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shamrock said:
I'm getting download speeds to my PC at 75/upload 7, which is basically what I'm paying for from Comcast. I have this modem ARRIS SURFboard SB6141 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable , and a Linksys e 2500 router. With no other devices running, in my condo, streaming, Showtime, any time in my living room constantly buffering and loading. Check the download Wi-Fi speed and it is 24 download/6 upload. Why is the Wi-Fi download speed so significantly slower, and can anything simple be done to boost it?

Thanks in advance!
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Your Wi-Fi download speed (24 Mbps) is significantly slower than your wired speed (75 Mbps) due to limitations in your setup, primarily related to the Linksys E2500 router and possibly environmental factors. Here’s a breakdown of the causes and simple solutions to boost your Wi-Fi performance:Why Wi-Fi Download Speed Is Slower
  1. Linksys E2500 Router Limitations:
    • The Linksys E2500 is an older router using the 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) standard, with a theoretical maximum speed of 300 Mbps per band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). However, real-world Wi-Fi speeds are often much lower due to inefficiencies, especially on the 2.4 GHz band, which is likely what your device is connecting to.
    • The 2.4 GHz band is slower (typically 50–100 Mbps in ideal conditions) and more prone to interference from other devices (e.g., microwaves, cordless phones, neighboring Wi-Fi networks), which can reduce speeds further.
    • If your streaming device is connected to the 2.4 GHz band instead of the 5 GHz band, this explains the drop to 24 Mbps, as 2.4 GHz has lower throughput and is more congested.

  2. Signal Interference and Distance:
    • In a condo, Wi-Fi interference from neighboring networks is common, especially on the 2.4 GHz band, which has limited non-overlapping channels (1, 6, 11).
    • Physical barriers (walls, furniture) or distance between the router and your streaming device in the living room can weaken the signal, reducing speed and causing buffering.
  3. Modem Capability:
    • The ARRIS SURFboard SB6141 supports up to 343 Mbps download, so it’s not the bottleneck for your 75 Mbps plan. However, if your streaming device relies on Wi-Fi, the router is the limiting factor, not the modem.

  4. Streaming Device Limitations:
    • Some streaming devices (e.g., smart TVs, older streaming sticks) may have weaker Wi-Fi antennas or only support 2.4 GHz, further limiting performance.
Simple Solutions to Boost Wi-Fi Speed
  1. Switch to the 5 GHz Band:
    • The Linksys E2500 supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The 5 GHz band offers higher speeds (up to 300 Mbps theoretical) and is less prone to interference, though it has a shorter range.


    • Action:
      • Log into your router’s admin page (typically at 192.168.1.1) using a browser.
      • Check the Wi-Fi settings and ensure the 5 GHz band is enabled with a unique SSID (e.g., “MyWiFi-5G”).
      • Connect your streaming device to the 5 GHz network. If it’s too far from the router, move the router closer to the living room or the device closer to the router.
      • Note: Some older streaming devices may not support 5 GHz. Check your device’s specs.
  2. Optimize Router Placement:
    • Place the router in a central, elevated location, away from walls, metal objects, or electronics like microwaves or cordless phones to reduce interference.
    • Ensure the router is in the line of sight or as close as possible to your living room.
  3. Change Wi-Fi Channel:
    • Interference from neighboring Wi-Fi networks can slow your connection. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (e.g., NetSpot or WiFi Analyzer) to find the least congested channel on the 2.4 GHz band (1, 6, or 11).
    • Action:
      • Log into the router’s admin page.
      • Set the 2.4 GHz channel to 1, 6, or 11 based on the least congested option.
      • For 5 GHz, channels like 36, 40, or 44 are typically less congested.
  4. Check for Firmware Updates:
    • An outdated router firmware can cause performance issues.
    • Action:
      • Log into the router’s admin page and check for firmware updates under the “Administration” or “Firmware” section.
      • Update to the latest firmware from the Linksys website if needed.
  5. Reduce Network Congestion:
    • Even if no devices are actively streaming, background tasks (e.g., updates, cloud syncs) can consume bandwidth.
    • Action:
      • Disconnect unused devices from the Wi-Fi network.
      • Enable QoS (Quality of Service) on the router to prioritize streaming traffic to your Showtime device.
  6. Test with a Wired Connection:
    • To confirm the router’s Wi-Fi is the issue, connect your streaming device to the router via an Ethernet cable (if it has an Ethernet port). If buffering stops and speeds approach 75 Mbps, the Wi-Fi setup is the problem.
Additional Considerations
  • Upgrade Your Router:
    • The Linksys E2500 is outdated and struggles with modern streaming demands, especially in a condo with interference. Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) router could significantly improve speeds and reliability. For your 75 Mbps plan, a budget-friendly Wi-Fi 5 router (e.g., TP-Link Archer A7) or Wi-Fi 6 router (e.g., TP-Link Archer AX21) would suffice and support speeds well beyond your plan.


    • Cost: ~$50–$100, but it could eliminate buffering and improve Wi-Fi performance.
  • Check ISP Provisioning:
    • Ensure Comcast has properly provisioned your modem for the 75 Mbps plan. Contact them to verify signal levels and confirm no issues on their end.

  • Inspect Cables:
    • Ensure the Ethernet cable between the modem and router is Cat5e or better and not damaged, as a faulty cable can limit speeds.

Quick TestRun a speed test on your streaming device in the living room using the 5 GHz band (if supported) after optimizing the channel and placement. If speeds improve to ~50–70 Mbps, buffering should stop for Showtime (which typically requires 5–10 Mbps for HD streaming). If speeds remain low, the router’s age and limitations are likely the culprit, and an upgrade may be the simplest long-term fix.If you want help with specific router settings or recommendations for a new router within a budget, let me know!
 
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