Computer Help: How To Test/Verify Router Speeds.

Need help trying to determine if my DSL line is the problem or the router. The modem is only 3 months old. I have it set to the maximum output.

I have tried several sites that test speeds. Some come back and say 2.5Mbps and some don't ever even read. I am paying for the 2.5Mbps.

My question is this: How can I determine if the router is bad or the DSL connection is not working right?

I have searched and cannot find a coherent procedure for testing this. Or, a program that will do it without requiring that I download a program to run a check on my PC.

I have tried transferring data between computers and it seems pretty fast almost normal.

I should have said they are all wireless.

I had a problem a while back where I would lose my internet connection whenever I got a phone call on my land line.

Turned out I had a cordless phone on 2.6ghz, and I was also using 2.6ghz WiFi. Upgraded the access point to 5 ghz, and the problem was solved.

Bear in mind WiFi can also suffer from bandwidth overcrowding, depending on the number of neighbors you have.

As others have suggested, I would plug the computer into the modem directly, bypassing both the questionable router and the questionable WiFi, and see if things improve. Next, I would plug the router into the modem and the computer hardwired into the router. If things are then OK, it would point to WiFi problems.

If WiFi's the problem, try to get the WiFi onto a different channel or try a different access point. In my case, I added an Apple AirPort, operating on 5ghz, in bridge mode below the D-Link router plugged into my Verizon FiOS box (and providing WiFi on 2.4ghz). Also, I eventually replaced the 2.6ghz cordless phone with a $20 5ghz model. Currently, both WiFi networks are OK (the 2.4ghz provided by the D-Link and the 5ghz from the AirPort).

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.