Basic Internet Connectivity And Modem Help

[gwtech]

I've had Extreme 50 for a year or two now and have consistently gotten speeds of 40-55 Mbs down and 10-20 up.  However, sometime within the last week the download speeds have dropped to 20 or even less.  I've measured this against several servers I've used in the past, which have always consistently given my 40-55.

Now, I did find one Comcast server in Boston that gives me 50 Mbs down.  However, no other server -- including other Comcast servers -- does so.  Not even close.

Since I did find one server that gives me full speeds, that means the problem is not on my end.  But there is definitely a problem somewhere because I used to get a minimum of 30 Mbs from virtually all servers, and 50 or more from most.  Now I get 20 or less from all but that single Comcast server.

What gives?  I'm not happy paying for Extreme 50 when I'm actually only getting 20.

[i-am-nerdburg]

Please give us more information:

1) Please connect your computer directly to the modem via Ethernet ( no router, no wireless, no USB )
2) Run ShaperProbe and post your results. (It works with Win 7)
3) Post your upstream and downstream signal levels (click the link.) We are interested in your power levels (dBmV) and your Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).
4) Let us know to what speed tier you subscribe.
5) Post the make a model of your modem.
6) Post your modem's error logs.

[gwtech]

Cable modem: Cicso DPC3000

     Power Level     Signal to Noise Ratio
Channel 0:    -3.4 dBmV     37.1 dBmV
Channel 1:    -3.1 dBmV     37.1 dBmV
Channel 2:    -3.9 dBmV     36.8 dBmV
Channel 3:    -3.6 dBmV     36.8 dBmV
          
        
      Power Level
Channel 0:    51.8 dBmV
Channel 1:    0.0 dBmV
Channel 2:    0.0 dBmV
Channel 3:    51.8 dBmV


DiffProbe release. January 2012. Build 1008.
Shaper Detection Module.

Connected to server 80.239.142.215.

Estimating capacity:
Upstream: 11337 Kbps.
Downstream: 101648 Kbps.

The measurement will take upto 2.5 minutes. Please wait.

Checking for traffic shapers:

Upstream: No shaper detected.
Median received rate: 11088 Kbps.

Downstream: Burst size: 18285-18708 KB;
Shaping rate: 54208 Kbps.

[gwtech]

I have tried dozens of servers all over the country, and they all limit me to 20 Mbs down.  It's 100% consistent.

That was never the case before.  I've become convinced at this point that Comcast is throttling me and the one Comcast server in Boston that gives me appropriate speeds is the only one that hasn't gotten the message that I shouldn't be given the speeds I pay for.

So tomorrow I'll spend half my life talking to customer support reps who have no clue what I'm talking about and have no authority to do anything about it.

[i-am-nerdburg]

Your upstream power levels are little high, but it's probably not a problem.  ShaperProbe shows you getting appropriate speeds, it's pretty spot on. The Flash-based test are all unreliable, including the Comcast speed test.

[gwtech]

But the flash-based tests have been consistent for ages, and now suddenly indicate a 20 Mbs limit.  And that correlates with real-world experience.  I up/download a lot of data on a daily basis, and it has suddenly become 50% slower. 

[gwtech]

But I do appreciate your time and attention.  Thanks!

[i-am-nerdburg]

---

gwtech wrote:

But the flash-based tests have been consistent for ages, and now suddenly indicate a 20 Mbs limit.  And that correlates with real-world experience.  I up/download a lot of data on a daily basis, and it has suddenly become 50% slower. 

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I'm not saying you aren't having issues, but the information you posted does not show a problem. When you are having speed issues, run ShaperProbe again and see if there is a difference. More data is better. FWIW, you really need a download manager to open multiple connections  to a server if you want to fully utilize your connection. Something like Internet Download Manager.