Impact of multiple devices

[gwknopp]

I have a 150mbps connection from Cox.  Ive been complaining to Cox that my download speeds are 80-100 at best and lately averaging 60 or less.  I have about 15 devices on the router but seldome are there more than 2-4 in actual use (for example I have a wireless plug, a tablet seldome used and so on.

Cox trys to tell me they only recommend 7 devices.  I doubt most homes only have 7 devices.  

How big a drain is it to have dormant connections?

[antinode]

> [...] Ive been complaining to Cox that my download speeds are 80-100
> at best [...]

   Measured how?  Wired or wireless?

> How big a drain is it to have dormant connections?

   Practically none.  But, for a test, you could shut down everything
except the one test system.

> Model: A7000|Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi USB Adapter - USB 3.0

   Not a router.  What equipment do you actually have?  Look for "Model"
on a Netgear product label.  Firmware version(s)?