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R8000 Speed Issue
Hi All,
I recently upgraded my Xfinity service to 800 Mbps which forced me to replace a decade old modem that wasn't up to the task. I opted for the Xfinity approved Netgear CM1000v2 modem which is paired with my existing R8000 Netgear router. After registering my new modem, I did a hardline test between the new modem and my computer which resulted in speeds exceeding 950 Mbps (GREAT!!!). I then connected my router to test WIFI speeds 12" from router. The max WIFI speed to ANY devices couldn't exceed 600 Mbps, 350 less than hard wired. Technically speaking, the R8000 can handle a Gig (far more) of speed without issues, but for some reason it struggles north of 600. And for the record, to get that speed, I had to do a factor reset of the router. Before the reset, the max WIFI speed was 325 Mbps.
So, with the above said, why is this less than 2 year old capable router struggling to reach my targeted 800 Mbps? I feel like there's something I'm missing. I realize that WIFI will not be as fast as hardwired, but at 12" away, I feel like 800 should be obtainable considering the 950 hardwired speed. Yes? No?
After "bending" the network in several different directions, I found a solution to most all issues.
A) I moved the CA1000 and RAX50 to my second floor master bedroom. Though not 100% central, the signal strength from this location is far reaching to all points in the house.
B) I disabled the R8000 AP.
Testing: Using my new Galaxy S23 Ultra, I moved room to room with the following results:
2.4Ghz:
Upstairs: I averaged download speeds of 150 Mbps at the router and 75 Mbps in all other locations/rooms.
Downstairs: I averaged 90 to 100 Mbps throughout the entire first floor.
5Ghz:
Upstairs: I averaged download speeds of 940 Mbps throughout the entire second floor.
Downstairs: I averaged download speeds of 900 to 940 Mbps throughout the entire first floor.
Powerline to the rescue:
I used a powerline connection in both offices to connect network phones which are not WIFI compatible. Works like a charm.
Overview: The R8000 AP complicated the system and didn't add value. As it turns out, moving the gear to my Master bedroom was the key to even WIFI distribution throughout my townhouse. All goals have been reached with nearly a Gigabyte of 5Ghz throughout the entire townhouse and a dedicated 100 Mbps to service my Sonos sound system.
Thanks to ALL that took the time to walk me off the ledge.
44 Replies
And I'm using the 5Hz connection to get that speed. Just ran another test and now my speeds are closer to 500 Mbps with VERY slow upload speed. Seems to be all over the place regardless of the time of day -- even EARLY EARLY morning while others in the area would clearly be asleep and not pounding on the internet.
Shubox56 wrote:Hi All,
I recently upgraded my Xfinity service to 800 Mbps which forced me to replace a decade old modem that wasn't up to the task. I opted for the Xfinity approved Netgear CM1000v2 modem which is paired with my existing R8000 Netgear router. After registering my new modem, I did a hardline test between the new modem and my computer which resulted in speeds exceeding 950 Mbps (GREAT!!!). I then connected my router to test WIFI speeds 12" from router. The max WIFI speed to ANY devices couldn't exceed 600 Mbps, 350 less than hard wired. Technically speaking, the R8000 can handle a Gig (far more) of speed without issues, but for some reason it struggles north of 600. And for the record, to get that speed, I had to do a factor reset of the router. Before the reset, the max WIFI speed was 325 Mbps.
So, with the above said, why is this less than 2 year old capable router struggling to reach my targeted 800 Mbps? I feel like there's something I'm missing. I realize that WIFI will not be as fast as hardwired, but at 12" away, I feel like 800 should be obtainable considering the 950 hardwired speed. Yes? No?
No. To help you better understand throughput over Wi-Fi, some background reading here would be very beneficial: https://www.duckware.com/tech/wifi-in-the-us.html Do not try to swallow the whole thing at once. Chapters 1 through 3 and 10 would be a good start.
Your R8000 is a Wi-Fi 5 device and the design is several years old. The critical item is the device you are running the throughput test on. What is its capacity for throughput? Recommend you download the Ookla stand alone test application from the play store. It avoids using a web browser or web address that can interfere with the results.
Thank you for the quick response. I'm a network neophyte with lots to learn. I'll take some time tonight to read the recommended chapters.
My testing has been done on a new Samsung s23 Ultra. I downloaded the OOKLA speed test app the day I bought the phone.
Based on your response and before reading the recommended material, I'm assuming that reaching the 800 Mbps via WIFI is a pipedream. Would upgrading to new technology, like WIFI 6 or 6E get me to (or close) to 800 when inches away from router?
Using the same phone I tested the drop-off at several points in the house -- I clearly need to invest in equipment. My den where I hardwire my computer to my router for max speed is on the second floor, and there's another second floor office with computer gear as well. I'm also running a network phone through the router. On the first floor of my townhouse, I have all my entertainment gear, from 2 TV's connected to WIFI and a number of Sonos speakers that's growing in number.
So to recap speeds, my Ethernet connected computer is running at 900, WIFI speeds at the router is 630, WIFI speed in the second upstairs office (next to den/office) is running at 500, and at the downstairs TV's it drops off to 125 best. I'm considering a mesh, but hate complicating a system to even out the 1st and 2nd floor disparity.
So I guess my issues go beyond my original questions.
Shubox56 wrote:Thank you for the quick response. I'm a network neophyte with lots to learn. I'll take some time tonight to read the recommended chapters.
My testing has been done on a new Samsung s23 Ultra. I downloaded the OOKLA speed test app the day I bought the phone.
Based on your response and before reading the recommended material, I'm assuming that reaching the 800 Mbps via WIFI is a pipedream. Would upgrading to new technology, like WIFI 6 or 6E get me to (or close) to 800 when inches away from router?
Using the same phone I tested the drop-off at several points in the house -- I clearly need to invest in equipment. My den where I hardwire my computer to my router for max speed is on the second floor, and there's another second floor office with computer gear as well. I'm also running a network phone through the router. On the first floor of my townhouse, I have all my entertainment gear, from 2 TV's connected to WIFI and a number of Sonos speakers that's growing in number.
So to recap speeds, my Ethernet connected computer is running at 900, WIFI speeds at the router is 630, WIFI speed in the second upstairs office (next to den/office) is running at 500, and at the downstairs TV's it drops off to 125 best. I'm considering a mesh, but hate complicating a system to even out the 1st and 2nd floor disparity.
So I guess my issues go beyond my original questions.
Trying to achieve reliable 800 Mbps throughput over a Wi-Fi 5 connection is going to be beyond difficult.
There is a lot of hype associated with Wi-Fi 6E. If you have a friend or acquaintance with a good internet connection and a Wi-Fi 6E router, recommend you go visit with your phone and try it out. In real life I understand that distance or obstructions (walls) really cut in to the 6 GHz band which the FCC has placed severe power limitations on.
May I ask what your end goal is? What are you trying to accomplish?
