Weird Wifi Download Speed Issue (Upload okay)

I'm having problems with Wifi download speeds on my new laptop. I have ATT DSL at home and a 2Wire 1000HW wireles modem. My desktop download/upload speed ratio via ethernet is typically 5000/600 kbps--tested consistently through different sites, including the ATT speed test page. My new laptop's wireless readings, however, are 100/600kbps--yes 100 kbps for download, 6 times slower than the upload speed! Occasionally, once in a blue moon, the download speed can go up to 900kbps for a few secs and then drops again. The consistent, continual download speed is around 100kbps. Connection strength, btw, is shown as excellent in Windows wireless assistant's tray. (When connected via ethernet, the laptop readings are the same as those of the desktop.) A friend's older Toshiba laptop had 4000/600kbps readings on that same wireless connection, last tested about two weeks ago. I've talked and run several tests with the ATT and 2Wire guys. No help--as far as they can tell there is no problem with the line or the modem.

Any clues as to what might be causing the download slowdown and how I can fix it. Thanks in advance for responses.

 

My friend had similar wireless issues....i will give you two possible solns.

1. Right click on your wireless connection icon and click "Repair" and see if it improves.

2. Download the appropriate Intel Wireless Management suite and use it instead of standard windows and compare.... the second one worked for my friend

 

Thanks for your reply, nucleus. I've just returned my laptop for an exchange (for a different, non-wifi issue though). I should get a new one in about a week. I'll see if the second solution you offer will work for me, assuming I'll have the same problem. The first solution is self-evident and I've tried it numerous times. Just to clarify: your friend had problems ONLY with the download speed, and Inte'l's WM fixed that?

 

first thing to make certain of is that you have the latest drivers and firmware for your wireless adapter and access point

after that, nucleus' suggestions are good ones.

 

i got the second dv2000t and i am having the same problems with wi-fi, slow download (100kbps) and normal upload (600kbps)--see my first message for details. i've tried the solutions offered above--installing intel wireless management suite and ascertaining that i have the most recent firmware and drivers--with no success. it looks like the problem lies with the wireless adapter rather than the laptop, though the 2wire and att support staff, as i indicated above, say everything should work well on their end. any other ideas from anyone? thanks in advance for the replies.

 

is your wireless secure? Also could be wireless interference, cell phones or cordless phone. Try changing the channel in the 2wire gateway.

 

THANKS A LOT! I've tried playing with the channels and finally found one where I seem to have acceptable download speeds--400-1000kbps. It's amazing that neither of the several ATT DSL and 2WIRE staff I have dealt with have had the wits to point to something as simple as that--something that one would think would be intuitive for an IT professional. THANKS! I can actually switch from my desktop to the notebook for surfing now.

P.S. My wireless IS secure. 64-bit encryption through the 10 digit key on the back of the 2Wire unit. Can I tweak something else to improve speeds?