Slow wifi connection on desktop but good on laptop and mobile

[#1]

I recently upgraded to a new Unlimited Fibre Extra contract after going out of contract (on Unlimited Fibre) for a while. Until now I'd been getting download speed only in the mid 20s and often much lower.

I just set up the new Hub 2 router yesterday. When I log in to the member centre, it shows

"You can't change your products for the moment, you already have a product change in progress."

and still says the package is Unlimited Fibre.

So I wasn't certain about whether the new package is active.

However, I did a speed test on my phone (making sure it was using wi-fi not mobile data), and consistently get around 70 down as expected on the new deal - great! 😀 seems like things are faster now.

Testing on a laptop gives 74 down. So I guess the new speed is active even if not showing on my plusnet dashboard.

Then I try on my desktop PC - using wifi (unfortunately running cables isn't really an option where I live). It shows 3 full bars reception (the router is around 10m away, round one corner but in the same space with no walls or doors between, at the same spot where I tested with my phone) but I'm getting anywhere between 25 and 50 down. I had turned off anything that could be doing any background downloading and checked in task manager that no other processes were using network.

My wireless adapter is a RealTek RTL8192EE and Windows tells me it has the latest drivers for this.

It's a much faster machine than the laptop I tested on.

It has 2 small antennae at the back of the machine, with adjustable angles. I've tried changing the angles, moving the PC away from the wall and turning it around but it didn't seem to make much difference.

Does anyone have any tips for how to improve this or ideas about what might be the limiting factor here?

Some network setting in Windows? need a better wifi adapter or antenna?

[#2]

Googling "realtek rtl8192ee speed" shows many people complaining about this Ethernet wireless chip so the answer is going to be to get a better adaptor.

[#3]

Thanks for the fast reply - that makes sense. Do you have any recommendations for a good one?

I think I have a USB one in a box somewhere, but I'm guessing a new internal PCIe one will be the better option. 

[#4 · Accepted solution]

@Daniel1 

Do you have to connect via WiFi?

Whilst not as good as a proper ethernet cable, (which you have already stated is impractical), have you considered using PowerLine adapters to carry the internet over your mains wiring?

Are your desktop PC and router on the same ring main?

[#5]

The RealTek RTL8192EE is a bit old and only supports 2.4GHz connections which probably explains the slower connection.

You need to check what the pcb slots support before buying another card, USB would be a easier option. Just make sure it works with 5GHz wireless

Dan.

[#6]

Aha, that isn't something I'd ever considered and does look like maybe a good option. Yes I believe they're on the same circuit.

[#7]

It is recommended that PowerLine adapters, (PLAs), use sockets on the same ring main, but i isn't essential if you are lucky.

I believe that the Miniature Ciruit Breakers, (MCBs), in the Consumer Unit contain inductors, which block the PLA's signals. Our house still had old fashioned wired fuses, not MCBs, so PLAs work across different mains rings here.

Prices for PLAs start from about £30 per pair, (you need at least 2 obviously), but I think that the "better" ones allow you to add extra "slave" units, if you think that you may want to do that in the future.

This may help you:

https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/powerline-networking/1407419/best-powerline-adapter

[#8]

Just make sure it supports 5ghz as a minimum. Last time I bought a wireless adaptor, I just went to Argos and bought a brand name one (about 5 years back now for a TP-Link adaptor) as if it didn't work I could easily get a refund.

[#9]

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@Mr_Paul wrote:

I believe that the Miniature Ciruit Breakers, (MCBs), in the Consumer Unit contain inductors, which block the PLA's

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MCB's aren't really a problem. It is RCDs that are the main issue. Most modern Consumer Units have two these days so that if one trips it doean't shut down the whole house. The problem kicks in when the two circuits are on different RCD protected sections. On the other hand if RCBOs have been used in place of MCBs then that has the same effect on all circuits.

Signals will get through but performance can be degraded.

[#10]

@Baldrick1 

That was probably what I was thinking of.

As I said before, I don't have any experience of PLAs on different rings being a problem, due to us having wired fuses, but thought it best to highlight it to the OP.

[#11]

Thanks - I think the motherboard (this one https://www.asus.com/Motherboards-Components/Motherboards/PRIME/PRIME-B550-PLUS/) is fine. With an external wifi adaptor connected via USB3 do you think the speed would be close to that with an internal wifi card? I don't mind too much getting inside the case, but if I can avoid it even better (and I know I can pick up a usb adaptor in town today, whereas for an internal card I'd probably have to order it).

Between PowerLine and USB, which would be the preferred option?

I checked the circuit breaker board, and it looks like the lights/cooker/heating are separated but all the wall sockets in the flat are on the one switch.

[#12]

also - I'd just like to say - you lot are awesome, really appreciate the help with this 😁

[#13]

Personally, (and not just because I suggested it!), I would go for PowerLine Adapters. They are guaranteed to work provided your router and PC are on the same ring, and according to the article I linked to above, can work at up to 2.5Gbps, (I'm not sure what speed current WiFi can go up to?), so should outperform the best home fibre broadband and not be a bottleneck in the future?

[#14]

Okay, did it!
That was amazingly easy. Just popped over to the shop, picked up a pair of powerline adaptors, plugged them in, and it works instantly, consistent 74-75 down, 18-19 up and ping dropped to 9ms. I'm happy - should have done this years ago. 

[#15]

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@Daniel1 wrote:

Between PowerLine and USB, which would be the preferred option?

I've never tried powerline and some people love whilst others hate them. As for USB3, the WiFi adaptor's I've used have been on USB2 and managed to keep up with our 74/20Mbps line.