52Mbps instead of 110Mbps using router Belkin F5D8233-4v3(01) How to fix it?

Gonzo100100 · 9 Jun 2014 at 19:37

Hello, I have a router F5D8233-4v3(01) and I updated it to version 3.01.29 (Aug 15 2008 18:24:38).
I have a problem with this router. Downstairs I have Virgin Media Fibre Optic Modem Router which connects to my Belkin router upstairs through a cable. Now, when I do a speed test at http://www.speedtest.net/ I get 52 Mbps download speed (even with all other cables which go to other computers disconnected) but when I do the same test with the Virgin modem connected directly to my computer I get 110 Mbps. I need to have something like an additional router upstairs to distribute the connection to all rooms there but there is either something wrong with the router or it is not set as it should be but I don’t know what exactly. Is there any advice you can give me to fix my problem?
Things like restarting the router doesn’t work. The firmware I mentioned about above is also the latest one to this model.
PS: I'm using this router for few years and there never was any problem with it but recently I have upgraded my internet connection to 120Mb

Nymins · 9 Jun 2014 at 19:58

The LAN ports are only 100Mb on the router, so you won't get the full download speed. Upgrade to a gigabit router.

Is the modem connected directly to the router or through powerline adapters to the router?

Gonzo100100 · 9 Jun 2014 at 20:12

The modem is connected directly to the router by a 15m cable.
So, I understand I need a new router? Can you advise me what should I buy specifically to get the full internet speed from the ground floor to the condignation upstairs with possibility to distribute the internet connection to three rooms there?

Steveocee · 9 Jun 2014 at 20:42

The router isn't your problem. If the router is only 10/100 then you should still be getting up to 100 on the speed tests.

To work it out correctly you need to work your way back through each component.
Virgin hub to pc you said works, what about virgin hub to other end of the 15m cable?
Is the Belkin negotiating at 100Mb can you tell?

I take it the virgin router is being used as a router and not a modem?

bremen1874 · 9 Jun 2014 at 21:11

Many older routers have limited WAN->LAN throughput. It's quite possible that the router is the limiting factor.

Duke · 9 Jun 2014 at 21:29

Why do you have two routers? Or are you using the VM SH2 in modem mode? Belkin are dire so would suggest putting SH2 in router mode and putting a gigabit switch upstairs.

Nymins · 9 Jun 2014 at 21:30

Steveocee said:
The router isn't your problem. If the router is only 10/100 then you should still be getting up to 100 on the speed tests.

To work it out correctly you need to work your way back through each component.
Virgin hub to pc you said works, what about virgin hub to other end of the 15m cable?
Is the Belkin negotiating at 100Mb can you tell?

I take it the virgin router is being used as a router and not a modem?

Overhead will pull the figure down. Yes, he should be getting more than 52Mb, but it seems most likely that the router is the problem since connecting directly to the modem gives the full speed.

Check the router and NIC configuration to make sure the settings are correct.

What modem are you using? Is it a Superhub or the really old small black modems that needed a separate router?

bremen1874 · 9 Jun 2014 at 21:38

When SmallnetBuilder tested the F5D8233-4 they measured:-

WAN->LAN 66Mbps
LAN->WAN 87Mbps

A bit better than what the OP is seeing, but still not enough to handle a fast cable connection.

Steveocee · 9 Jun 2014 at 21:59

I'd go with Dukes recommendation (if it is a superhub) of using it in router mode and putting a switch upstairs.

More info please OP

Gonzo100100 · 9 Jun 2014 at 22:02

The router isn't your problem. If the router is only 10/100 then you should still be getting up to 100 on the speed tests.

To work it out correctly you need to work your way back through each component.
Virgin hub to pc you said works, what about virgin hub to other end of the 15m cable?
Is the Belkin negotiating at 100Mb can you tell?

It is definitely about the router. When I wrote “when I do the same test with the Virgin modem connected directly to my computer I get 110 Mbps.” I meant that for the test I have used the same 15m cable from modem on the ground floor to my PC upstairs

I take it the virgin router is being used as a router and not a modem?

I use virgin router/modem (it says it’s called Super Hub 2) as a modem on ground floor. From the modem box I connected 15m cable which goes all the way through the stairs, under the carpet to Belkin router (model F5D8233-4v3). To the Belkin router another 3 cables are connected which goes to 3 computers, all upstairs. Even when only one PC was connected to the router (to ensure that the connection isn’t splitting somehow) I received about 50 Mbps. When I excluded the Belkin router, I connected the long 15m cable from ground floor Virgin modem directly to my PC and I got 110 Mbps.

Many older routers have limited WAN->LAN throughput. It's quite possible that the router is the limiting factor.

In my Belkin router setup in the LAN Settings section I have IP Address set, Subnet Mask, DHCP Server ‘on’ Lease Time set to Forever and IGMP ‘off’
WAN > Connection Type I have Dynamic.

Why do you have two routers?

I don’t know actually, I’m not an expert ;p It was my idea 7 years ago how to extent my internet connection from modem (Sky at the time I think) to other computers upstairs. I think someone told me at the time that it’s better to have an additional router because switches break often.

Or are you using the VM SH2 in modem mode? Belkin are dire so would suggest putting SH2 in router mode and putting a gigabit switch upstairs.

That sounds like a fair idea but can you suggest any particular switch I should buy?

Check the router and NIC configuration to make sure the settings are correct.

But I’m afraid I’m not sure what configuration is correct. ;p
I have googled NIC configuration found some relevant article http://nuanceimaging.custhelp.com/a...to-adjust-network-interface-card-(nic)-speeds
How to adjust Network Interface Card (NIC) speeds
And found out that I have the value set to ‘Auto negotiation’ ;p

What modem are you using? Is it a Superhub or the really old small black modems that needed a separate router?

It’s Virgin Media Super Hub 2

Steveocee · 9 Jun 2014 at 22:14

If it's a superhub then remove the belkin. Put the superhub into router mode and choose any of the gigabit switches that meets your budget.
These are pretty good;
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-210-NG&groupid=46&catid=2316

But you can make sure you won't run out any time soon with one of these;
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-203-NG&groupid=46&catid=2316

If you need wireless then the virgin hub will provide it for downstairs and if you need wireless upstairs then you can attach an AP to the switch?

Nymins · 9 Jun 2014 at 22:28

Echo the above. Superhub 2 is a decent router. Just get a switch or wireless AP for distributing the connection.

Gonzo100100 · 9 Jun 2014 at 22:46

I think I could get Netgear Prosafe GS105 5-Port Gigabit Metal Desktop Switch but can you also recommend me a wireless access point as well? It can be quite important to have the wireless connection upstairs, I use mostly stationary computer but others walk around with laptops and tablets.
Just to make sure and clear – should I have both of those devices or can I have wireless access point with few ports which will allow me download faster than 100mbps?

bremen1874 · 9 Jun 2014 at 23:30

Do you have a budget in mind? If you're willing to spend the money I'd just replace your current router with an Asus RT-N66U.

A much cheaper option is to reconfigure the Belkin as an wireless access point (Google 'router as access point' and you'll find plenty of guides).

Werewolf · 9 Jun 2014 at 23:46

bremen1874 said:
Many older routers have limited WAN->LAN throughput. It's quite possible that the router is the limiting factor.

That sounds quite likely, my trusty WRT4GL (I think it was) had a maximum throughput of about 40-45mb from the WAN to the LAN.

It's one of the important things to consider if buying a router now when you can get connection speeds of over 100mb, as some devices have gigabit ports but can only do <100 or so as the WAN/LAN traffic.

IIRC the Asus NU66 (I think it is) does 400mb+ on the WAN>LAN side of things.