I am currently using an “amplified” USB Wi-Fi Adapter. The reason I quote “amplified” is because even though I am able to connect to my neighbor’s ap from 0.4 miles away, with a good signal, the Internet is basically unusable most of the time even though their plan is a fast 5 to 10 mbps.
The problem is I cannot get over 1Mbps most of the time. I can get two if I am lucky, but this doesn’t last long. Speed test on a bad day show upload speeds as slow as 0.01Mbps and downloads as slow as 0.08-0.15Mbps.
I have tried the following with no real luck.
- Moving my adapter and mounting it on my outside window.
- Limiting the Wi-Fi speed to 802.11b mode (11Mbps)
- Checking wireless channels for interference and cannot find any interference.
- Fixing my extended USB 3.0 rig.
I have a couple theories but I can’t be certain.
- My USB 3.0 cable: It’s is made up of three other cables that are kept together with electrical tape so I thought that it had something to do with it. However, using the cable that came with the device did not improve things.
- The negotiated link speed needs to stay at 2Mbps: I have 4 bar signal with a 54Mbps link speed. When the Wi-Fi works rather well—and I can watch YouTube without stuttering interruptions—I notice the link speed is usually at 2Mbps and when my download speeds reach 0—and when YouTube dies—the link speed is back to 54Mbps. I want to keep it at 2Mbps.
The short version is I would like to know:
- If there are any ways to fix my Wi-Fi and prevent dead download speeds
- If any of the theories presented are valid.
- If anything can be done without spending money I do not have on paying a monthly bill for dedicated Internet.
- And if any of this can be done without ripping my house from the foundation and move closer to my neighbors.