Wifi adapter running at 1/4th its speed capability

[Don2304]

I installed a 866 mbps WiFi adapter, disabled my old internal WiFi card and connected to my 600 mbps Xfinity XFi wifi system yet the speed test shows I am only getting 124 mbps download speed, compared to 50 mbps I was previously getting from my internal WiFi card.  Does my computer have another hardware issue that limits WiFi speed capability?  Computer is 8 feet from the Xfinity wifi box and is giving my iPhone and iPad 500+ mbps download speeds.

[itsmyname]

@Don2304 -- do you reside in a single-family house, or a MURB (Multiple Unit Residential Building) ?

Living in a MURB implies that every other tenant in the building has their own WiFi network, that may "collide" with your WiFi network, and hurt your WiFi performance.

Also, most modern WiFi-cable routers are broadcasting on both 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz networks.

I suspect that your Apple devices are connecting to the faster (and more collision-free) 5 Ghz network, and that you add-on WiFi adapter is connecting to the "crowded" 2.4 Ghz network.

Do you get "600" speed when you connect your HP computer to your router via a "CAT-5e" or "CAT-6" Ethernet cable? You should!

> Does my computer have another hardware issue that limits WiFi speed capability? 

In my experience, any Windows computer running at less than 2.5 Ghz cannot run most "speed-test" apps at their full speed.  So, one gets lower-number results, on such a "slow" computer.

[Don2304]

Thanks, but:

.Live in a single family home

.Computer runs at 3.20 Ghz

.Properties says adapter connected to 5G network

.Distance from computer to Gateway box too far for attaching an Ethernet cable

[itsmyname]

@Don2304 -- Distance from computer to Gateway box too far for attaching an Ethernet cable. Computer is 8 feet from the Xfinity wifi box.

For purposes of "trouble-shooting", can the computer be TEMPORARILY moved close-enough to the box to connect via an Ethernet cable? That may provide useful information. 

Can you borrow an Ethernet cable longer than 8 feet from family/friends?

[Don2304]

Download speed 526 mbps with Ethernet cable, 116 mbps without cable (wifi) from same location.  And 115 mbps via wifi where computer normally sits.  Network troubleshooter finds no problem.  Ethernet cable as permanent solution not an option as Gateway box is by TV and there is a hardwood floor and fireplace between Gateway/TV and computer location.  The exposed cable wouldn't look good and the traffic in the family room is not the place for an exposed cable. 

[Don2304]

1/11/22 — Gave up.   Linksys Support was unable to solve the problem.  Returned the adapter for a refund.  Bought an Asus adapter and the installation software stalled mid installation.  Unable to reach their support team and an attempt to email them redirected me to a chat box which in turn referred me to Bestbuy Geek Squad which offered to help for $99.   Took that adapter back for a refund and will just stick with my 50 mbps internal WiFi adapter. 

[itsmyname]

@Don2304 -- I can imagine two alternatives:

1. drilling one hole in the floor, near the cable-modem, to go "down" into the lower-level (or crawl-space) to emerge in the location of the laptop.

2. two Ethernet-over-power adapters, to use the electrical wires in your home to "replace" an Ethernet cable.

Is your cable-modem capable of "WiFi 6" - the fastest protocol?

[Don2304]

The wood floor has a concrete base, hence no crawl space under it.   The Ethernet -power solution will take under consideration.  Right now am considering a suggested Netgear adapter with WPS button for connectivity, having had good experience with Netgear products in the past.  

[Don2304]

Finally!  Installed a Netgear USB Mini wifi adapter A6100.  Easy installation.   Speed test showed 236 mbps download speed.  May not be 600 mbps but better than 54 mbps.   I'm satisfied with that.