Router effect internet speed? Help!!!?

Question

Okay, I am wondering about a couple of things, do any of them reduce my internet speed in any way? Just ruled out a couple of things I thought might prevent my internet connection from performing at it's best!

1.) Does it hinder internet speed and performance if the router itself is hot

2.) I use a USB connection (12Mbps) to connect my router and computer together so I can connect to the internet! I can't use an ethernet or LAN cable (100Mbps) which in general should be faster right? Does it matter which cable I use - USB or Ethernet/LAN that determines my speed? I can't use my ethernet cable because my computer doesn't detect it for some reason. Stupid aye? Might be broken???

3.) My broadband plan is the beginners plan, 10GB a month, max speed suggested by my ISP - 256k download 128 upload. Changing plan if this is the problem won't be an issue for me, it's just the data usage i am after! Is it my plan? Though my brother said it should be running faster than this!

Solutions?

Is my plan alright for streaming video without pausing automatically? Can you please tell me? I am sure it is alright because my brother has the same plan but his streaming just takes half a minute really! Is my speed alright for streaming video

Answer 1

1.) I highly doubt it. Components get hot all the time and only delicate circuitry like video cards need cooling options to perform optimally. Most routers I know don't have fans or heat sinks so unless the device isn't smoking about to catch fire, I wouldn't worry. Routers do have internal, on-board memory and the less you have, the less performance you are going to have with multiple connections (like using bittorent to get high speeds.)

2.) In theory, 12Mbps for the USB is indeed far greater than your current connection speed at 256/128kbps. (1000kb = 1Mb in base 10.) HOWEVER, USB has higher latency speed over Ethernet so things like hardcore 3d gaming on "Counter-Strike Source" *will* produce lag simply because it's a USB connection. Ethernet has very low latency speeds so that's why you always want to use Ethernet. If it's not detected in Windows, go into your BIOS options on startup (usually by hitting the 'DEL' repeatedly) and then find the network options and make sure all the Ethernet ports are enabled on your motherboard. You might also want to re-install the drivers for the ethernet controller...they should either come with the motherboard's manual on a cd or else you're going to have to find them on the computer model manufacturer's website.

3.) That's kindof a shitty connection TBH. I routinely do about 200GB a month with my 6Mbps connection. To keep track of your bandwidth amounts and speed, there's a great tool called DU Meter, check it out here: http://www.hageltech.com/dumeter/

edit: that solely depends on what kind of video you are streaming. If the video streams at less than 256kbps, then you shouldn't have any pauses. This is also assuming the server is NOT busy with other requests and you're not running anything bandwidth-intensive in the background. Sites like youtube stream low-quality video (but have decent servers) so you shouldn't have too much problems with low-quality video.

Answer 2

Yes, USB does hinder your transfer speeds because of the nature of how USB is detected.

I'm not sure where you live that you have such an awful plan, but I suggest looking for better cable broadband alternatives.

If you are connecting USB from your modem then you are most likely not using a router and thus not receiving any protection.

I suggest picking up a wireless router and going that way if your ethernet port on your laptop is shot.

Routers in general do slow your connection down because of addressing, but not enough for you to notice at all. I'm just letting you know the facts.

If you have any questions you can email me.

--Kyle

Answer 3

1- Can be a problem if you have a really low quality router. My internet experience improved after I switch to a linksys router. Everything from netgear, buffulo and Belkin gave me tons of problems.

2- I doubt it, USB mgiht not be perfect but sending such low data bandwidth is way more than enough.

3- try going to dslreports.com and test for your real connection speed. You will NEVER get your rated speed. If you streaming video all the time you will use up your 10GB limit very easily. Maybe they slow you down once you get close to your limit?? Your plan is terrible IMO if you going to use it for more than check email everyday upgrade it and make sure its unlimited.

Answer 4

using the usb port does slow things down a bit.
You should see if you can ressurect your NIC.

If you go to control panel network connections, do you see any icons for network interface cards.
You might try downloading and re-installing the drivers.