Only getting around 40MB via Wireless AC+ USB adapter. Is something wrong?

kissenger · 22 Jun 2015 at 19:29

So I'm trying to connect to my VM Superhub's 5GHz signal using an Asus AC51 Wireless AC+ USB adapter I just bought. I was expecting at least 100MB to be honest because that's what my 2013 rMBP can do, but I'm only getting around 40MB (6MB down, 15ms ping) at most.

I've tried switching channels and a few other things, but that's the best I've been able to get. Is that pretty standard for Wireless AC+? Would I need a PCIe card with a proper antennae to get faster speeds?

OpenToSuggestions · 22 Jun 2015 at 19:32

Wireless only goes at the maximum rated speed if you are literally sat next to the router - At best!

In my view wireless is convenient and great for the casual user i.e. sit in garden on laptop.
For downloading of large files, gaming or just a frequent internet user then wired everytime.

kissenger · 22 Jun 2015 at 19:39

OpenToSuggestions said:
Wireless only goes at the maximum rated speed if you are literally sat next to the router - At best!

In my view wireless is convenient and great for the casual user i.e. sit in garden on laptop.
For downloading of large files, gaming or just a frequent internet user then wired everytime.

But the thing is my Macbook gets 100MB over the same connection even when it's sitting next to my PC, so distance from router can't really account for this particular issue.

Meatball · 22 Jun 2015 at 20:48

There are too many variables to run through but to name a few:
1) Compatibility with router
2) Amount and efficiency of the antennas
3) USB bandwidth (is the USB dongle USB 2.0 or 3.0?)

kissenger · 22 Jun 2015 at 21:19

The adapter is USB 2.0.

Meatball · 22 Jun 2015 at 21:27

That'll likely be the bottleneck then

.

Spudgun · 22 Jun 2015 at 22:03

Yeah, it certainly will. You are doing very well to get 40 out of a USB2 connection!

TheVoice · 22 Jun 2015 at 22:19

Presumably you mean 40Mbps, not 40MB/sec?

Caged · 22 Jun 2015 at 22:26

Your MacBook is at least a dual stream device, a USB adapter is unlikely to be.

The headline wireless speeds are an aggregate of using multiple streams (up to 3 commonly, some stuff does 4).

kissenger · 23 Jun 2015 at 00:56

That explains it then, but I don't get why they would make a 5GHz/AC+ adapter using USB 2.0 if the latter effectively negates all the benefits of 5GHz/AC+.

I mean, I get 40MB whether I use 5GHz or 2.4GHz with this adapter. Seems pointless.

Steveocee · 23 Jun 2015 at 14:16

kissenger said:
That explains it then, but I don't get why they would make a 5GHz/AC+ adapter using USB 2.0 if the latter effectively negates all the benefits of 5GHz/AC+.

I mean, I get 40MB whether I use 5GHz or 2.4GHz with this adapter. Seems pointless.

Shock and horror as consumer buys product due to clever marketing!!!

chroniclard · 23 Jun 2015 at 14:19

I get the full download speed (150) over VM Superhub AC and a PCI AC card so would assume its the USB speeds.

Steveocee · 23 Jun 2015 at 14:24

Are we forgetting that the AC speeds are quoted in Mb and you are quoting in MB?
433Mb/8=54.125MB :: 40MB*8=320Mb ??

How are you testing your throughput speeds? LAN to LAN?

Jez · 23 Jun 2015 at 14:30

This forum is so full of rubbish, USB 2.0 has a bandwidth of 480mbit/s. It is clearly nothing like the bottleneck in this scenario :/

chroniclard · 23 Jun 2015 at 14:35

Have you set speed in the router?

Here is mine.