DSL slow....but only on my notebook???

richg99 · ‎07-05-2011

There may be a simple answer...but...I did a "speed test" on my "main computer" and received pretty awful results. None the less, the computer that I did it on is not used often, yet its speed is generally OK.

However, when I use my notebook Toshiba Satellite L455D-S5976 2 gb ram with Windows 7 in my living room, just 35 feet or so from where the modem/router is located..I cannot get a single youtube to post without dozens of stops and starts. Virtually every website that I visit is delayed in posting up for a very long time, compared to any other computer I've ever seen.

I moved the 2Wire modem router up as high as the cords would allow...at perhaps 7 feet.

I own another 2 wire modem from another home I own.... Is there a possibility that switching the different 2wire units would help? If I do that what must I change? I have TIVO connected and, of course, the notebook. I presume I would have the change passwords...no big deal if that is all I would have to do.

Any help appreciated. Oh, by the way...on a half dozen occasions we have had ATT guys checking our regular telephone lines for noise. Currently, there is no noticeable noise on any phone but I thought I would mention it anyhow.

Thank you RG

Computer-Joe · ‎09-19-2008

richg99 wrote:
There may be a simple answer...but...I did a "speed test" on my "main computer" and received pretty awful results. None the less, the computer that I did it on is not used often, yet its speed is generally OK.

However, when I use my notebook Toshiba Satellite L455D-S5976 2 gb ram with Windows 7 in my living room, just 35 feet or so from where the modem/router is located..I cannot get a single youtube to post without dozens of stops and starts. Virtually every website that I visit is delayed in posting up for a very long time, compared to any other computer I've ever seen.

I moved the 2Wire modem router up as high as the cords would allow...at perhaps 7 feet.

I own another 2 wire modem from another home I own.... Is there a possibility that switching the different 2wire units would help? If I do that what must I change? I have TIVO connected and, of course, the notebook. I presume I would have the change passwords...no big deal if that is all I would have to do.

Any help appreciated. Oh, by the way...on a half dozen occasions we have had ATT guys checking our regular telephone lines for noise. Currently, there is no noticeable noise on any phone but I thought I would mention it anyhow.

Thank you RG

Ok, let's start from the top.

Which speed DSL do you have, 1.5, 3, or 6?

Which model 2WIRE modem/router do you have?

By "main computer" do you mean a desktop or tower, and is the "main computer" using a wired or wireless connection to the modem/router?

What is "pretty awful" and what is "generally ok", compared to Mbps?

Is your notebook "generally ok" when you are close to the modem/router?

How is your Tivo connected to the modem/router?

Has this problem just popped up, or has it been going on for a while?

Does this problem happen all the time, or just intermittantly?

Did you call AT&T about a noise you heard on the line, or did you call about this issue and they showed up saying they were looking for noise on the lines?

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richg99 · ‎07-05-2011

computer Joe...thanks for your help. I've been travelling first chance to answer.

Which speed DSL do you have, 1.5, 3, or 6? 3

Which model 2WIRE modem/router do you have? 2701 hg-b

By "main computer" do you mean a desktop or tower, desktop

and is the "main computer" using a wired or wireless connection to the modem/router? wired

What is "pretty awful" and what is "generally ok", compared to Mbps? desktop 2.57 ul .43....notebook 2.56 ul .42 (maybe the desktop is as bad and I just didn';t notice it since I rarely use it????)

Is your notebook "generally ok" when you are close to the modem/router? nope...did both speed tests and 2.56 close 2.57 away!

How is your Tivo connected to the modem/router? wireless, but it only updates once a day, normally at night.

Has this problem just popped up, or has it been going on for a while? going on for a while

Does this problem happen all the time, or just intermittantly? all of the time

Did you call AT&T about a noise you heard on the line, or did you call about this issue and they showed up saying they were looking for noise on the lines? I called them....they've been out many times over the years. They say our area is "slow" whatever the heck that means to me..other than looking for another provider.

thanks very much for trying to help. Rich

Computer-Joe · ‎09-19-2008

richg99 wrote:
computer Joe...thanks for your help. I've been travelling first chance to answer.

Which speed DSL do you have, 1.5, 3, or 6? 3
Which model 2WIRE modem/router do you have? 2701 hg-b
By "main computer" do you mean a desktop or tower, desktop
and is the "main computer" using a wired or wireless connection to the modem/router? wired

What is "pretty awful" and what is "generally ok", compared to Mbps? desktop 2.57 ul .43....notebook 2.56 ul .42 (maybe the desktop is as bad and I just didn';t notice it since I rarely use it????)

Is your notebook "generally ok" when you are close to the modem/router? nope...did both speed tests and 2.56 close 2.57 away!
How is your Tivo connected to the modem/router? wireless, but it only updates once a day, normally at night.
Has this problem just popped up, or has it been going on for a while? going on for a while
Does this problem happen all the time, or just intermittantly? all of the time
Did you call AT&T about a noise you heard on the line, or did you call about this issue and they showed up saying they were looking for noise on the lines? I called them....they've been out many times over the years. They say our area is "slow" whatever the heck that means to me..other than looking for another provider.

thanks very much for trying to help. Rich

If I understand, your getting ~2.6 download and ~0.45 upload. If that's your "pretty awful", I would quit worrying, as you only have 3Mbs service and the speeds your listing are pretty much in line with your service capabilities. The speed teir you buy is the max synch rate not your throughput rate. There will be some loss to overhead (error correction, etc.).

__________________________________________________________
How can you be in two places at once, when your not anywhere at all?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really want to become a procrastinator, but I keep putting it off.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are three kinds of people, those that can count, and those that can't.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Our great democracies still tend to think that a stupid man is more likely to be honest than a clever man, and our politicians take advantage of this prejudice by pretending to be even more stupid than nature has made them." :Bertrand Russell

richg99 · ‎07-05-2011

So, am I understanding that the 3 mps that I get is not enough to watch a simple YouTube tape without ten or more pauses? If so, off I go somewhere else with more speed for less money. I just want to know what is reasonable. 3 mps means NOTHING to me ..unless it means really slow. thanks for any help or answers regards, Rich

Computer-Joe · ‎09-19-2008

richg99 wrote:
So, am I understanding that the 3 mps that I get is not enough to watch a simple YouTube tape without ten or more pauses? If so, off I go somewhere else with more speed for less money. I just want to know what is reasonable. 3 mps means NOTHING to me ..unless it means really slow. thanks for any help or answers regards, Rich

If youtube just downloaded a video file and let you play it, 3Mbs would be fine, but with adobe flash involved. you have to have a decednt connection speed and a good computer with the latest operating system. I have a 6Mbs connection and youtube sucks on my old XP computer because of Adobe Flash, but is smooth as butter on my windows 7 computer.

I don't recall you mentioning how old your computers are.

__________________________________________________________
How can you be in two places at once, when your not anywhere at all?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really want to become a procrastinator, but I keep putting it off.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are three kinds of people, those that can count, and those that can't.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Our great democracies still tend to think that a stupid man is more likely to be honest than a clever man, and our politicians take advantage of this prejudice by pretending to be even more stupid than nature has made them." :Bertrand Russell

richg99 · ‎07-05-2011

I have windows 7 on both computers. I am going to call ATT and see what they want for 6 mps...and then call Comcast and see what they will cost me for equal or better. I am tired of waiting for EVERY web site to load up and not being able to see any Youtube posts. I've found that youtube is great for instructional everything. thanks rich

richg99 · ‎07-05-2011

Talked to ATT today. Finally had to get to a supervisor to get someone who really knew his stuff. He had me confirm that it was a distance issue with the 2wire modem. Seems that they recommend TWENTY FEET as the maximum that thing will work! Might as well drag a wire twenty feet!

But, bottom line was they were able to ....somehow....give me better results. One thing on my end was to TURN THE MODEM OFF AND REPLUG IT about three times a week. I haven't turned it off since I got it...and...in my many internet travels and phone contacts with ATT ... no one ever told me to do that.

Anyhow ,I now can receive the very same Youtube film without hesitation...so....as long as things stay as they are, I'm, happy.

regards, and thank you for the help

rich

Computer-Joe · ‎09-19-2008

richg99 wrote:
Talked to ATT today. Finally had to get to a supervisor to get someone who really knew his stuff. He had me confirm that it was a distance issue with the 2wire modem. Seems that they recommend TWENTY FEET as the maximum that thing will work! Might as well drag a wire twenty feet!

But, bottom line was they were able to ....somehow....give me better results. One thing on my end was to TURN THE MODEM OFF AND REPLUG IT about three times a week. I haven't turned it off since I got it...and...in my many internet travels and phone contacts with ATT ... no one ever told me to do that.

Anyhow ,I now can receive the very same Youtube film without hesitation...so....as long as things stay as they are, I'm, happy.
regards, and thank you for the help

rich

Odd, that's usually one of the first things tech support tells the customer, reset the gateway. In the old days, with the Speedstream modems, they would say the longer your connection is established the more stable it will be, so I guess those days are gone. If they are telling you you need to reset it 3 times a week, they are full of it, and that is not a solution, it's a work-a-round to get you to fix their problem.

As far as the wireless range on the gateway, I doubt that has any bearing because your wired desktop was exeriencing the same problem, wasn't it? As well, you should have far better than 20 feet range unless your gateway is in a steel box surrounded by microwave ovens, or it's dying.

Have you done new speed tests?

If you wanted a new/better wireless gateway, I would suggest the Pace 4111N. http://www.att.com/equipment/accessory-details/?q_categoryid=cat2020062&q_sku=sku5520238&q_manufactu...=

__________________________________________________________
How can you be in two places at once, when your not anywhere at all?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really want to become a procrastinator, but I keep putting it off.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are three kinds of people, those that can count, and those that can't.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Our great democracies still tend to think that a stupid man is more likely to be honest than a clever man, and our politicians take advantage of this prejudice by pretending to be even more stupid than nature has made them." :Bertrand Russell

richg99 · ‎07-05-2011

Just to clarify...my desktop had virtually the same speeds....but...it didn't reflect the same slow Youtube issues. The rep had me move my notebook ten feet away from the modem/router....and then..the notebook did NOT have the Youtube issues.

When I walked back the 35 feet or so to the notebook's normal location.....the issues were right back. He then had me turn off and turn on the router...and then he went and did something, or checked somethng, on his end. At that point, the notebook was responding as well as the desktop???? I thought all was solved.....until today.

Now, I don't who or/what to believe, since the notebook seemed "fixed" yesterday...and then today,, it was mostly back as slow as it was. I kind of wondered if he pushed my speed up temporarily just to make it appear that the problem was on my end???? Who knows?

I have NO PROBLEM spending the $100.00 to get the device that you listed.....but...why the heck wouldn't he have offered it? He did say that a "booster" might be in my future...so...maybe that is the solution...I presume that device is the "booster" that he had in mind, without naming it.

Let me ask about one more thing that may explain a lot....my desktop has 4 gb RAM...my notebook only has 2 gb RAM. Could that be the slow-down and difference in their abilities? I guess I could add RAM..or I could add the "booster" but I'd rather do the one that was more likely to solve the problem. Thank you again for your assistance. Rich

Computer-Joe · ‎09-19-2008

richg99 wrote:
Just to clarify...my desktop had virtually the same speeds....but...it didn't reflect the same slow Youtube issues. The rep had me move my notebook ten feet away from the modem/router....and then..the notebook did NOT have the Youtube issues.

When I walked back the 35 feet or so to the notebook's normal location.....the issues were right back. He then had me turn off and turn on the router...and then he went and did something, or checked somethng, on his end. At that point, the notebook was responding as well as the desktop???? I thought all was solved.....until today.

Now, I don't who or/what to believe, since the notebook seemed "fixed" yesterday...and then today,, it was mostly back as slow as it was. I kind of wondered if he pushed my speed up temporarily just to make it appear that the problem was on my end???? Who knows?

I have NO PROBLEM spending the $100.00 to get the device that you listed.....but...why the heck wouldn't he have offered it? He did say that a "booster" might be in my future...so...maybe that is the solution...I presume that device is the "booster" that he had in mind, without naming it.

Let me ask about one more thing that may explain a lot....my desktop has 4 gb RAM...my notebook only has 2 gb RAM. Could that be the slow-down and difference in their abilities? I guess I could add RAM..or I could add the "booster" but I'd rather do the one that was more likely to solve the problem. Thank you again for your assistance. Rich

If the problem is resolved by getting closer to the router (which you said earlier that it did not help), then ram is not the issue, it is either the modem/router, the wireless adapter in the laptop, or wireless interference.

For tips on wireless interference start here: http://forums.att.com/t5/Features-and-How-To/How-to-Minimize-Wireless-Interference/m-p/2303003#M1138

The tech was probably talking about a repeater or extender which you would use in conjunction with your existing modem/router. The Pace 4111N is a modem/router and would replace your existing unit.

__________________________________________________________
How can you be in two places at once, when your not anywhere at all?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really want to become a procrastinator, but I keep putting it off.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are three kinds of people, those that can count, and those that can't.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Our great democracies still tend to think that a stupid man is more likely to be honest than a clever man, and our politicians take advantage of this prejudice by pretending to be even more stupid than nature has made them." :Bertrand Russell

richg99 · ‎07-05-2011

OK I installed the inssider program and the graph showed that a neighbor's system was ALSO on channel 11. I moved mine to channel 9 since it seemed to be the most open of the five or so systems shown on the graph. A couple of tries on various sites and I think I am getting on them quicker. Only time will tell. I hope this will help.

If it still seems slow, in your opinion, would buying the replacement router/modem you recommended help markedly?

Thanks very much for your time and patience with this old guy. Rich

richg99 · ‎07-05-2011

Just an update. the use of the Inssider program, which encouraged me to move to channel 9, has had a marked positive effect on my connection speeds. I am closing this thread because I think the improvement is all I can ask for without purchasing something else. thank you Rich

Computer-Joe · ‎09-19-2008

richg99 wrote:
Just an update. the use of the Inssider program, which encouraged me to move to channel 9, has had a marked positive effect on my connection speeds. I am closing this thread because I think the improvement is all I can ask for without purchasing something else. thank you Rich

Happy to be of assistance, and glad we were able help. Just a note for future reference, if your interested, you could look for a new USB wireless adapter for your laptop. Something with an external antenna like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166056, in my opinion would improve things considerably for you.

Now that you've found us here, don't be a stranger, visit often. You might find you have some knowledge that can help others. Or just join the general chat in the "Lounge".

__________________________________________________________
How can you be in two places at once, when your not anywhere at all?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really want to become a procrastinator, but I keep putting it off.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are three kinds of people, those that can count, and those that can't.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Our great democracies still tend to think that a stupid man is more likely to be honest than a clever man, and our politicians take advantage of this prejudice by pretending to be even more stupid than nature has made them." :Bertrand Russell