New N66U - are these speeds normal?

[txhokie]

Hi all,

Just upgraded to an N66U from a Netgear 3700 after I started having problems with my Sonos wireless music system. So far the N66 has improved things as well as given me better signal in some of the farther spots of my house.

One thing I'm not sure of is if something is holding back file transfer speeds. On my main laptop, the connection shows as 300 mbps (N, 5 GHz). Copying a large file (for example, an .iso file) to my (wired) NAS only gives me around 5-6 Mb/sec. Even with my old router I would see around 8 Mb/s, although not always. I tried copying the same file to a different laptop also showing 300 mbps and got the same 5-6 Mb/sec.

Speedtest.net is showing around 21 Mb/sec download, which matches with the plan I am on.

Could the issue be on the NAS side? It's a Netgear ReadyNAS NV.

 

[nubyOz]

Hi,

Just check ytour firmeware version. The latest (3.0.0.4.354) actualy has 5GHz issues.
Best formare for this router is RMerlin 3.0.0.4.70B.

Did you run the speedtest via wired LAN or Wireless 5Ghz, if it is 5Ghz, you have great conectivity.

Also what are your 5GHz settings, security, channeles etc.
Just a hint btw, upgrade my wireless card in my laptop with an intel 6300, now get 450Mbits link speed.

Cheers

 

[Tazzi]

Do you mean version 3.0.0.4_270.26b?

 

[RogerSC]

Do you mean version 3.0.0.4_270.26b?

Yep, that's the latest "stable" version. I'm using that version and it's very reliable here.

 

[txhokie]

My N66 came installed with 3.0.0.4.260 and when I check for updates (via the router menu) it says it is up to date. I assume the other versions you are all talking about are betas?

As for the speeds I am seeing, I think since I am getting good numbers on Speedtest, that shows the wireless connection is plenty fast. I'll need to look into other things that might be slowing down file transfer from PC to NAS. Am I right that at 300 mbps I should be seeing better than 6 Mb/s? Theoretical max is 37.5, right?

Thanks again everyone.

Edit: seems I have my units all mixed up. Speedtest is giving 20mbps, not MB/s. Still, 20mbps is the internet plan I have, so that's good! I just tried the LAN Speed Test application and it gives me 75mbps (closer to 9 MB/sec) for 100MB file copied to/from my NAS. Not sure if that's "good" or not.

 

[Tazzi]

The check for updates doesn't work. On ASUS's site there are (I believe) two newer versions. You have to manually download and flash.
The one I was referencing was Asuswrt-Merlin (Merlin's build), located at
http://www.mediafire.com/folder/a5gwz5qgq0d3q/RT-N66U
It is his latest stable build based on ASUS's firmware (and the one I use)

 

[InDashMP3]

Painfully slow..

I just installed my new RT-N66U today which replaced an aging Linksys RT54G I've had for years. We've got a lot of connected devices...

WiFi:
SmartTV
XBox 360
SmartBlu-Ray player
2 iPads
2 iPhones
3 Laptops

Hard Wired:
DirecTV receivers (two)
3 PCs
VOIP adapter

Speed on my iPads,iPhones,XBox, are terribly slow. I updated to the Merlin firmware, and no real help. See below..

LAPTOP SPEED:

iPhone SPEED (located in exact same spot as the laptop):

I'm not sure what to do. The XBOX buffers like crazy, drops, etc.. Haven't tried to connect the smart tv yet...


Any tips?

 

[RMerlin]

When switching routers while using a cable connection, it's often required to power off your cablemodem for about 10 minutes, then power it back on. That will ensure that the connection is fully reset, and that your ISP will recognize the new router.

 

[InDashMP3]

Thanks for the reply. I had it off for about 4 mins. I wouldn't think the modem would contribute to the speed differences between devices.

 

[jlake]

I use 270.26b and don't have any problems.

What firmware are you using? Can you post a screenshot of inSSIDer? Have you unplugged the WRT54G? Did you "forget" this network on your iOS devices? Usually if you do some googling, you can solve common wireless problems.

http://www.cultofmac.com/143029/how-to-forget-a-wi-fi-network-on-your-ios-device-ios-tip/

You can also reset the network settings on the iOS devices. Settings>General>RESET>RESET Network Settings.

For the Xbox, you can try to delete your old wireless profile or just create a new SSID on the router so that it's not using your old SSID/profile from the WRT54G.

 

[InDashMP3]

I'm replying from a location where I don't have access to the device right now and I don't remember the exact build numbers. I can say, I've noticed the same problem with three different firmware versions (the one it came with, the "Merlin" build, and currently the most recent beta that has has March/13 build date).

The process I used to install it was as follows:

1.) Unplugged power from the cable modem.
2.) Moved all physical connections from the old router to the new router and unplugged power from the old router, and reapplied power to the modem
3.) Named the SSID on the new router something different than the old SSID (named the same on 2.4/5 GHZ)
4.) On all of our iDevices, I "forgot this network" for my old SSID, and joined the new network no problem
5.) On the XBOX, deleted the old network, added the new
6.) Joined the new network on my laptop

The speedtest is pitiful. I'm not real sure where to go from here. I am eager to try any suggestions that the members of this forum may provide.

Thanks again!

 

[RMerlin]

I would still try powering off the modem for 10 mins. Many users have resolved odd issues this way.

 

[InDashMP3]

Will do. I appreciate the feedback!

Regards,
joe

 

[jlake]

Also, try using firmware 270.26b then reset the router to factory defaults and just use the default settings. I wouldn't recommend giving the 2.4G and 5G bands the same SSID especially when you're trying to troubleshoot.

Try your speed test using the factory default router settings.

Here's the link to inSSIDer.

http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

 

[InDashMP3]

So, I put in the 270.26b firmware and reset factory defaults. I decided NOT to test my connection to the internet, to rule out the modem. I simply attempted a file transfer from a wired computer to my laptop.

See this image:

Basically I was transferring a large file from a pc plugged into the router to the laptop via wireless. You can see the unstable, and slow speeds. I then transfered the same file after plugging the laptop into the router as well instead of using the wireless card. Much better result. Tried again via wireless...poor. This is with the laptop within 3 feet of the router.

I am also including a capture of my inSSIDer. IM JRDB:

I moved my 2.4 to a clean channel, no help. Very confused....

 

[jlake]

I don't know. I guess you should try what Merlin suggested.

And then move the N66U to a different location. Maybe you've got some kind of glass table or metal object causing interference. Also, try channel 1. Maybe you have some unknown interference. On some wireless routers, there's dead zone 18 inches (and closer) from the router.......so maybe try your testing when you're 6 feet away.

I thought you were going to run a speedtest on the iphone after you flashed 270.26b firmware (and use defaults) and then post the speedtest results? Confusing.