Updating Wireless Card?

I've had the standard Wireless Networking Card that I've owned since I bought this machine, but recently I ended up getting Verizon FIOS for my home network which is supposed to offer 300Mbps, as one of it's standard features. How do I know I'm receiving the full 300Mbps and is there a way to upgrade my current wireless card to a more suitable one.

Another thing I've noticed is that my laptop, when downloading large files, just seems to max out at 2.3 MB/sec, regardless of the file size, I don't think I've seen it go faster than this. I was hoping perhaps someone can enlighten me on what I should do?

Here are the specs of my wireless card and my current router:

Am I getting the right speeds for my card or should I upgrade my card and if so, to what card should I use?

 

Your 162Mbps wireless speed is normal for a single band n-router. Conditions and settings must be perfect to achieve the 300Mbps max... you can Google those. You would need to replace your adapter and router to pursue dual band improvements... not necessary.

Your 10Mbps disconnected wired speed is inconclusive. You should connect to the router at your adapter's 100Mbps limit. Your router may support Gbit Ethernet (1000), but your integrated adapter does not. A 100Mbps LAN is plenty fast for Internet access... FIOS download speeds range 5, 15, 30Mbps, etc.

Your 2.3MBps download is about 18.4Mbps which is in the typical FIOS download speed range. 1Byte (uppercase B)= 8bits (lowercase b)

Your speeds are ok, unless I've missed something... you did not say what your FIOS service speed is... the 300Mbps is perfect wireless-n, not FIOS download speed.

GK

 

Ahh I see, well what kind (brand) of adapater/router should I look for? I was thinking of upgrading my WiFi Card to the Intel Centrino 6300-N, but would I get any benefit from that? I keep hearing great things about it. As for a router, would you recommend checking NewEgg or should I stick with eBay?

For my Verizon service, I have the 15/5 Mbps service, its the cheapest of their plans, I didn't know which one to get so just to try the service out, I chose one of their cheaper plans. I might consider upgrading to the 25/25 plan as I haven't had any issues thus far.

 

I would hold with what you have... wait for a normal technology upgrade cycle to occur like a new computer purchase.

Your FIOS broadband connection is plenty fast... and you'll realize otherwise IF you ever manage to load it.

You could upgrade your wireless adapter... the Intel 6300 is fine... but you would need to upgrade your router to a dual band router to make use of it... but that would only increase your WLAN speed. Your broadband connection would remain the bottle neck, so you would not improve your overall Internet access speed... so why bother unless you need faster PC to PC comms on your LAN/WLAN.

Routers to look at might be Linksys and Netgear. I'd shop newegg.com and other retail outlets... I'd leave ebay for harder to source stuff.

If you were to upgrade your router, does FIOS insist that you keep theirs running for other services like TV? If so, then you need to integrate a second router on your LAN just to improve WLAN speeds which still won't improve your overall Internet speed.

Wish I had your speeds!

GK

 

Would this be considered a good deal? It is the Cisco E1000 (300Mbps, Wireless-N), only that it is refurbished.

 

Yeah it's not a bad deal. It's the old generation of linksys E though and the lower end one. It will do the job if you only plan to use the wireless for your internet connection. However, if you go for an intel 6200 or 6300, i'd go for one of the higher end E series or equivalent netgear router to take advantage of wireless N on 5GHz. Those cost a lot more on the other hand. Most people use 2.4GHz, microwaves and cordless phone can also cause interference on these. I get better transfer speeds overall on the 5GHz band than on the 2.4GHz band.

 

I guess it couldn't hurt upgrading my card and getting another router the one I have right now is falling apart because it really isn't durable, as it's falling down a few times. Also, would it be faster if I just connect to my wired connection?

 

Yes, especially if your laptop and router are gigabit Ethernet capable. 1000Mbps right there .

 

No... your wired adapter is 100Mbps... your 162Mbps wireless-n connection trumps that. And your Internet service is less than 100Mbps... so it's the slowest link.

Save your money until something breaks or expires.

GK

 

Gotcha, well I think this laptop has about a good year or two left in it, but I think I'll probably get one for medical school before then (January 2012). I see that you have the Latitude 6400, I was looking at a more recent model of your laptop, the 6520 to be precise, would you recommend that line of laptops?

 

In general, yes. The E6400 and E6410 (16:10 LCD) have done well for my student users. The E6x20s have new packaging that have had some assembly issues, but those may be working out. The 16:9 screen aspect ratio disappoints some users but would be less an issue on the 15.6" E6520. The E6520 may be a bit bulky for hauling around to class, though. The speakers remain weak but serviceable. The components and cooling and battey life are good. Optimus switchable graphics, integrated Intel and optional nVidia. Buy down on the HDD and swap in your own SSD for top flight system speed.

You have time to shop.

GK

 

Thanks, I was looking at that, honestly, I'm not a fan of making my laptop into a cinema theater so I really hate the 16:9 ratio laptops. I may actually buy a 6400/6410, simply because of the screen aspect ratio. That's what I plan on doing, most probably just going to go with standard HDD and swap it out with my current drive. Would you recommend getting one with the E-Modular HDD Bay?

 

Unless you need a second HDD or a second HDD with a primary SSD, then I would just leave the ODD in the ODD bay.

GK