What is a switch?

[oxicottin]

Hello everyone, I have a question? I run 2 computers in my home and when I run the one in one room the other runs slow. Im using a linkys wireless G router and I have one PC connected to it by eathernet and the other by wireless. My question is How can I keep the same bandwith between the two PC's? I have been reading about a switch and I dont understand what they do or if i even need one to solve my problem. Please help

[Byte 2.0]

Ok, it is going to depend on what the computer are doing.

In short as I understand,

You have internet coming in to a LInksys Wireless router with one PC connected on ethernet and the other on wireless.

Questions.

Which one runs slow?

You should not need a switch to improve preformance, though it is true wireless is slower then the ethernet, the wireless G is many times faster then most consumer broadband internet providers.

If everything is going well on one computer and you turn on the other and things decrease, it seems to me that one computer has something going on that is pulling your bandwidth. I would start my search there looking for the cause of the slow down.

[oxicottin]

the slower one is the one that runs streight from the router by eathernet. Its weird that I get better internet connection by wireless than the PC thats connected directly to the router. I also ran a test! I ran a cat5 cable from the wireless PC to the router and the internet was slow and laggy. I took it back off and used my wireless and it was fine again. What gives?

[mbossman2]

in your testing of the wireless PC by connecting it to the router by wire, did you use the same cable that was attached to the other PC or an entirely new cable?

[oxicottin]

new cable (cat5) the other one is about 3ft long and I had to use a 50' cable to reach.

[Byte 2.0]

This is strange that your computer connected direct to the router on the Cat 5 cable slows down when the wireless computer is connected.

i suspect, something is running on your wireless system. Maybe a Peer to Peer download client, bit torrent, crazy virus or something else that is taking up your connection.

*******

I just re-read the posts.

What type of internet? Cable or DSL
who?

What is the make/model of your modem

What is the make/model of your router?

*****
Assuming the modem is fine, and that you have the ethernet going from your modem to the WAN port on your router, your router should have 1-4 ethernet ports.

The hard wired PC should be in ports 1-4.

Might want to reset the router.

It is also possible (unlikely) there is a crazy setup with QOS (Quality of Service). I have a basic understanding of this and have used it on my own router to limit certain types of bandwidth use.

[oxicottin]

I have a linksys Wireless G router, Im using comcast, I checked and from the modem to router it goes to the WAN port, I had re-set the router before and it still does the same thing, I know nothing about the QOS or even what it is? any sugestions? Thanks!!

[Byte 2.0]

well, resetting the router should have cleared any settings that where off.

At the moment, I am at a lose as to why your wired port slows down when you have a wireless computer on. It still seems to me, that something is running on that wireless computer taking the bandwidth away.

[Byte 2.0]

I just noticed, we didn't really answer on of your questions, What is a Switch.

A switch is a network device that can be connected to a port on a router to provide more ports.

A switch can also be used when connecting computer together with out a router, for say a closed network.

In short, your router has a built in switch as well, that is the 4 ports on the back.

[oxicottin]

Oh!! If I just purchased a router (not wireless) and ran cat6 cable would this help my problem. Also the PC that im having trouble with is a older dell Pentium III and the one thats sucking the bandwidthe is a custom build I just finished ASUS ,600GB HD, P-4 Prescott 3.0 HT, 2.5GB memory ect. First build and its a monster!!!

[Byte 2.0]

hmmm, going back and reading about when you connected your wireless PC with the 50 feet Cat 5 cable (by the way 50 feet is fine) it was slow.

I guess it is possible the ports on the router may be the issue or the cables. it really is hard to say.

Anyone else have any more input?

[mbossman2]

buying an additional piece of hardware probably wouldn't solve your problem...

OK, troubleshooting basics:

1) quantify the "slowness". run an internet bandwidth test on both PC's. Transfer a file from 1 machine to another. Change its name and transfer it back. Compare the 2, they should be close (no more than +/- 10% difference)
2) check the integrity of the cabling. Change the cable. (redo #1)
3) check ports. Move the connection to another port. (redo #1)
4) run a spyware/malware/virus check (in safe mode) on both PC's (redo #1)
5) do a HARD reset back to factory defaults (usually involves pushing and holding reset button while booting up...your manual should have the "how to")

by this point you should have identified or eliminated the problem. if not, you've got me...

GLC, any insights?

[oxicottin]

Im in the process of running cat6 cables in the house walls Ill try the tests and get back in a few days!! Thanks for everones help!! Even though its not fixed I appreciate everone trying to give me clues on what it could be and what to try.