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Just wondering if anyone could tell me any tips about a router issue. I previously has a Linksys G network router and ended up having some issues with it as it was getting older. I went out and bought a new Netgear router, a WNDR 3400. It's an N network device with a dual band. The trouble I NOW have is that the Netgear router is slower than the Linksys. Is this normal with N networks? I assumed they were faster (due to being newer technology), but maybe I'm wrong? I did a speed test of both. Linksys came in at 18.75 Mbps, the Netgear came in at 10.02. Any help would be appreciated ! Thanks!

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  • Do you have N card in your laptop/computer? Could also be a band issue have you tried changing the Channel? Do you have other wireless networks around you? make sure you are not on the same channels they are using, etc..
    – Doon
    Apr 29, 2013 at 16:14
  • @Doon I have a new computer so it SHOULD have an N card in it. It does connect and the internet works, just noticeably slower. I haven't tried changing a channel yet because I wasn't sure what I should attempt first. I disconnected the new router and put the old one back on temporarily until I can get some ideas from people.
    – Marcia
    Apr 29, 2013 at 16:18
  • @Marcia - do you have latest firmware? kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/19827/~/…
    – Carl B
    Apr 29, 2013 at 16:35
  • @Carl B I have that downloaded but I don't know what I'm supposed to do with it. It's a CHK extension. It doesn't open with anything on my computer.
    – Marcia
    Apr 29, 2013 at 17:27
  • Sorry, I just noticed the instructions below. I do not know if this firmware is already in place or not. I will have to try it out. Thank you for posting!
    – Marcia
    Apr 29, 2013 at 17:28

1 Answer 1

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Wireless speeds can vary quite a bit between vendors and depends a large number of factors including:

  • Distance to router.
  • Material between router and client (walls, etc)
  • Make of router and client
  • Types of devices on the network

The last point might be most relevant to your case. If you have G devices on the same network it will limit the overall rate of the N network.

See these articles at SmallNetBuilder for more information:

Some relevant tips from the 5 ways article:

Fix #4: Use WPA2/AES and Enable WMM

Most 802.11n products will knock your throughput down by up to 80% if you use WEP or WPA/TKIP security. The reason is that the 802.11n spec states that the high throughput rates (link rates above 54 Mbps) can't be enabled if either of those outdated security methods are used.

Fix #5: Don't use Channel Bonding

If you are changing the Channel Width or mode from the default 20 MHz to the 40 MHz (or "Auto 20/40" mode in some routers) channel-bonding mode, you could be reducing, not increasing your throughput.

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