Two PC's on the same WiFi network but different download speeds!

[Waynebow]

Hi all

I have two PC's on the same WiFi network. After repeated tests over two days on Speedtest.net I have found that my desktop downloads at a little over 5 mbps while the laptop downloads at between 1.8 and 2.2 mbps.

More information!:

• Both PC's are connected via WiFi to an ADSL router
• Both PC's are the same distance from the router - about 1m

• Desktop:
• Ancient Pentium IV
• Windows XP
• Using a NetGear USB WiFi card

• Laptop:
• Toshiba Satellite i3
• Windows 7
• Using a Realtek RTL 8187SE WiFi card

The WiFi card driver on the laptop is up to date.

I have tried connecting the laptop via ethernet to the router and the download speed jumped to 5 mbps. So, I assume that the problem is not being caused by any anti-virus software or the firewall. I have also double checked that the power settings on the laptop are providing full power to the Wifi card.

Does any clever person out there perhaps have any theories on why the download speeds are so massively different? And is there anything I can do to get the laptop up to 5 mbps?

Thanks very much!

Cheers,
Wayne

 

[bullzeye.za]

http://www.realtek.com.tw/products/productsView.aspx?Langid=1&PFid=40&Level=5&Conn=4&ProdID=172

That wifi card does not strike me as one designed for performance.

Check in Device Manager if it has power saving mode on, and mess with your MTU if you're feeling brave.

Other than that, maybe try it in a different OS or browser?

 

[Elimentals]

Pop in a Ubuntu live cd in the laptop and do a quick test if you get xp speeds you will know for sure its the OS.

Sent from my brain using my fingers.

 

[Waynebow]

Bullzeye, thanks!

Turns out I had the power saving set to "Max_PSP", which is apparently maximum power saving. I have changed that setting and am now getting almost exactly the same speed as the deskptop (actually a touch higher).

Pity I spent hours on this over the weekend when I could have just asked here and gotten an answer in 5 minutes...

Thanks also, Elimentals, but seems problem is sorted now.

 

[TonyGT]

Ok, so I have a similar issue:
I have 4 PC's connected to the net through the same router.
All 4 are running Windows 7

One PC (quadcore 2.33, 4GB ram) is constantly getting speeds of around 5mbs (6mbs line) but the rest vary between 0.6 and 1.3mbs.

The other Pc's are all newer, I5 and I7 processors, also with 4GB ram.

Where do I start looking for the problem?

 

[MDE]

Ok, so I have a similar issue:
I have 4 PC's connected to the net through the same router.
All 4 are running Windows 7

One PC (quadcore 2.33, 4GB ram) is constantly getting speeds of around 5mbs (6mbs line) but the rest vary between 0.6 and 1.3mbs.

The other Pc's are all newer, I5 and I7 processors, also with 4GB ram.

Where do I start looking for the problem?

You not running all four at exactly the same time?