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[spencer1234]

I have a Linksys BEFCMU10 ver. 2 modem with a D-Link DIR-655 router. I just found out today that my modem has a DOCSIS ver 1.1 even though I upgraded the firmware from ver. 2 to ver.4. According to what I have read on the Linksys forum, ver. 2 hardware cannot be upgraded to DOCSIS ver 2.0 unless Comcast does something on their end.
 
I have Performance tier service which should be downloads up to 20 Mbps and uploads up to 4 Mbps but am not receiving the speeds expected. My son especially complains about his online gaming which for the past several days has been dropping out several times a night. Even when I am just surfing the web the page loads take longer than usual.



When I am hardwird from computer to modem via ethernet cable I have a Ping of 213 ms, Download of 16.04 Mbps and Upload of 1.73 Mbps. This is in line with what I should be receiving.  Two nights ago on another computer that was connected via wi-fi my download was 0.064 Mbps and upload was 0.038 Mbps. Things are definitely faster this morning.



Now that I have changed the computer from a direct connection between computer and modem to having the modem connected to the router and the computer hardwired to the router via ethernet cable, I reran the speedtest and here are the results: Ping 95 Download 0.17 Mbps, Upload 1.11 Mbps.   I don't understand why the download speed drops by a factor of almost 100 but the upload speed remains virtually the same.



My son who is connecting via wireless is receiving these results: Ping 95, download 0.18Mbps, upload 1.64 Mbps.

This is confusing to me because even though the download speed dropped considerably when the router was involved, the upload speed is basically the same. What gives?

My router is HW version A4 and Firmware version 1.32NA.  Should I upgrade the firmware?

I am using WPA2-personal and running in mixed G and N mode because of an XBox and a laptop that are on G.  Everything else is N.  I have tried setting the channel manually but the speeds are the same.  On another forum someone suggested resetting the router so I have done that but again it is the same.

This extreme slowdown is something new over the past week to 10 days.  In the past we have had hours her and there that were slow but never sustained like this.



So, what should I do?

Thanks
 

[FurryNutz]

Since you are on cable, I would see if the Motorola SB 6121 or 6141 series modems are supported on your ISP. These are DOCSIS 3.0 and are backwards compatible.

Keep what is loaded currently on the 655 router until you check out a new ISP Modem.

Also make sure the ISP cabling system is in good condition.
Limit T.V. line splitters to none or just one GOOD quality one that the ISP modem is connected too.

If you get a newer ISP Modem, try using Cat6 cables.

[spencer1234]

FurryNutz:

Thanks for the advice.  The main reason I have avoided just getting a new modem is because when I tested yesterday with a computer connected directly to the modem via ethernet cable, I got download speeds of 16 Mbps which is in line with what I should receive on my service tier with Comcast.  When I connected the modem to the router and then connected the same computer to the router via ethernet cable my download speed suddenly dropped to 0.17 Mbps.  I have tested that computer multiple times over the past two days and the highest download speed when connected to the router has been 0.54 Mbps.

I guess it just doesn't make sense to me why the modem would perform well when connected directly to the computer but then have slow download speeds when the router is added in.  Granted, I am far from being a wiz at this stuff but this just seems to me to point to some problem either with the router or with the connection between modem and router.  Are you saying that having an old modem could keep it from playing well with my newer router?

I just hate to spend time and money barking up the wrong tree.

Thanks for your patience in helping me to understand this:)

[FurryNutz]

Anything is possible with older hardware and newer. I also had the same modem however I was using a DGL-4500 router at the time. Worked ok, however gaming wasn't great. After getting a higher speed and upgrading to a DOCSIS 3 modem, yee haa.

The think about the ISP and modem is that your currently working with a one pipe or maybe 2 that are kind of small in comparison to DOCSIS 3. Think of it as a water pipe, theres good flow however use of the pipe is probably full to capacity. For DOCSIS 3, think of it as using 4-8 water pipes, flow is great however the level of the water in the pipes isn't using the entire space of the pipe all the time. So theres more room for water flow and capacity.

Some things to try:
Turn off ALL QoS or Disable Traffic Shaping (DIR only) GameFuel (DGL only and if ON.) options. Advanced/QoS or Gamefuel.
Turn off Advanced DNS Services if you have this option under Setup/Internet/Manual.
Turn on DNS Relay under Setup/Networking.
Setup DHCP reserved IP addresses for all devices ON the router. Setup/Networking
Ensure devices are set to auto obtain an IP address.
Set Firewall settings to Endpoint Independent for TCP and UDP under Advanced/Firewall.
Enable uPnP and Multi-cast Streaming under Advanced/Networking.

[spencer1234]

FurryNutz:

Thank you so much!  Your explanation makes a lot of sense.  I am one of those people who doesn't just want the answer, I also want to understand WHY that is the answer   Looks like the modem is about to be retired.

Thanks also for the advice on router settings.  I will try these.

[FurryNutz]

Let us know how it all works out. 

[spencer1234]

Quick question...I am on NewEgg looking at CAT 6 cables and I'm not sure which type I need.  Some are called patch cables, others network cables, etc.  To go with my new modem, I want to replace the cable from one computer to the router, from the modem to the router, from the router to a powerline adapter, and from powerline adapter to a computer.  What should I get?  Also which brand is best?

[FurryNutz]

Patch cables is all you need. I recommend the shortest length between the Modem and router. I use a 1ft'r. Make it suite your needs. All other lengths should be to your needs.

I use deepsurplus as a place to get cables. Theres also monoprice too.

[davevt31]

Yep, monoprice.com is an excellent place for cables and MUCH cheaper price than other online retailers.

[JavaLawyer]

DeepSurplus all the way. . . and they include a bag of Skittles candy with each order. 

[spencer1234]

Thanks y'all!  I went with Monoprice b/c they were a bit cheaper and could ship out today.  I guess I will buy my own Skittles

[FurryNutz]

Deepsurplus and monoprice are fairly comparable. Enjoy.