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Slower Wifi Speeds on Windows 7 Desktop vs XP Netbook


Elliot77

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Windows 7 64-bit desktop:

840 pro ssd

8 gb ram

i5-2500k

Alfa 1W 802.11b/g wifi adapter

 

XP 32-bit netbook:

atom processor

2gb ram

intel ssd

Atheros AR2427 802.11 b/g wifi

 

I ran several consecutive speedtest.net tests (same server), alternating between computers. Here are the averages (in Mbps):

 

Netbook (XP):

 

down - 8.4

up - 3.8

 

Desktop (7):

 

down - 4.2

up - 4.3

 

For troubleshooting I attempted to turn off all non microsoft services and do a restart sans start-up items. That yielded the test results shown above.

 

I also uninstalled and reinstalled the wireless driver. This seemed to work soon after the install as I was getting faster speeds than the netbook (which otherwise doesn't seem to happen). I'm not sure what happened though. I also have a VPN installed on both PCs, which was not in use during these trials.

 

Physically, the PCs are spaced several feet apart but are in the same general area, and there are no crazy antenna mountings or anything, it just sits on the desk. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Edited by Elliot77
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The Alfa 1W (meaning 1 watt apparently) is connected via USB. What is your motherboard?

When comparing wireless devices, it would make more sense to see how well the Alfa 1W works on the netbook.

Also, Amazon reviews indicate performance of this USB adapter greatly depends on which antenna is used.

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In my experience the difference between laptop and desktop adapters is huge in a laptop the whole back of the screen is an antenna. In a desktop the antenna is typically crappy and/or well blocked by the tower.

Sure, and more loosely it is the difference between a (well) designed and engineered *something* as opposed to *something else* just put together from parts at random, still half the speed is a lot, and this halving happens on a relatively slow overall internet speed.

 

At least from what I see here:

http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Awus036H-Upgraded-Long-Rang-Panel/product-reviews/B003YHYIT0

the Alfa with the "panel" antenna (unsurprisingly) works "better", but the fact that the OP reported varying speeds with freshly installed drivers might mean that *something* else is involved.

 

However Tripredacus is right, the first test would be to try the USB thingy on the same laptop.

 

jaclaz

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However Tripredacus is right, the first test would be to try the USB thingy on the same laptop.

 

jaclaz

 

 

 

Results so far (download in Mbps over several runs) trying both adapters on the netbook:

 

native: 17, 18, 11

1w ext: 4, 8, 17

 

Need my desktop back up for now, albeit at 5mbps dwnld. I've tried both antennas I have with similar results.

Edited by Elliot77
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Results so far (download speed in Mbps over several runs) trying both adapters on the netbook:

 

native netbook: 17, 18, 11

1w external: 4, 8, 17

Edited by Elliot77
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So to summarize, you are seeing similar speeds of the USB adapter on both systems?

 

That appears to be the case. I've been so time limited, my apologies to the thread. I'm really not sure where to start here in addressing the issue.

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