Is it time I replace a my router and modem? I need advice, please.?

Question

So I have a DI-524 Router and 2 Wire Home PortaI 1000SW Modem got from SBC Global (while it still existed) and my internet download speed caps at 160 kb/s (whether it be bittorrent or mediafire). My internet provider (AT&T) claims that my internet is actually 1.5mb/s. Is it time that I replace my router and modem? They will not give me a new one since it is still "functional" however it is very slow. Any idea what model I should replace it with? [I have DSL]
http://tinypic.com/r/2pplnkk/5 Picture of my router
http://tinypic.com/r/2u7r5kw/5 picture of my modem

Answer 1

1.5mbits translates to 187.5kb/s so if you are getting 160kb/s them you are getting about 90% of your advertised speed. The router would not affect the speed nor would the modem. You might have software running in the background that takes some of your overhead to check for updates (including windows) If you want faster internet speeds see if you can upgrade your internet package. I am not sure what available speeds you have in your area. For example I have 50/50mbits which equates to 6250kb/s upload and download for $90 per month with Surewest.

Answer 2

if you have yahoo mail up on your browser it will take up a fair amount of bandwidth.



check your speed out using http://speedtest.net and http://pingtest.net

I have tried to avoid the 2wire modem/routers (for one reason, because they only have already-cracked WEP encryption) and you can't change the ssid+passkey.

your antivirus's firewall will act like a proxy and chew up some of that bandwidth, slowing down the internet connection. when I had 22Mbps/5Mbps, mcafee's firewall took it down to about 7Mbps/1-2Mbps.



if you are going to go with a router, there are one of several options:

- netgear wgr-614 (802.11b/g), my sister had one and it was rock solid. but make sure if you reset it or power-cycle it that you let it boot for 5 minutes, or you will brick it!

- Linksys E4200 (802.11b/g/n simultaneous dual-band). I have one and the last 2 versions of firmware are rock solid. connect app for smartphones. you can schedule connectivity for days of the week+hours. IPV6 if you need it.

- if you have an ipod or ps3 or xbox, get a Linksys Valet series router.

- wait until 2012 for 802.11ac routers to come out - gigabit wifi. this will allow you high-speed WiFi and LAN private networking. will probably become most popular around 2015 they say.



also everybody now needs to factor in that ISP's are now using shared connections - the more people are on your local part of the network, the slower your internet will be.

Answer 3

so a techniques as i know a router won't enhance your bandwidth. you desire a connection with an better bandwidth. you are able to touch your provider provider for various provider plans.