Orbi RBR050 100MBps speed drop between PC and modem via Orbi

[cdbarker]

Hi 

I have recently upgraded from 500MBps to 1GBps package with Virgin Media. I was sent a VM Hub 5 as part of this upgrade.

I have noticed this download speed test difference.

I have the following components:

1) PC (1 x 2.5Gbps port - Intel I225-V controller on Asus Z490-F motherboard)

2) Orbi RBR050 (4 x 1Gbps ports)

3) Virgin Media Hub 5 (1 x 2.5Gbps, 3 x 1Gbps ports)

4) cat 6/7 cables

Scenario 1

PC 2.5Gbps --> cat 7 --> Hub 5 2.5Gbps (router mode) achieves 1130Mbps download speed according to Ookla Speedtest

Scenario 2

PC 2.5Gbps --> cat 7 --> Orbi 1Gbps --> cat 6 --> Hub 5 2.5Gbps (modem mode) achieves 940Mbps download speed according to Ookla Speedtest

Why is scenario 2 approximately 100Mbps slower?

Regards

Chris

[CrimpOn · Accepted solution]

Because the  RBR50 has only gigabit Ethernet interfaces (on both WAN and LAN ports).

The highest transfer rate through gigabit Ethernet is slightly less than that because there is some "overhead" in Ethernet communication. (spaces between packets. packet 'wrappers', etc.)

[CrimpOn · Accepted solution]

Because the  RBR50 has only gigabit Ethernet interfaces (on both WAN and LAN ports).

The highest transfer rate through gigabit Ethernet is slightly less than that because there is some "overhead" in Ethernet communication. (spaces between packets. packet 'wrappers', etc.)

[cdbarker]

Thanks @CrimpOn. I guess that to satisfy my urge for the extra 100Mbps, I'd have to upgrade to a router with a 2.5Gbps port.

[CrimpOn]

Actually worse than that.  Both the WAN port and at least one LAN port would have to be greater than 1 gigabit Ethernet.

There are lots of routers with a WAN speed higher than gigabit.  It's the LAN side that is the issue.  (Notice the Virgin hub has only a single 2.5G port.  What most 'speed conscious' users do is connect the single 2.5G port to a 2.5G switch and then hook their array of speedy devices to that switch.)

[cdbarker]

Hi @CrimpOn. 

So which scenario below are you referring to or does it matter? I suppose scenario 2 means that my PC would get the full speed without buying another router  but best still to get a new mesh router with 2,5Gbps port?

1)

internet --> Hub 5 2.5Gbps --> Orbi 2.5Gbps -->  Switch (4 x 2.5Gbps) --> PC or other devices

or do you mean

2)

internet --> Hub 5 2.5Gbps --> Switch 4 x 2.5Gbps --> other devices such as PC / Orbi 2.5Gbps

[FURRYe38]

Orbi would be Orbi 1Gb since 50 series only supports 1Gb WAN and LAN ports. 

[cdbarker]

Hi @FURRYe38. Yes, I know the limitation of the RBR050 in terms of the 1Gbps WAN port. The upgrade to a 2.5Gbps WAN port mesh router would increase the throughput for any wireless devices connected. e.g. Asus XT8 or RBR850 not to mention the Wifi 6 benefit.

[FURRYe38]

To get seamless 2.5Gb from WAN to LAN, you'd need a 9 series Orbi which have multi gig ports WAN and LAN support. 

The 850 series has a 2.5Gb WAN port but LAN ports are all still 1Gb. 

[cdbarker]

Hi @FURRYe38 . I don't need 2.5Gbps for the other LAN ports on the mesh router,  1 Gbps is plenty for what I have connected. It's just the "pipe" from the Hub 5/cable modem to the Mesh Router to maximise the internet to Wifi speed. Thanks for your comments.

[FURRYe38]

The a 850 series would work then. 👍