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Internet Speeds.

Posted on 2/23/17 at 1:32 pm
Posted by Frankie Machine
Member since Feb 2015
86 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 1:32 pm
Cox bumped my internet up 50 mbs - to 150.
I updated my modem, and my router.
Speed tests show consistent downloads in the 40-50 range.
Cox technician came out and tried everything he knew to resolve the problem.
Finally, he suggested that my computer (6 years old) cannot accommodate those speeds, and that I should get a new computer to activate the 150 mbs.
Is this the issue?
Will the cheapest, everyday computer be acceptable for this?
This post was edited on 2/23/17 at 1:33 pm
Posted by TigerBait1127
Houston
Member since Jun 2005
47336 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 1:41 pm to
quote:

Finally, he suggested that my computer (6 years old) cannot accommodate those speeds, and that I should get a new computer to activate the 150 mbs.
Is this the issue?


would need to know the setup and parts.

Wireless? What wireless card?

Ethernet?

I doubt that is the issue though. Did you try it on your phone or another device?
Posted by DoubleDown
New Orleans, Louisiana
Member since Oct 2008
13307 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 1:43 pm to
quote:

Did you try it on your phone or another device?

Yea, was gonna suggest to do a speakeasy speedtest or something by an iphone or some newer style phone. A 6yr old computer may not be getting the 5ghz signal nor the AC connection so 50mbps could be correct.
Posted by Frankie Machine
Member since Feb 2015
86 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 1:50 pm to
You guys are far ahead me.
In my late 60's, with very little computer savvy.
Don't know anything about smart phones.
Posted by DoubleDown
New Orleans, Louisiana
Member since Oct 2008
13307 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 1:57 pm to
Did the technician run any speed tests using their equipment? They usually should and tell you how your connection is with their stuff. If he/she did that and said it was good and it's just slow on your computer, odds are that it may be your connection with your computer.

That being said, I'm not necessarily suggesting you buy a WHOLE new computer. It would probably be the easiest thing but it could still be your internet and unrelated to your laptop/computer.
Posted by Frankie Machine
Member since Feb 2015
86 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 2:05 pm to
Technician was here for over an hour, and tried every possible solution imaginable.
Even took out a state of the art modem/router - new, out of the box, and hooked it up. Got approx. 90 mbs with it. No more.
He then attached some hand-held device, and the downloads were 180, and above.
Posted by gpburdell
ATL
Member since Jun 2015
1579 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 2:08 pm to
I built my gaming rig 6 years ago and getting 180 Mbps on Comcast.

Have you tried connecting your computer directly to the modem?

It's possible the network card on your computer only supports 100 Mbps and not gigabit (1000 Mbps).
Posted by Frankie Machine
Member since Feb 2015
86 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 2:19 pm to
We(He) tried every trick in his book - even consulted with more knowledgeable people from other parts of the cox system.
Yes, I believe that the network card only supports up to 100 mbs. That's why he suggested a new computer - said that they all have gigabit capabilities.
Posted by DoubleDown
New Orleans, Louisiana
Member since Oct 2008
13307 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 2:29 pm to
quote:

Frankie Machine

Just my 2 cents but I'd try and get a more tech savvy friend, cousin, relative of some sort to come and poke around and see what they think.

If that's not an option, do you have a budget for a new PC/laptop? Do you really want one?
Posted by Frankie Machine
Member since Feb 2015
86 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 2:35 pm to
Yeah, no "Experts" within my realm.
I can get a serviceable computer for around $400 - sufficient for my needs. My current (old) one was in that price range, so I don't mind updating.
Do you think the 1000 mbs upgrade will solve the issue?
Posted by SG_Geaux
Beautiful St George, LA
Member since Aug 2004
80529 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 2:48 pm to
quote:

Cox bumped my internet up 50 mbs - to 150.


I have to ask... Why? Why did you need the bump?
Posted by Frankie Machine
Member since Feb 2015
86 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 2:53 pm to
It was free, from their end, part of my internet package.
Posted by DoubleDown
New Orleans, Louisiana
Member since Oct 2008
13307 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 3:25 pm to
quote:

Do you think the 1000 mbs upgrade will solve the issue?

What do you mean by this question? I wouldn't upgrade your internet service at all. Not unless you play online video games or stream 4k TV content (doubtful on both accounts).

If you meant hardware wise from the upgrade of a new laptop/computer, then sure. A PC/computer upgrade every 5-8 years is worth while now a days with the way technology evolves and hardware wears out and dies.
Posted by FuzzyBearE
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2016
502 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 3:49 pm to
Why not get a new network card? A 1000 MB card will run you about $30.

You should be able to plug it in without much help.

Posted by Frankie Machine
Member since Feb 2015
86 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 3:53 pm to
Yes. I meant a computer upgrade.
Posted by Frankie Machine
Member since Feb 2015
86 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 3:55 pm to
Is this possible for someone (me)who is a computer technology head scratcher?
Posted by TigerBait1127
Houston
Member since Jun 2005
47336 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 4:37 pm to
What are you even using your computer for?

I doubt you'll even notice a difference between those speeds.

That's more than enough to stream 4k I believe
Posted by Frankie Machine
Member since Feb 2015
86 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 4:41 pm to
Cox upgraded my internet package, by 50mbs, to 150 mbs, with no increase in my bill.
I want to achieve those speeds.
Posted by TigerBait1127
Houston
Member since Jun 2005
47336 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 4:43 pm to
quote:

Cox upgraded my internet package, by 50mbs, to 150 mbs, with no increase in my bill.
I want to achieve those speeds.


But for what purpose?

What I'm saying is that it isn't worth you buying a new computer over if you're not going to do anything to utilize the higher speeds.

If you're only fixing a glass of water, you don't need a fire hose
Posted by Frankie Machine
Member since Feb 2015
86 posts
Posted on 2/23/17 at 6:14 pm to
It started out as a very simple (to me) procedure; I knew I had to upgrade my modem because it was only rated at 100mbs.
When the glitches started, almost rapid fire, and listening to several "Tier 2" Cox technicians, it was suggested that I upgrade my router ("new and improved").
Nothing changed.
Technician suggested that my computer was out of date, with inadequate wifi capabilities.
I am paying for 150 mbs. I want them. I'm not going retro - and accept 100 mbs with my old modem and router.
I was looking for some solid input here, but seem to get the same expertise as the Cox technicians.
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