair on the connection.

Reset router.

I would also contact AOL and check if they do cap your downloads if you are downloading over a certain average.

londonmlad · #5 04-08-2008

Thanks for the responses. I spoke to AOL, they said that my router is not communicating properly with the server. They sent me an email with instructions on how to reset the router which I did, 3 times! Still no joy, AOL said i'd have a call back a few days later, which i'm waiting for now. Funny thing is I took my wireless router out completely and then connected through my old modem/ethernet and I now get 400kbs! I would just keep quiet but then i thought no i'm paying for wireless plus my ps3 is rubbish online now!

I really don't know what their callback is going to say, short of that I give up. I asked them that if it was the router that was faulty (which i suspect is the case) then would I be entitled to a new one, they said no as I am still able to connect to the internet. Not sure if that's right or not, only had it about 8 months.

Anyways fingers crossed, in the meantime any other ideas would be most welcome!

joeyfine · #6 04-08-2008

hey london,

if you're now getting 400kb/sec without the router then your problem is the router. i would suggest another router to see if it was your old one.

londonmlad · #7 04-10-2008

Can anyone help please?

I spoke to AOL, they tested my line and then said my router was not communicating with the server properly, so they told me to reset the router and reconfigure it, which i did 3 times to their exact instructions but still to no avail. I explained that using the old modem and ethernet I was getting 400kbs but with wireless only 70kbs (dropped overnight from about 250kbs). They arranged a call back for me on tuesday night, they called and basically said there's nothing wrong with the line i should contact netgear to tell them the problem.

This is a joke, they supplied me the router and its not even a year old, I haven't told netgear about the issue yet, is it worth it? Or do you think i need to get a new router?

Thing is i don't want to splash out on a decent router only to find that it wasn't the problem.

It's annoying the hell out of me as my ps3 is rubbish when I can't play online, the speed i get gives constant lag!

Jelly Bean · #8 04-10-2008

Hello,you say it is AOLs router?They supplied it?

Then they need to replace it,get on phone and get them to sort it out.

Tell them you have had a tech in and paid cash to set there router up and still no joy.

They should replace router if it is theres.

Your paying good money to them.Tell them they are breaking there contract on not replacing there dodgey router.

Tell them you will contact trading standards and contact them if need be they will ring AOL and complain for you.

AOL do this to people all the time.

Or swap to Virginmedia(tech help is rubbish)as there 4 meg is due to be upgraded to 10 meg free and works with most wireless routers.This way you do not get charged extra for using a companies router.

10 meg will soon be free upgrade to 20 meg.2meg will stay 2 meg.

I have D-Link router with Virginmedia modem.I have had no trouble as such in 1 1/2 years with my router and only twice had a drop in connection and rebooting modem solved it.

You pay for 4 meg you get just under 4 meg steadily throught the day.

Threaten AOL with breach of contract and you will change ISP if they do not replace router.

They maybe blocking your PS3.

Are you using modem and router together?

Is PS3 cable connect or wirless?If cable check wich port it is connected to?

londonmlad · #9 04-10-2008

Thanks very much for your response JellyBean!

I'm not using my modem and router combined,
only the wireless router or the ethernet and modem but never together or at the same time. It's so frustrating!!

I wouldn't mind but the netgear dg834 is like £70 odd! Not made of money, although they think we are!

The thing is it's very difficult to communicate with aol without getting frustrated, not to sound terrible but all their tech support are asian call centres, which is fine, except it's difficult to understand them and vice versa and you find yourself repeating the same thing and not being sure if they understood it or not.

I really don't know what to do, I think I will have to call them and say it's their package at the end of the day so they're obliged to sort it.

It must be the router do you think?! I just dont know why it would drop overnight in speed though.

My ps3 is connected wirelessly, the ethernet is not long enough unfortunately to reach the box so im stuck with using the router, although it's not worth it due to lagg etc.

Any ideas if it could be a tech issue?!

If not i'll have to get stern and have a go at getting them with the contract talk.

Thanks again Jelly Bean

Jelly Bean · #10 04-10-2008

Well is the modem supposed to be connected to router then router connected to pc?

Thats the usaly config for peoples internet setup unless you have BTs home hub?

Router and modem work together thats the usal setup both need to be connected up?

Connect modem to the BB line then connect modem to router connect router to pc re-run or reset the router.