Why is there a huge difference between wireless and wired connection?

ralv585

ralv585

ralv585

Associate
Joined
4 Jul 2008
Posts
1,997
Location
London
I've done a test where my laptop is sitting next to my router, i'm not in another room far away, its right next it.

The difference between wireless and wired speed is so huge, why is that?

I'll understand if its a couple of meg, but wired i'm getting 48mbps, wireless sitting right next to it is only 8mbps.

What's happening to all the download speed goodness?
 
or how many other access points are around, how much channel overlap there is and whether you or your neighbours are using your microwave, cordless phone or old wireless tv sender...
 
Obviously it'll depend on whether it's using 802.11b(11mbit), g(54mbit), or whatever the faster protocols (n etc) are.

A lot of wireless connections are at only 54mbit max which leaves very little overhead if you have a 50mbit internet connection. Also I've got a feeling that wireless isn't full duplex so that 54mbit is shared between upload and download, plus any other wireless devices connected to the router could have an effect. Then it's likely that there could be interference, you might like to try changing the frequency if your router can do that.

Personally on a 50mbit internet connection there's no way in hell I'd be using 802.11g or below.
 
I've got no idea what kit i'm using either!

I'm in Korea at the moment, staying at my gf's apartment, and it's some router that i have no idea about.

Everyone in Korea leaves their connection unsecured for some reason, i can use the neighbours connection no problem.

I'm pretty sure that there may be one person sharing the connection, but that cannot lead to it being so slow. For instance i did the test at 3am, i doubt they're still awake downloading. They could be, but everything is on demand here, you can watch Avatar on your TV right now instead of going to the cinema.

I've tried to talk to her to put on a password, but that failed as it messed up her router haha, so i'm now using someone elses internet.

If only i could change the language to english, i could find out what channel it's on and maybe change it, and definitely put a password on it.
 
For 802.11g (54mbit) the real world throughput is on average around 20mbit. So add in interference from other wireless routers/devices, that could explain the 8mbit you are getting.
 
You'll never get 54Mb anyway - it's a theoretical maximum. Stick the laptop next the the router and you'll get just over half that, so around 25-30Mb.

Apartment blocks can be a problem. Years ago in my old place the wireless used to drop out whenever the upstairs neighbour fired up the microwave, nowadays the sheer number of wireless routers causes congestion. Just checked and I can see 14 APs, including the pub next door.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom