Wifi issues on my laptop

[Seth1968]

The VPN is a suspect as well.

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/386812/ho...-out-netflix-/

[cherpintow]

Looks like I was too early on my breakthrough announcement. The connection had appeared to be back in full force. But ever since that one speed test it's back down to 1.5-4 mbps. Could it be the wireless card? Do they normally just die or can they turn into complete garbage first?

[sabad66]

Did you try a speedtest hardwired? You need to check the basics before you go any further

[cherpintow]

Originally posted by sabad66
Did you try a speedtest hardwired? You need to check the basics before you go any further

Yes, a speed test hard wired stays steady at around 16 mbps. The speed test on wireless I notice jumps up and down the whole time, although the up is only around 4.5 mbps. The speed test on the mac wireless is around 14 mbps.

[firebane]

Originally posted by cherpintow


Yes, a speed test hard wired stays steady at around 16 mbps. The speed test on wireless I notice jumps up and down the whole time, although the up is only around 4.5 mbps. The speed test on the mac wireless is around 14 mbps.

How old is the laptop and what wifi card is in it? Are you using windows drivers or oem drivers for it?

[cherpintow]

Originally posted by firebane


How old is the laptop and what wifi card is in it? Are you using windows drivers or oem drivers for it?

Laptop is 1 year old. Looks like wifi card is a Ralink RT3900E.

Using the OEM drivers for it.

[firebane]

Originally posted by cherpintow


Laptop is 1 year old. Looks like wifi card is a Ralink RT3900E.

Using the OEM drivers for it.

Unknown brand of wifi card to me so I couldn't even tell you how well it would work and very well could be a piece of crap.

[revelations]

I wonder if a Windows update may have done something to the WIFI drivers - especially if you're booting to safe mode and it works find (using generic drivers).

Try DOWNgrading the drivers to a previous version. Most Windows offer the chance to do this through system restore or manual driver downgrade. I have seen this happen - rarely though.

[Seth1968]

The type of encryption can also be a factor as Revelations has mentioned. Too paranoid encryption is always a problem with wireless.

With that said, I suspect a third party program like a VPN, Antivirus, or an infection.

Check how the speed is from Safe Mode with Networking, and /or go to a local hot spot like Timmy's and see if the issue occurs.

Those checks and answers will give the answer.

[cherpintow]

Restoring to a previous point in time seems to have done the trick. Speed is now consistent. Thanks for all the tips fellas.

[johnlennon]

Originally posted by cherpintow


Yes, a speed test hard wired stays steady at around 16 mbps. The speed test on wireless I notice jumps up and down the whole time, although the up is only around 4.5 mbps. The speed test on the mac wireless is around 14 mbps.

That's your first problem. You should be getting about 26mb hard wired on a 25mb profile, not 16. Do you have Telus TV? . Also what area of the city are you?