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Billy-39's avatar
Billy-39
Follower
Apr 23, 2025

Slow download speeds on specific sites despite good signal – Nighthawk App shows no issues

Hi all,

I’m using the Nighthawk App to monitor my home network (router: Nighthawk XR700), and everything seems to be running smoothly — no signal drops, devices are stable, and speed tests show full bandwidth.

However, I’ve noticed that some sites still load or download files much slower than expected. For example, I tested this site, which hosts APK files — and downloads crawl, even though other sites work just fine.

Here’s what I’ve checked:

  • Signal strength is excellent (tested near router)

  • No VPN or proxy

  • No parental controls or QoS limiting the device

  • Firmware is up to date

  • Using 5GHz band, very low interference

The weird part is that when I switch to mobile data, the same site downloads quickly — so it seems like a network or router-side issue.

Has anyone run into similar behavior with specific domains? Is there anything in the Nighthawk App or advanced router settings that might deprioritize or throttle certain traffic?

Appreciate any help or tips!

3 Replies

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Apr 23, 2025

    Do ethernet connected devices download good? Test with a ethernet connected PC at the router then test same at the ISP modem/ONT directly. 

     

    What Firmware version is currently loaded?
    What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
    Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended. 

     

    Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
    https://community.netgear.com/t5/Nighthawk-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/2220015/jump-to/first-unread-message

     

    What channel configurations are currently set on the router?  

    What mobile devices are you using? 

  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru - Experienced User
    Apr 23, 2025

    What modem/gateway are you using? 

    Are you using IPv6? I've noticed some differences with native ipv6 sites. 

    Have you checked your DNS? Not all of them are fast/decent. 

    Try a different DNS Server. Here's a few. Also remember to change the ipv6 dns server if ipv6 is enabled.
    CloudFlare
    IPv4: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
    IPv6: 2606:4700:4700:0:0:0:0:1111 and 2606:4700:4700:0:0:0:0:1001
    GoogleDNS
    IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
    IPv6: 2001:4860:4860:0:0:0:0:8888 and 2001:4860:4860:0:0:0:0:8844