Wireless connection

[Chrispr]

I have a cable broadband connection that runs through a D-Link router. On either computer I have, I can go to dslreports.com and run a speed test and get about 4000/800 kilobits download/upload respectively. I recently wanted to try wireless networking, so I bought a D-link wireless card and a D-link wireless router, both 802.11b. Now when I run a speed test through the wireless, I get about 1700/800 download/upload. Even when I plug the other computer into the router with an ethernet cord, I still get the same results. Is wireless internet supposed to be slower than the bandwidth you could normally get from your ISP? I would think that the computer plugged into the router with an ethernet cord should get something around 4000/800 that I was getting with just a normal router.

 

[SuperJon]

Forget all that speed test bull.

Download a file and see if there is a difference in the download speed.

Then come back

 

[bcastner]

No, Broadbandreports.com tweak test is one of the no nonsense sites, and is an excellent test:

http://www.dslreports.com/tweaks

An 802.11b wireless connection, if perfect, should support your speeds.

. See if there are any firmware upgrades for the wireless router
. See if there are any driver updates for your wireless clients
. Service Pack 2 for XP Pro will help
. See the "EZ-12" solution from

http://www.freeantennas.com/

For my 12-year-old hacker son, I can move his wireless computer one inch and receive either a full 11mbs connection or a 1mbs connection. The phsyical siting of the wireless router and wireless router is critical.