New Contributor
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3 Messages
What's up with my internet speed?
I pay for a 50mb/s speed connection, this is after going up from a 10mb/s connection after so many years, I figured since my parents watch netflix more now, why not bump it up with me gaming and what not. Because my 10mb/s was causing me issues. Well, I was wrong. There is literally no difference between me having 10mb and a 50mb connection. As soon as my parents watch one movie on netflix, I'm experiencing stability issues like crazy, and this has been going on for a very long time, I've been kind of just ignoring it because the last time I had to mention this I got the BBB involved and of course my service all of a sudden worked just fine for a couple months only to return to the same out come. I know that it's not netflix nor is it my speed, for a while I was living with some of my friends and we had crappy Century Link with a 3mb connection, but funny thing is two of us could play games and one could watch netflix all in the same household, it wasn't perfect definitely some spikes when I'd play but nothing too bad. So why is it that with 50mb that it's such an issue?
I've ran speedtests even though I never take them to be 100% accurate, the speeds it was showing were at 10mb almost every time, occasionally it did hit 25mb. So what I'd like to know is this my wireless router not being able to support more than 25mbs? Or is it my service? Because I have neighbors who experience the exact same issue at times. And if it indeed is my router, why is it 3mb else where can handle what I need it do it, but 10mb can't handle it?
chris_c21
Contributor III
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625 Messages
10 years ago
Cyntic - "this is after going up from a 10mb/s connection after so many years"
Based on that statement alone, I assume you're also using some old equipment..? If you haven't updated your modem/router in years, that is your first step.
Older DOCSIS 2 modems and wireless-G routers are not going to handle your new 50 Mb connection. You want a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and a good wireless-N router for Cox's Preferred and higher speeds.
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Cyntic
New Contributor
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3 Messages
10 years ago
Thanks for your reply, that's pretty much what I was thinking but I am curious why would 10mb have such a issue with what I want to do when I've had less speeds handle it just fine? Regardless I'll be buying new equipment and I will update.
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chris_c21
Contributor III
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625 Messages
10 years ago
When you were able to stream Netflix perfectly fine, was this over a wired connection? Netflix on a wired connection will play fine with less than 5 Mbps, maybe not in super-HD but still decent.
Once you start streaming over wifi, you're going to have an awful experience if the router is not strong enough. Wifi speeds can be impacted by so many different things, a microwave in the home, interference from other nearby wifi networks (neighbors)
Another thing you can do is test Netflix again over a direct-to-the modem ethernet connection and see if it is any better. That alone will tell you if it's the router.
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Becky
Moderator
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4.3K Messages
10 years ago
Chris provided some good info. Before looking at your router, make sure that you are using a Cox-compatible DOCSIS 3.0 modem. You aren't required to buy from Cox, as long as the modem you purchase is on the list found at http://bit.ly/CoxCompatibleModemList. A new modem might make all the difference in the world!
Please let us know if you have any other questions.
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chris_c21
Contributor III
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625 Messages
10 years ago
Maybe start a new thread of your own instead of posting this same reply in 3 other ones..?
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Becky
Moderator
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4.3K Messages
10 years ago
Chris_c21, I took care of that for you.
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Cyntic
New Contributor
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3 Messages
10 years ago
Thanks for the reply, I've been using the same modem I got from you guys but I will say it's roughly at least 3-4 years old now and like I said I did upgrade my internet package so would I need to get a different modem? Am I able to take back my current one and get like a credit towards a new one? Any advice is much appreciated.
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chris_c21
Contributor III
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625 Messages
10 years ago
Yes, that is most definitely a DOCSIS 2 modem then and will not be able to handle any speeds higher than about 32 Mbps, and that is BEST case scenario. I personally recommending getting your own equipment, Cox will only supply you with a Gateway (modem and router in one) and those are inferior to a separate modem and router setup.
I personally prefer Motorola modems, you would want the SB6121 if you do not ever plan to increase the speed past the 50 Mb tier. If you want to future proof your network and want something you can upgrade to Cox's highest speed you will want the SB6141 instead.
For wireless routers, my personal favorites are Netgear and Asus routers. The Asus RT-N66U is probably your best bet for the 50 Mbps speed, if you have any AC-wifi devices in the home, then the Netgear Nighthawk AC router is one of the better ones.
I have the Cox Ultimate 150 Mbps tier and I'm using a Motorola SB6141 and Netgear Nighthawk router. My wired speeds are consistently 185 Mbps and my wireless speeds are 125-150 Mbps on my 5 Ghz network and around 60 Mbps on my 2.4 Ghz wifi.
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