XR450 Nighthawk - Slower speeds than my default Spectrum Modem?

[Toolguns]

I'm having issues with internet speeds using my new XR450 Nighthawk Router and would like some help in figuring out what is happening. 

1.  First time I installed it and configured through DUMAS, the WIFI speeds were outstanding at 125mbs DL and 15 MB UP on WIFI ONLY, when I tried via ethernet however, the download speeds were only 43mb down and 5 UP.    So, this was very wierd to me, as originally with my Spectrum Modem that down has always been 100MB and 10 UP, so i was expecting the same or more via ethernet with my new XR450 router.

2.  I checked all Ethernet Cables by testing again using only the Spectrum Modem straight into my PC and I saw the usual 100MBS and 10UP so that ruled out any problems with ethernet cables...

3. I went back to reinstall XR450 with DUMAOS again from scratch (after unplugging both Modem and unplugging the XR450 and reconfigured using the wizard tool in DUMAOS), during SETUP I checked the internet speed in the DUMAOS app and was impressed with 117MB DOWN and 15UP, so I thought I was in the clear this 2nd time around setting up my router... 

Come to find out, I just rechecked my internet speeds on 2 different websites and I'm back down 50MBS / 5 UP and this time BOTH on WIFI and ETHERNET the speeds are testing the same at 50MBS / 5 UP!   (See #1 above, doesn't make sense with the variation in test results, first time I setup the WIFI WORKED PERFECT, but Wired was half the speed and now after setting up a 2nd time both Ethernet and Wifi Speeds are whack!)

I've verified Firmware is up to date and after doing some searches I also already disabled QOS and ANTI-BUFFERBLOAT is set to NEVER.  

I don't know what else to try...   Do I have a defective unit?  

[Netduma-Fraser · Accepted solution]

Even more so I think this is due to your PC ethernet adapter, I'd even suggest perhaps replacing this (if possible) or finding a 1gps USB to ethernet adapter and testing with that (could take back for refund if it doesn't work) and see if that is the cause. The only device this is happening on is that one so that is where I would look first. You can get higher than you pay for sometimes, depends on the demand in the area usually. Yes possible their modem locked speeds down as well.

[Netduma_Alex]

Have you got an ethernet switch hanging around? If so you could try putting that in between the XR450 and your ethernet devices. I've heard that can help. It sounds like it could be a defective unit, but I have heard of this problem before. What have you got the XR450 connected to upstream? There might be a link between everybody this is happening to such as not using a dedicated modem upstream.

[Toolguns]

Hi Alex,
I do not have an ethernet switch handy...

I don't know what you mean by connected to upstream, i just did the same as my last router and plugged modem into the internet ethernet on the xr450.  I see a lot of posts of this similar issue, not sure what to do next. 

[FURRYe38]

What Firmware is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?

My XR450 is working and getting to spec speed on a 200/10 cable connection. C7800 modem in bridge mode. 

[Toolguns]

Firmware version XR450 V2.3.2.56

Modem shows: "Hitron Technologies" Model#  E31N2V1  

I talked to a Spectrum "Internet Specialist" and he says my modem should go into Bridge mode automatically when plugging in the router. 

Testing using Megapath Speed Test Plus:

I'm getting acceptable ping/jitter latency scores when plugged in through modem only...
When using the XR450 My tests are very strange(I'm in LA area), LA Servers when testing speed using the router I get crazy amounts of Jitter sometimes 100ms and 80-100 ping?  The funny thing is I change over to San Jose and Phoenix servers tests and the Jitter is better, ping is better, but the download speeds are still terrible compared to my modem.  On the other hand, no issues when using the Modem...  None of these issues exist when I test through my Spectrum modem, only when using the router.     

I can totally feel and tell the difference in gaming too (regarding the above on Modem vs Router configuration)

I really don't want to RMA unit if I don't have to, Newegg.com doesn't want to accept the Division 2(game code) and will make me keep it even though I haven't redeemed the code, so instead of me getting my full refund, they will keep $60.00 of it + restock/shipping...   I have about 27 days to get this figured out, otherwise I do need to go ahead with the Return.   

Any suggestions? 

[Netduma_Alex]

Have you ticked Disable QoS in the anti-bufferbloat side menu? This might be interfering with the test. Also make sure that every device is removed from the Geo-Filter.

[Toolguns]

Yes I have ticked the disable QOS in the anti-blufferbloat side menu.

So an update on my findings, I did a hard reboot of the router and re-did the whole install process through routerlogin.net...  
Since then, I have once again gone back to 120GBPS Download on WIFI only and on wired I still only remaining at 60GPBS.

I find it VERY curious that this is exactly half of my speed that the router detected when DUMAOS did initial test of my download speeds to determine my internet speeds, it was showing me 120GBPS Download estimated results... 

By default, on the "Bandwith Allocation" the DUMAOS browser was automatically setup to 50/50% split between my Desktop(Ethernet) and my Cell phone (WIFI)....

The problem, even when I adjust settings in Bandwith Allocation to full 100% download speeds dedicated to my Desktop, I'm still only seeing 60GPBS to my Desktop... To add to this, I'll update my allocation to 0% for my Cell Phone and it still giving full download speeds of 120GBPS to my Cell Phone via Wifi...(Isn't that supposed to technically kill off the internet download speeds to my Cell Phone?)

So I don't know what the problem is, comminucation errors between the XR450 and DUMAOS? 

So, my questions is...  is my "Bandwith Allocation" broken on my router OR is this just buggy software?   It's too much coincidence that my download speeds are exactly 60GBPS on my desktop (exactly 50% of my actual speeds). 

What to try next? 

[FURRYe38]

I would try this, Set your modem up for router mode, then configure the XR450 temporarily as a wired AP. Let the modem be the router. Wire connect a PC behind the XR router and a wireless device to the XRs wifi. Speed test here. 

Let us know the results...

My XR450 has the sliders set for both 70% and Detect only when High Priority traffic. 

Beamforming and Smart Connect, MIMO and 160Mhz is enabled on my router. 

Wondering if there is a problem between the ISP modem and the XR router...

[Netduma-Fraser]

Regarding bandwidth allocation because share excess is enabled it will give bandwidth to the device that needs it. If you disable that then it will be the hard limit you expect. Change the XR450 MAC address to the MAC address of the previous router you had, apply then reboot the router and try the speed test again.

[Toolguns]

New interesting series of events to report... 

I found a decent deal on a Netgear CM600 Modem and I purchased it after reading several negative reports on my ISP's provided modem (Hitron e31n2v1)...

Check this out, I don't get why this is happening now:

I setup and activated my new CM600 via Spectrum activation website through my PC, did download tests and found 100 MBPS Down and 12 MBPS Up.   (On the Netgear CM 600 Modem)

After setting up the Nighthawk X450 I'm now getting 250.00 MBS Down and 12MBPS UP via WiFi ONLY... 

Ethernet to my PC still remains at 60GBPS on my PC.   Could this be a Windows10/PC related issue, I'm not getting what's going on and don't understand why I'm suddenly seeing 250MBPS Down on the router only via WiFi when I previously only used to see 100MBPS with this same router and my old Hitron modem?...  Connect speeds via ethernet on my PC remain at only 60GBPS Down but 12 UP, very weird.    

[Netduma-Fraser]

That is quite strange, sounds to me as though the ethernet card in your PC is only capable of 100mbps. Do you have any other devices you could test wired and see what they get?

[FURRYe38]

What actually are you paying for from your ISP UP and Down? 

Try a different wired PC at the ISP modem then with the XR router online. 

You should not be seeing or wont be seeing anything 60Gbps. Thats not even supported nor will you see anthing like that. Current LAN wired max speeds is around 900Mbps +-. 

[Toolguns]

AJust downloaded the Intel ProSet Adapter Configuration Utility, my Ethernet Adapter is the I219-V.  (Motherboard is Asus Apex IX, supposed to be gigabit ethernet capable)

Ran Connection Test:  Connection Status Passed

Cable Link Status: FAILED:
"Link speed: 100Mbps. The link partner is not capable of higher speeds."

Still gives me no clarity on why via wired Modem with CM600 (On my Windows 10 PC) I get full 100MBPS Down and 10 UP that I'm paying for, versus XR450 Router only seeing 60GBPS Down and 10 UP. 

This issue is only occuring on my Windows 10 PC... I just hardwired my Playstation 4 and it's showing download speeds of 200MBPS with the XR450, I don't understand why the sudden increase in internet speeds, maybe my ISP thinks I have a higher tier of internet now because of my newly acuired CM600 modem or a bug of some kind?   

Whatever the case may be, All my other devices including WiFi and Ethernet(Except my Windows 10 PC) seem to be fine with the XR450:  
Cell Phone via WiFi = 230-250 MBPS 

Playstation 4 via Ethernet = 200 MBPS

Windows 10 PC via Ethernet = 60 MBPS

I've checked all drivers and they're up do date according to Windows 10 and the Intel Adapter Configuration Utility. 

[FURRYe38]

"Router only seeing 60GBPS Down" The router is incapable of seeing anything ##GBPS. Only Mbps speeds will be seen here. 

Swap Lan cables. 

Try a different LAN adapter in the PC. 

If the Windows PC seems to be the only device exhibiting this issue and others are not, this would be a PC issue that you need to look into more. 

Good Luck. 

[Netduma-Fraser]

Check the ethernet adapter settings on the PC, you may need to change them to allow more than 100mbps.

[Toolguns]

I think I may have figured out what the problem might be, but I guess I'll never know unless I upgrade my Internet Speed with Spectrum... (Something I realistically don't need right now)

The plan I'm paying for with my ISP is 100MBPS Down / 10MBPS UP...

I checked the Ethernet settings and tried changing to 1.0GBPS but Ethernet won't work, I suppose it's because I'm paying for the cheaper plan and Network won't accept the connection. 

The interesting factors that I cannot make any sense of here, maybe you guys can chime in and throw me some ideas as to why this is happening...

1. Modem hardwired to PC, gets exactly 100 MBPS Down and 10 MBPS Down (What I'm paying for with Spectrum), HOWEVER, when XR450 is hardwired to PC I continue to see only 60MBPS and 10MBPS Up, so I am sacrificing 40MPBS of my paid internet plan when using the XR450 with my PC, all other devices have increased internet speeds.  

2. After XR450 is setup, my WiFi Speeds are HIGHER at 250MBPS and 12 MBPS UP. 

This same test is coming up under PS4 (hardwired), so the only device that is being throttled is my PC for some reason...   

3. When checking "Diagnostics" tab on my PC under "Link Speed" it does show my Gateway sucessefully pinged to IP and shows:
"Cable Link Status: Passed

The Adapter is configured to force the speed to a low speed".

Is this because my ISP is telling the adapter to run slower?

I still don't get why Modem tells my network adapter to run at 100MBPS Down, but when the XR450 is in place the Adapter is only downloading at 60MBPS.  

Also, how is it possible that I'm getting 200-250MBPS download speeds via WiFi and on my hardwired PS4, how am I getting away with better internet speeds when using the XR450 router when I'm paying Spectrum for a 100MBPS plan?

What I really don't get is why I'm getting away with higher download speeds on my PS4(Hardwired) and on all other devices via wifi, seeing 200MBPS download...

Is this a bug of some kind? 

It seems like a very weird anomaly, should I be worried that my router is defective and possibly reporting incorrect speeds(is that even possible?), really don't know how to make sense of the increased speeds on WiFi and my hardwired PS4 only while on my Windows PC i get almost half of the download speeds I'm supposed to get, I'm completely lost on this one. 

Now that I think of it, the 200MBPS increase didn't occur until I upgraded my modem to the CM600... (While I was using Spectrum's Modem I was seeing 100MBPS) 
So maybe that is the factor in the increased speeds?  

[Netduma-Fraser · Accepted solution]

Even more so I think this is due to your PC ethernet adapter, I'd even suggest perhaps replacing this (if possible) or finding a 1gps USB to ethernet adapter and testing with that (could take back for refund if it doesn't work) and see if that is the cause. The only device this is happening on is that one so that is where I would look first. You can get higher than you pay for sometimes, depends on the demand in the area usually. Yes possible their modem locked speeds down as well.

[FURRYe38]

What is the Mfr and model# of this Network adapter in your PC? 

What is the Mfr and model# of this PC? 

Do you have another PC with a wired GB network card installed to test and compare speeds? 

I guarantee you'll see what you pay for on a wired connection on the XR500. I get 200/10 with my XR450 on mutliple LAN wired PCs. 

---

@Toolguns wrote:

I think I may have figured out what the problem might be, but I guess I'll never know unless I upgrade my Internet Speed with Spectrum... (Something I realistically don't need right now)

The plan I'm paying for with my ISP is 100MBPS Down / 10MBPS UP...

I checked the Ethernet settings and tried changing to 1.0GBPS but Ethernet won't work, I suppose it's because I'm paying for the cheaper plan and Network won't accept the connection. 

The interesting factors that I cannot make any sense of here, maybe you guys can chime in and throw me some ideas as to why this is happening...

1. Modem hardwired to PC, gets exactly 100 MBPS Down and 10 MBPS Down (What I'm paying for with Spectrum), HOWEVER, when XR450 is hardwired to PC I continue to see only 60MBPS and 10MBPS Up, so I am sacrificing 40MPBS of my paid internet plan when using the XR450 with my PC, all other devices have increased internet speeds.  

2. After XR450 is setup, my WiFi Speeds are HIGHER at 250MBPS and 12 MBPS UP. 

This same test is coming up under PS4 (hardwired), so the only device that is being throttled is my PC for some reason...   

3. When checking "Diagnostics" tab on my PC under "Link Speed" it does show my Gateway sucessefully pinged to IP and shows:
"Cable Link Status: Passed

The Adapter is configured to force the speed to a low speed".

Is this because my ISP is telling the adapter to run slower?

I still don't get why Modem tells my network adapter to run at 100MBPS Down, but when the XR450 is in place the Adapter is only downloading at 60MBPS.  

Also, how is it possible that I'm getting 200-250MBPS download speeds via WiFi and on my hardwired PS4, how am I getting away with better internet speeds when using the XR450 router when I'm paying Spectrum for a 100MBPS plan?

What I really don't get is why I'm getting away with higher download speeds on my PS4(Hardwired) and on all other devices via wifi, seeing 200MBPS download...

Is this a bug of some kind? 

It seems like a very weird anomaly, should I be worried that my router is defective and possibly reporting incorrect speeds(is that even possible?), really don't know how to make sense of the increased speeds on WiFi and my hardwired PS4 only while on my Windows PC i get almost half of the download speeds I'm supposed to get, I'm completely lost on this one. 

Now that I think of it, the 200MBPS increase didn't occur until I upgraded my modem to the CM600... (While I was using Spectrum's Modem I was seeing 100MBPS) 
So maybe that is the factor in the increased speeds?  

---

[Toolguns]

Update! 

I went ahead and purchased a 1GPS Ethernet 3.0 USB Adapter and my speed issues are resolved on PC!

Seeing about 235MBPS Down and 12 UP, finally!  (Should have listened to you guys earlier and tried the switch)

Thank you for the suggestions to all.

So, I would assume the Ethernet adapter on my motherboard is defective? 

I mean, I did a clean install of Windows 10 on the PC and the issue was still remaining after getting all updates done on my PC to current. 
Now I wonder if I should even bother taking my computer apart and sending in my motherboard for warranty repair, sounds like a hassle...

Oh well. 

Thanks again everyone!

[FURRYe38]

Great news.

Well if you did a clean install of the the PC and used updated drivers for that on board adapter and it still didn't fix it, I would presume that adapter is faulty. 

Something to ask the PCs Mfr about and let them know that you did everything including putting in a USB adpapter and that works. If it's under warranty, i would use it. 

Please mark your thread as solved so others will know.

Enjoy. 

[Toolguns]

Thanks for the advice... I'm not very PC savvy, but I'll see if my friend that help me build this Gaming PC can make some time for me sometime and we'll see about sending it in for warranty if Asus will take it in...

Question, I marked one of the answers as as the solution.... I'm not sure if that sets the thread as "solved"...  I'm new here 😃

[FURRYe38]

Good, yes check out any kind of warranty as well. I believe ASUS has some after warranty services as well if this is a high end motherboard. Something i'd want to keep maintained. 

Yes. It's marked now. 

Thank you. 

ps. if you need more wifi coverage at some point from the XR, the EX7700 does a great job and works well with the XR450. I have two and have great coverage and performance. 

[Netduma-Fraser]

Fantastic to hear that, happy to hear it is solved. Do let us know if you have any further questions!