Download Speed vs Connection Speed

[Jarrod52]

Hello,

What is the maximum download speed allowed by a Fast Ethernet port? I know the connection speed is 100Mbps but if you are getting 100Mbps download speed from your ISP with a PC equipped with a Gig port directly connected to your Doc 3 modem, and you put a wired router with a Fast Ethernet 10/100 switch built in, that download speed drops considerably in my experience. Like 50%!!! Is that normal? What should I expect in terms of D/L speed in this scenario? Does it depend on other factors within the router? If so which factors?

Thanks

 

[Fwenk]

Hi,

With that kid of speed, the router CPU could be slowing your connection down. For example, if you have a firewall with packet inspection or anything like that, this will require a certain amount of CPU power that may not be available (in the router). Some time ago, I had a 30Mbps connection, but could only get 10 since my firewall was not fast enough. So, just try disabling some features in the router (or enabling everything) just to see if it makes a difference.

 

[teknojnky]

you put a wired router with a Fast Ethernet 10/100 switch built in, that download speed drops considerably in my experience. Like 50%!!! Is that normal?

yes, its dependent on the speed at which the router can, route.

= What should I expect in terms of D/L speed in this scenario? Does it depend on other factors within the router? If so which factors?

mostly cpu speed, amount of memory, along with however good/bad the software on the router is optimized, along with any additional features/services which must be processed (ie packet filtering, firewall, etc).

the router charts and reviews should give you a good idea of how much bandwidth various routers can handle.

you will want a router with gbit wan/lan ports.