WiFi speed graph very erratic

Networking, connecting to the internet, wi-fi and home entertainment
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Rudi
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WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by Rudi »

Hi,

Over the holiday's I've noticed that my wifi has been very erratic. I am used to a fairly constant graph that shows minor peaks and valleys, but for the last two weeks it has been up and down in huge crests and dips (or peaks and valleys if you prefer). See image below of one of my speed tests via Ookla...
Speed test.png
I phoned my ISP and they said I am getting the correct speeds (or constant service) from their side.
I checked all the settings on my router (and even changed the WPA2 password to ensure I was not being pirated)
I also bypassed my router by plugging the LAN cable directly into my PC

With all the above, I still got big fluctuations in my speed tests. To clarify, the average speed I am getting is just less than I normally get, but the fluctuations are very apparent when I browse and download.

Since I am relatively sure it is not my ISP, and I am 100% sure it is not my router, what else can cause these fluctuations? Nothing has changed in my house...no new electrical equipment to cause disturbance. My router is in the same spot it has always been? Could it possibly be the increase in broadband demand in the neighbourhood? Since many are on holiday and possibly visitors from upcountry visiting families...all sharing bandwidth...could this be the cause?

Any pointers will be appreciated.
TX
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Regards,
Rudi

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jonwallace
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by jonwallace »

Have you got flashing LED Christmas lights on your tree (http://www.cnet.com/uk/how-to/can-chris ... our-wi-fi/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)?
John

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Rudi
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by Rudi »

That is a very good suggestion John...and could account for the erratic nature due to the flashing. Sadly no. The tree has optic fiber lights and has been off since the day after Xmas, so its not that. :cheers:
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Rudi

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Claude
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by Claude »

I've got a WiFi radio in the kitchen, on top of the microwave. When I use the microwave, the WiFi connection drops out completely. Could be some interference from some equipment in your dwellings or surroundings. :scratch:
Cheers, Claude.

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Rudi
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by Rudi »

I know its not in my house but your right, it could be in my neighbourhood.
I'll have to see if there is an app that will help to trace interference.
TX
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Rudi

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DaveA
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by DaveA »

It could be ALL of the new devices in the neighborhood that are being used.
They just may be hogging the bandwidth!
I am so far behind, I think I am First :evilgrin:
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stuck
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by stuck »

Rudi wrote:...what else can cause these fluctuations? ...
Blame it on El Niño.

Ken

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StuartR
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by StuartR »

I have a cordless doorbell, with a number of receivers in different rooms around the house. The bell in the kitchen stopped working a few week's ago, and it took a while for me to realize that this was caused by my new Wireless Access Point that was in a different room, but on a direct line between the bell push and that receiver.
StuartR


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Rudi
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by Rudi »

stuck wrote:
Rudi wrote:...what else can cause these fluctuations? ...
Blame it on El Niño.

Ken
:laugh: Never thought of that!!
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Rudi

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Rudi
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by Rudi »

StuartR wrote:I have a cordless doorbell, with a number of receivers in different rooms around the house. The bell in the kitchen stopped working a few week's ago, and it took a while for me to realize that this was caused by my new Wireless Access Point that was in a different room, but on a direct line between the bell push and that receiver.
So did the door bell ring when you switched on your PC? :evilgrin:
TX for raising the point of interference.
Regards,
Rudi

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Claude
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by Claude »

I've been trying to figure out what the problem could be Rubi, and I think I figured it out now, at nearly 2 am local time. I think the interference could be Rudi :flee:
Cheers, Claude.

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Rudi
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by Rudi »

Rudi wrote:I'll have to see if there is an app that will help to trace interference.
Of course...a well know and recommended freeware app is: inSSIDer Home.
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Rudi

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StuartR
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by StuartR »

An app like inSSIDer will tell you about WiFi signals, but not about other uses of the same radio frequencies such as doorbells and microwave ovens.
StuartR


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PaulB
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by PaulB »

I was going to suggest trying a different WiFi channel or even changing to the other radio if you have a dual-band router, but if you are experiencing this erratic behavior while you are hardwired, I don't think your issue is WiFi related.
Regards,
Paul

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Rudi
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by Rudi »

PaulB wrote:I was going to suggest trying a different WiFi channel or even changing to the other radio if you have a dual-band router, but if you are experiencing this erratic behavior while you are hardwired, I don't think your issue is WiFi related.
TX Paul. My assumption is that it is in the neighbourhood; all the extra traffic on the net due to holiday makers and such.
I'll wait for after the holidays and see if it evens out.
Regards,
Rudi

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Rudi
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by Rudi »

StuartR wrote:An app like inSSIDer will tell you about WiFi signals, but not about other uses of the same radio frequencies such as doorbells and microwave ovens.
Understood. TX Stuart.
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Rudi

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Rudi
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Re: WiFi speed graph very erratic

Post by Rudi »

Claude wrote:I think the interference could be Rudi.
You think? And all this time I was assuming it was Santa Claude. :grin:
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Rudi

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