Inconsistent Speed Tests with XR1000

[ron_spruce]

I have recently upgraded my home networking equipment from an Orbi RBR50 to the Nighthawk XR1000 Router. My speed test results are really fast when I connect my computer (2017 iMac) to my cable modem (Netgear CM1000 v2). I get into the 900 Mbps which is fine since my Xfinity internet plan allows for speeds up to 800 Mbps.

The problem is when I connect my computer to my router via LAN port, the speed test results drop dramatically into speeds that are less than 100 Mbps. My equipment is connected using Cat8 ethernet cables which is probably overkill for my setup but better than the Cat5e cables that are included with the equipment. 

I have had several phone calls with Netgear Pro Support in which they have used zoho join to diagnose this particular issue. After downgrading the firmware (to solve a previous issue) I upgraded it to the current version and the first speed test I ran was satisfactory (> 900 Mbps). Then I ran a Connection Benchmark test within the DumaOS router admin tool and that gave my download speed test a letter grade of 'B'. Was expecting it to be an 'A' but oh well. I then ran another speed test and once again my download speeds reverted to < 100 Mbps.

Are there any admin settings that I need to look out for in order to solve this issue with inconsistency? I'd be glad to give any further information in regards to my settings.

Thanks in advance!

[ron_spruce · Accepted solution]

Well I went ahead and did a factory reset on my XR1000 and that seemed to solve the problem. Not sure what happened to make the ethernet ports work so slowly but I'm glad it's not happening anymore.

[michaelkenward]

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The problem is when I connect my computer to my router via LAN port, the speed test results drop dramatically into speeds that are less than 100 Mbps. My equipment is connected using Cat8 ethernet cables which is probably overkill for my setup but better than the Cat5e cables that are included with the equipment. 

How are you doing these speed tests?

And this computer is? What is the LAN chip?

Whenever someone reports 100 Mbps, the first thing to check is that the LAN ports on the connected device are gigabit, rather than the older 100 Mbps. Some devices, such as smart TVs and media devices, still come with 100 Mbps because that is fast enough.

This isn't likely to be the case with a PC, but who knows? Hard to tell without more details.

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@ron_spruce wrote:

I have recently upgraded my home networking equipment from an Orbi RBR50 to the Nighthawk XR1000 Router.

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That's a gaming router.

While many questions about routers are generic and could be answered anywhere, some things need specialist knowledge.

You might get more help, and find earlier questions and answers specific to your device, in the appropriate section for your hardware. That's probably here:

Nighthawk Pro Gaming Routers - NETGEAR Communities

Gaming routers have their own DumaOS operating system that is nothing like the one on Netgear's standard routers. DumaOS also has an excellent team of official  minders.

You might like to search there for messages related to your problem.

I will ask the Netgear moderator to move your message.

In the meantime you could visit the support pages:

Support | NETGEAR

Feed in your model number and check the documentation for your hardware. Look at the label on the device for the model number.

Check for various troubleshooting tips.

You may have done this already. I can't tell from your message.

I mention it because Netgear stopped supplying printed manuals and CD versions some years ago and people sometimes miss the downloads.

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[Netduma-Fraser]

What speeds are you getting through speedtest.net for example instead of Benchmark?

[ron_spruce]

I use both speedtest.net & fast.com which deliver similar results. I let the test site choose the best server.

[ron_spruce]

-  How are you doing these speed tests?

I'm using both speedtest.net & fast.com to do speed tests.

-  And this computer is? What is the LAN chip?

The computer I'm using is a 2017 iMac and I attached the ethernet specs in a screenshot.

Thanks for your suggestions. I will check the more appropriate community.

[Netduma-Fraser]

Can you provide an attached screenshot of the table view on Device Manager please?

[ron_spruce]

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@Netduma-Fraser wrote:
Can you provide an attached screenshot of the table view on Device Manager please?

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Connected to LAN port 3

[Netduma-Fraser]

Your pictures have to be moderated so I can't see them currently, if you attach them as an attachment I can download to view

[ron_spruce]

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@Netduma-Fraser wrote:
Your pictures have to be moderated so I can't see them currently, if you attach them as an attachment I can download to view

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attached

[Netduma-Fraser]

I think the ports shown there may not be in an accurate order, could you try with the other ethernet cables as well please? I suspect two will give slow speeds but one will give expected speeds

[ron_spruce]

I have a new cable being delivered today. Will do that once it arrives.

[ron_spruce]

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@Netduma-Fraser wrote:
I think the ports shown there may not be in an accurate order, could you try with the other ethernet cables as well please? I suspect two will give slow speeds but one will give expected speeds

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I removed the other two and switched the current Cat5e to a Cat8

[ron_spruce · Accepted solution]

Well I went ahead and did a factory reset on my XR1000 and that seemed to solve the problem. Not sure what happened to make the ethernet ports work so slowly but I'm glad it's not happening anymore.

[FURRYe38]

Glad you got it working. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/24231/How-do-I-back-up-the-router-configuration-settings-on-my-Nighthawk-rout...
Enjoy. 📡