re: Network speed test

quote:

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That is all Cox can provide. If you're getting that kind of bandwidth to Cox's server, then you're getting your speeds. Once out on the Internet and off of Cox's network, Cox has no control over your speed.

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Yes. And while the WiFi variance has been well-covered in this thread, it's worth mentioning how vital it is to have the right equipment. The modem part of the Ubee DDW366 supports 8 downstream channels. With typical cable subscriber load (read: too many people), 8 downstream channels is fine up to around 100mbps, but you can see a little less during peak times. This will vary by neighborhood/street of course.

But even if all other conditions are perfect (no subscriber overload, off-peak, no wireless interference, etc.), gateways (modem/router combos) like the Ubee DDW366 are not up to the task of providing full-saturation bandwidth consistently and reliably, especially not 100+ mbps. They have to handle the tasks of a modem, switch, and wireless access point on a single CPU that's generally weaker than the multi-threaded chips on even the moderately-priced dedicated routers. Performing a speed test puts a momentary sizable load on the CPUs in a router and modem at the same time, so you can imagine the potential power struggle when both must share a single CPU. Even if you test with a dedicated router connected, your gateway is still routing information to and from that router unless you specifically disabled those functions on the gateway itself rather than having it treat the router as an access point.