Slow WiFi speed on *one* PC

[Myself]

Another thought/question. Since the problem is confined to the WIFI connection only (ethernet connection works fine) I was debating whether or not a mesh device or extender such as the xFi product my ISP offers might help. Obviously the problem is not a signal strength/coverage issue as I am able to achieve higher speeds under certain circumstances so the deployment of a mesh device wouldn't be in the traditional sense. Instead I was wondering if I could make use of an ethernet connection into the xFi pod itself which I can locate near the PC, the question being would this behave like a direct ethernet connection to the main router or would it still handle a connected device as if it was on WIFI...?

A quick follow-up on the modem/hub itself: I have been unable to gain access to the admin function of the router because the username/password are incorrect. I have never changed these but I believe the modem to be a renewed pre-owned product from the signs of wear on it. It might be that they never fully reset it, but I can't seem to get any help from the ISP on this. They have offered to send me another modem (.....again) so I might try that also.

 

[Rustys]

Lets get another IP Config

Open an Admin Command Prompt and type or copy and paste the following command.

ipconfig /all >"%userprofile%\desktop\ipconfig.txt

Attach or copy and paste the information.

 

[Myself]

Rustys, as requested, thanks...

Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : DESKTOP-C5M6RLU
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Mixed
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : hsd1.fl.comcast.net

Ethernet adapter Ethernet:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) Ethernet Connection (7) I219-V
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 30-9C-23-D5-57-BF
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

Wireless LAN adapter Local Area Connection* 9:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter #2
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : DC-41-A9-CA-3D-67
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

Wireless LAN adapter Local Area Connection* 11:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter #3
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : DE-41-A9-CA-3D-66
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : hsd1.fl.comcast.net
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200 160MHz
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : DC-41-A9-CA-3D-66
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 10.0.0.9(Preferred)
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Tuesday, October 26, 2021 1:52:18 PM
Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Friday, October 29, 2021 1:26:12 PM
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 10.0.0.1
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 10.0.0.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 75.75.75.75
75.75.76.76
NetBIOS over Tcpip. . . . . . . . : Enabled

 

[Rustys]

Are you connecting to the 2.4Ghz or the 5Ghz WiFi

 

[Myself]

Are you connecting to the 2.4Ghz or the 5Ghz WiFi

5Ghz

 

[Rustys]

The IP Config looks fine.

Try the 2.4 Ghz to see if there is any difference if you have not already. Some times Xfinity will configure the 2.4/5 same user name and password on both and the system will bounce between the two.

You stated that with the second user you got the same results as the primary user. If the internet is still slow or was working better since the removal of the VPN.

 

[Myself]

The IP Config looks fine.

Try the 2.4 Ghz to see if there is any difference if you have not already. Some times Xfinity will configure the 2.4/5 same user name and password on both and the system will bounce between the two.

You stated that with the second user you got the same results as the primary user. If the internet is still slow or was working better since the removal of the VPN.

Thanks Rusty. I did actually split the bands out into two separate networks and did this a while ago while troubleshooting the same issue.

I got the same performance under the second user, I'm afraid.

As to the VPN question this is interesting. Right - as we speak - now I am getting 290 ish Mbps so there has been a marked change since the VPN program was uninstalled. However, last night after removing it, I did observe better speed for longer but this morning it was back down to 112 Mbps again so I'm not sure what, if anything, dropping the VPN did. Maybe it did something and I will continue to monitor it.

In summary I have seen some improvement but the machine still has this tendency to want to go to 112 occasionally. I suppose I should say that I did have this problem before installing the VPN in any case.

But I'm super grateful for all you guys help with this. What are you thoughts on the mesh/extender question? I know the extender is equipped with an ethernet port so I was wondering if I located that nearby in a wall socket and then hardwired the PC into that it might be like wiring straight into the modem. Or is it likely just going to be treated by the main modem as WIFI? I know that's probably I totally idiotic question but I can't find out the answer to that.

 

[Rustys]

But I'm super grateful for all you guys help with this. What are you thoughts on the mesh/extender question?

The only thing in my opinion is that may help yet if you are as close and you state and no other system is having the same issue even at a distance do not think that it will help. Yet I have never used one so I may not be correct and @PeterOz may have better Information than me.

Going to wait and see what Peter has to add before suggesting doing the factory reset or maybe we can just do a reset on the WiFi from with in the modem.

You have checked all the setting in the modem to make sure that nothing is wonky under Parental Control.

 

[Myself]

The only thing in my opinion is that may help yet if you are as close and you state and no other system is having the same issue even at a distance do not think that it will help. Yet I have never used one so I may not be correct and @PeterOz may have better Information than me.

Going to wait and see what Peter has to add before suggesting doing the factory reset or maybe we can just do a reset on the WiFi from with in the modem.

You have checked all the setting in the modem to make sure that nothing is wonky under Parental Control.

Thanks again Rustys. I am having a problem getting into the admin panel on this modem because the default username and password don't match what I have in the manual and what Comcast are telling me it is supposed to be so somehow they must have got changed and that wasn't me. Otherwise there is limited "advanced" functionality within the xfinity app but I will go back over the parental settings to see if there is something happening there.

Much obliged,

 

[PeterOz]

I was debating whether or not a mesh device or extender such as the xFi product my ISP offers might help

I would be surprised if this made a difference. All you are doing is moving wifi access from one point to another.
Depending how your connection is setup from the isp you may need a username and password.
With your limited access can you remove all devices in the router? Then turn off all other wifi devices so yours is the only one in the list.
Test.

 

[PeterOz]

The user manual is crap

 

[PeterOz]

Troubleshoot Connectivity Affecting Individual Devices​

The section above focuses on solving network-level issues. If you're having connection problems with a specific mobile device, the best way to troubleshoot is with Xfinity xFi.

Note: Alternately, if your Internet isn't working, you can perform troubleshooting using the Xfinity My Account app.

1. Log in to xFi via the mobile app or website.
2. Select the Connect tab.
3. Select the specific device having issues.
4. Scroll down and select Troubleshoot Device.
5. Follow the prompts to determine what the problem may be and how to fix it.

 

[Myself]

Troubleshoot Connectivity Affecting Individual Devices​

The section above focuses on solving network-level issues. If you're having connection problems with a specific mobile device, the best way to troubleshoot is with Xfinity xFi.

Note: Alternately, if your Internet isn't working, you can perform troubleshooting using the Xfinity My Account app.

1. Log in to xFi via the mobile app or website.
2. Select the Connect tab.
3. Select the specific device having issues.
4. Scroll down and select Troubleshoot Device.
5. Follow the prompts to determine what the problem may be and how to fix it.

Hi Peter,

Sorry to sound like a broken record but I have done this exact test on numerous occasions, but sincere thanks for your time researching this point. So, when running that particular diagnostic with Xfinity it detects no problem because it is seems to be just measuring against certain performance metrics like can it browse the web, stream HD video or gaming. And of course at 112 Mbps I should be able to do all of those easily. If I report that I am still having issues it assumes the problem can be resolved by switching browsers, checking for website issues and restarting the device - all of which I have tried.

I take your point on the mesh question although I'm weighing up trying it if I can get one on a use and return if not working basis.

Yes the user manual is totally inadequate!

I'm going to do as you say and remove all other devices from the network - I might just completely disconnect these devices from WIFI as there is a "pause" option within the WIFI control app but I want to be sure of complete disconnection. I have actually done this before but it cannot harm doing it again.

Will report back........

 

[Myself]

Reporting back:

I disconnected every device from the network (ethernet and WIFI) and unplugged those devices I wanted to be absolutely certain were actually disconnected (2 x smart TV's, XBOX console) to the state where the only connected device on the network was the affected PC. I verified this with the xifinity app. I ran the speed test -till got 112 Mbps. I ran it in a different browser and using different speed test services (and combinations thereof) and still got 112.

So, with everything else still disconnected I rebooted that PC. I got 450 - 460 Mbps on various test until about 3 minutes after reboot when it suddenly dropped back to 111.9 Mbps - no tapering off over time, just an immediate drop from one test to the next.

Clearly I'm a layman but it is as though there is a program that [eventually] gets running that limits the speed but I cannot see anything hogging bandwidth in the network part of the task manager (not that I know exactly what to look for anyway). Or, the modem accepts the PC onto the network and then after a few minutes says hang on you are only going to get this much bandwidth - but this doesn't make sense to me because why would it not do the same over ethernet?

This net one is a a wild idea folks so hold onto your hats and try not to laugh too much:

The only other thing I wondered is could this PC be forming a connection somehow to another device over WIFI such that bandwidth is apportioned accordingly i.e. doubly connected or being connected to by another device (in a sinister way or otherwise).

 

[Rustys]

Could change the Wifi names and passwords and connect.

What you are wondering about is a possibility do not forget that there is the xfinitywifi that is available. Even that you may not have it active on your modem that does not mean that some one else in the area does.

You will need to check and see what network you are connecting to.

Goto Start
Settings
Network and Internet
On the left WiFi
On the right select Manage Known Networks
Click on every single on that are there and select Forget.

Were you ever able to access the modem directly?
If not you will need to contact xfinity to get that straightened out and or find it online.

 

[Myself]

Hey Rustys,

I never thought about the xfinity WIFI participation. I will disable it as I don't require it myself anyway.

Here is what has happened today. The a new xfinity modem has arrived. I have set it up but as a completely new network - new name etc. - and during activation I chose not to import any previous settings. Initial testing is promising and I am seeing 600 ish Mbps with the usual wobbles following a first time setup.

I also did a network reset on the PC again before initializing the new modem. The affected PC was the first device to connect.

Slowly I am introducing the other devices back onto the network and testing as we go. Crunch time will be when the rabble start drifting back home later in the day to find that the "internet is down" so if I don't make it through to tomorrow alive thanks for all your help.

But so far so good. Will report back.

 

[Rustys]

Thank you for keeping us informed.

 

[PeterOz]

The only other thing I wondered is could this PC be forming a connection somehow to another device over WIFI such that bandwidth is apportioned accordingly i.e. doubly connected or being connected to by another device (in a sinister way or otherwise).

Yes I was thinking were you connecting to another xfinity hotspot - mentions it in the manual. That's why I suggested that you remove all devices
From the modem not just turning them off .A) you knew nothing else was an issue. B) That you would see that your pc was connected to the right network.

Thing are looking better - fingers crossed

 

[Myself]

Well, much disappointed to report this morning that, despite a solid and decent WIFI speed yesterday throughout the day after setting up the new modem, speeds on the problem PC have settled to a lower value - even lower than the 112 number I saw before. Now it seems I'm getting 60-80 Mbps! This is a completely new modem which I set up without any provisioning from the previous one i.e. I selected the option to setup without importing any network settings.

As with all times previously I perform the speed tests using different speed test providers and on different web browsers - all are suggesting around the same speed values.

I deliberately had not connected the second (co-located PC) to the network at this point because I wanted to rule out any possibility of interference - not that that probably makes much sense but I noticed this drop before bringing the other machine online. Now that I have brought the other PC onto the network and run speed tests the difference is startling. 70 Mbps ish on the problem PC, 580 Mbps on the other PC.

So the new modem has not only failed to help - except for several hours yesterday after initial setup - its seems to have throttled the PC even more.

Once again my conclusion is the problem must be at the way these modems apportion network bandwidth. I believe that if there was a process or processes running on the bad PC it would have shown up while on the new modem and any subsequent modem I happen install for that matter. Surely this has to be a kind or prioritization at the hub issue.

The only other thing I wondered is if the affected PC has joined the 2.4 GHz network. I only setup the new modem with a single network SSID (the default option) so it it is not split into 2.4 and 5 as was the case before.

** Yes I can see from network settings that it is on the 2.4 GHz channel.**

 

[Rustys]

Personally do not think that it is the modem.

This is a new one so it wont discriminate.

All the other connected devices are working normally connected wireless.

When connected to the modem via ethernet cable speeds were normal.

Replaced the modem everything works normal for the other except the affected system.

For me that rules out the modem and not the system its self.

Seems as if there is a misconfiguration some place. Can not see that is can be that card since you stated that and every one of them are acting the same.

Purchased three different WIFI receivers (PCIe, USB).

There are a lot of things that we can try like removing the references form Device Manager and allow Windows to recreate them.
While in Device Manager make sure to go under View and select Show Hidden Device.

Run a Clean Boot which may or may not show anything.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows - Microsoft Support

Describes how to use the clean boot process to troubleshoot a problem in Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista.

support.microsoft.com