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[FurryNutz]

I would start with the ISP service lines, have them make sure that they are in good working condition. Check for any t.v. line splitters as these can introduce noise on the line before the modem and reduce the signal going to the modem. Dedicated cable line to the modem is preferred. I might ask for a different or another ISP modem just in case, unless they can come verify that your signal and ISP modem and signals are working well at your place.

After that, I recommend using CAT6 cable between the ISP modem and router. I use a 1 footer between mine. Less travel distance between the modem and router. However make it sensible for you as not everyone can keep the modem and router close together.

Use CAT6 Cables from the router to all wired LAN devices as needed. Can be any length. Swap out the old ones to be sure. Sometimes the in box cables are not mfr'd well.

Disable any 3rd party firewall and anti virus programs temporarily while testing, configuring the wired speed testing the router. Turn OFF ALL other devices while speed testing as they can effect performance. Graduate by turning on other devcies and test.

Ensure any wireless or wired adapter that use drivers are up to date. If you have doubts about a wired adapter in a PC, try a different PC or different adapter to test. Adapters can go bad.

Factory reset the DIR-655 and set it up from scratch, use default settings for most of it accept for the wireless, set up SSID and PWs. Test with SPI ON and OFF. Change NAT settings to Endpoint Independent. If your ISP modem supports 1000Mb LAN speeds, set WAN port speed to 1000Mb instead of Auto. Turn off options that you don't normally need, like WISH, WPS.

Keep us posted...

[FurryNutz]

Also since you got the 845L, would be a good test to see how 5Ghz performance does for you. Do you have any 5Ghz supporting devices?

[Flagman]

I would start with the ISP service lines, have them make sure that they are in good working condition. Check for any t.v. line splitters as these can introduce noise on the line before the modem and reduce the signal going to the modem. Dedicated cable line to the modem is preferred. I might ask for a different or another ISP modem just in case, unless they can come verify that your signal and ISP modem and signals are working well at your place.

After that, I recommend using CAT6 cable between the ISP modem and router. I use a 1 footer between mine. Less travel distance between the modem and router. However make it sensible for you as not everyone can keep the modem and router close together.

Use CAT6 Cables from the router to all wired LAN devices as needed. Can be any length. Swap out the old ones to be sure. Sometimes the in box cables are not mfr'd well.

Disable any 3rd party firewall and anti virus programs temporarily while testing, configuring the wired speed testing the router. Turn OFF ALL other devices while speed testing as they can effect performance. Graduate by turning on other devcies and test.

Ensure any wireless or wired adapter that use drivers are up to date. If you have doubts about a wired adapter in a PC, try a different PC or different adapter to test. Adapters can go bad.

Factory reset the DIR-655 and set it up from scratch, use default settings for most of it accept for the wireless, set up SSID and PWs. Test with SPI ON and OFF. Change NAT settings to Endpoint Independent. If your ISP modem supports 1000Mb LAN speeds, set WAN port speed to 1000Mb instead of Auto. Turn off options that you don't normally need, like WISH, WPS.

Keep us posted...

Thanks for all the suggestions.  Some of these I've already ruled out - there are no splitters before the modem other than the one Rogers installed for Home Phone. I have not tried CAT6 line between modem and router, but as I mentioned previously I've tried 3 different CAT5e cables with no change.  My router is right next to my modem and I think the connecting cable is a 3 footer. I'll pick up a CAT6 and try it. I'll try the rest of your suggestions as time permits and keep you posted.

[Flagman]

Also since you got the 845L, would be a good test to see how 5Ghz performance does for you. Do you have any 5Ghz supporting devices?

Unfortunately I already returned the 845L so can't do a comparison. But almost all my devices are 2.4 anyway.

[Flagman]

Update on my situation:
Been too busy to do all the troubleshooting suggested in the above posts (hopefully I'll  have some time during an upcoming vacation), but I have tried another router to see if it would give me better results.  I picked up a Linksys EA6400 1600AC SmartWifi router last weekend.  It's a dual band g/n/ac router which supposedly will give up to 1600 mbps speeds.  It was purchased at Costco and came in a kit with a USB wireless AC receiver (model AE6000) Well, the results in my place have been less than spectacular. On 2.4 ghz band, the best connection speed I can get using my Dlink DWA-552 receiver on the most remote computer is 54 mbps connection speed, with only 2-3 bars (with my DIR-655 at the same computer I was getting 300 mbps connection speed and 3-4 bars). Using the AE6000 receiver on 5 mghz band, I am getting anywhere from a measly 15 mbps up to the low 30's connection speed.  Internet throughput for both 2.4 and 5 ghz band using Speedtest.net has varied between 5+ mbps and 25 mbps.  My ISP package is supposed to provide 45 mbps. This router is performing no better, and at times worse, than the DIR-655.

The Linksys is going back to the store this weekend. Any ideas for a top notch performing router that provides strong 2.4 performance?


Maybe I should be looking at a higher-end router with more power/throughput? Cost is not an issue - at this point I am willing to pay $200-300 to get the performance.

[FurryNutz]

Are you getting 45Mb on the wired connection and speed testing?

It's really not recommended to speed test on wireless as there are many variables that cause inaccurate results.

How far away from the router is the 552 installed computer?
I presume you are using the latest drivers for it?

Do the laptops exhibit this same issue?
Can you get up a share on the PC and LAN wire connect this PC to the back of the 655 and then connect a Laptop to the 655 using single mode N, WPA2 and AES only and see what your xfer speeds are between the PC and Laptop via the 655? Turn off ALL other devices for this test if you can. Do this in the same room and distance set to about 8-10 feet between the router and laptop.

 

[Flagman]

Are you getting 45Mb on the wired connection and speed testing? I have to re-test since it's been a while since I last checked.

It's really not recommended to speed test on wireless as there are many variables that cause inaccurate results. I don't understand this - the whole point of the excercise is to determine wireless throughput from the internet to local wireless devices - what does testing with wired LAN prove? It would be expected that wired connection would provide better performance. But I can't run wires around my whole house so I am trying to get best possible speed over wireless

How far away from the router is the 552 installed computer? The 552 computer is on the second floor (router is in the basement). Direct line maybe 50 feet? It's not a signal strength issue - I am getting full bars, maybe a drop by one bar occassionaly. I also moved my AP to a location on the main floor almost directly underneath the 552 machine, maybe 10 ft direct line but through a floor - no difference.

I presume you are using the latest drivers for it? I have not updated drivers since it was installed.  I will check that.  One thing I should mention - with the 552, I only seem to get a 300 mbps connection using the DIR-655 - with the other Dlink router and Cisco, I was only getting 54 mbps connection.

Do the laptops exhibit this same issue? Not sure which issue you are asking about - internet speed test?  Yes, there seems to be little difference between devices.
Can you get up a share on the PC and LAN wire connect this PC to the back of the 655 and then connect a Laptop to the 655 using single mode N, WPA2 and AES only and see what your xfer speeds are between the PC and Laptop via the 655? Turn off ALL other devices for this test if you can. Do this in the same room and distance set to about 8-10 feet between the router and laptop. I will try that.

Some additional info - I have looked at local wireless signals using InSSIDer and see about a dozen 2.4 networks (no 5 ghz) - my signal is about 12-15 db better than the strongest nearby network.  I have allocated channels which are where the weaker nearby signals are (there are no channels completely free). I have also tried different channel widths (20/40).  Can''t seem to get any better performance.

Thanks for your patience - although I set up this network and have managed it over the last 8-9 years (first with SMC router wireless b, then Dlink Extreme N), and it's always worked well, this issue seems to be beyond my knowledge...

 

[FurryNutz]

Are you getting 45Mb on the wired connection and speed testing? I have to re-test since it's been a while since I last checked.

It's really not recommended to speed test on wireless as there are many variables that cause inaccurate results. I don't understand this - the whole point of the excercise is to determine wireless throughput from the internet to local wireless devices - what does testing with wired LAN prove? It would be expected that wired connection would provide better performance. But I can't run wires around my whole house so I am trying to get best possible speed over wireless
Testing wired LAN just proves the best possible speed the router and ISP Modem is attaining between you and your ISP Services. Doesn't guarantee any same speeds over wireless. Yes Wireless speeds should be close or same however again, many variables can contribute to wireless results not being the same.

How far away from the router is the 552 installed computer? The 552 computer is on the second floor (router is in the basement). Direct line maybe 50 feet? It's not a signal strength issue - I am getting full bars, maybe a drop by one bar occassionaly. I also moved my AP to a location on the main floor almost directly underneath the 552 machine, maybe 10 ft direct line but through a floor - no difference.
This could be one thing, it's not recommended to place routers in basements or top level floors. Wireless routers need to be place centrally on the main floor of a building so it can broadcast in all directs and provide the best coverage throughout the entire building as best as possible. If more range or signal is needed then add on additional AP to help provide greater coverage. Please review the following: Wireless Installation Considerations

I presume you are using the latest drivers for it? I have not updated drivers since it was installed.  I will check that.  One thing I should mention - with the 552, I only seem to get a 300 mbps connection using the DIR-655 - with the other Dlink router and Cisco, I was only getting 54 mbps connection.

Do the laptops exhibit this same issue? Not sure which issue you are asking about - internet speed test?  Yes, there seems to be little difference between devices.
Can you get up a share on the PC and LAN wire connect this PC to the back of the 655 and then connect a Laptop to the 655 using single mode N, WPA2 and AES only and see what your xfer speeds are between the PC and Laptop via the 655? Turn off ALL other devices for this test if you can. Do this in the same room and distance set to about 8-10 feet between the router and laptop. I will try that.

Some additional info - I have looked at local wireless signals using InSSIDer and see about a dozen 2.4 networks (no 5 ghz) - my signal is about 12-15 db better than the strongest nearby network.  I have allocated channels which are where the weaker nearby signals are (there are no channels completely free). I have also tried different channel widths (20/40).  Can''t seem to get any better performance.
You maybe also encountering WiFi congestion on 2.4Ghz if you have many other WiFi routers near by using up the same channels. You may need to consider moving to 5Ghz radio and APs. Please review the following:Link>Managing Signal Congestion

Thanks for your patience - although I set up this network and have managed it over the last 8-9 years (first with SMC router wireless b, then Dlink Extreme N), and it's always worked well, this issue seems to be beyond my knowledge...

I agree it has worked for you over the years however your environment may have changed, other nieghbors have moved in and thus adding more to your environment. WiFi routers can only do so much before something gives. Hope we can help you narrow it down and figure out some suggestions for you.

[Flagman]

Are you getting 45Mb on the wired connection and speed testing? I have to re-test since it's been a while since I last checked.

It's really not recommended to speed test on wireless as there are many variables that cause inaccurate results. I don't understand this - the whole point of the excercise is to determine wireless throughput from the internet to local wireless devices - what does testing with wired LAN prove? It would be expected that wired connection would provide better performance. But I can't run wires around my whole house so I am trying to get best possible speed over wireless
Testing wired LAN just proves the best possible speed the router and ISP Modem is attaining between you and your ISP Services. Doesn't guarantee any same speeds over wireless. Yes Wireless speeds should be close or same however again, many variables can contribute to wireless results not being the same.  Last night with a laptop and ethernet cable connection to the router I measured 35 Mbps using Speedtest.net.  Better than wireless but still 10 Mbps less than my Rogers Internet package 45 Mbps speed. With Rogers SpeedBoost I should be getting higher than 45 Mbps in bursts.

How far away from the router is the 552 installed computer? The 552 computer is on the second floor (router is in the basement). Direct line maybe 50 feet? It's not a signal strength issue - I am getting full bars, maybe a drop by one bar occassionaly. I also moved my AP to a location on the main floor almost directly underneath the 552 machine, maybe 10 ft direct line but through a floor - no difference.
This could be one thing, it's not recommended to place routers in basements or top level floors. Wireless routers need to be place centrally on the main floor of a building so it can broadcast in all directs and provide the best coverage throughout the entire building as best as possible. If more range or signal is needed then add on additional AP to help provide greater coverage. Please review the following: Wireless Installation Considerations   As I mentioned, I moved the additional AP temporarily to the main floor and did not find much difference.

I presume you are using the latest drivers for it? I have not updated drivers since it was installed.  I will check that.  One thing I should mention - with the 552, I only seem to get a 300 mbps connection using the DIR-655 - with the other Dlink router and Cisco, I was only getting 54 mbps connection. Did you have any ideas why this is happening? Shouldn't I be getting 300 Mbps with any wireless N devices?

Do the laptops exhibit this same issue? Not sure which issue you are asking about - internet speed test?  Yes, there seems to be little difference between devices.
Can you get up a share on the PC and LAN wire connect this PC to the back of the 655 and then connect a Laptop to the 655 using single mode N, WPA2 and AES only and see what your xfer speeds are between the PC and Laptop via the 655? Turn off ALL other devices for this test if you can. Do this in the same room and distance set to about 8-10 feet between the router and laptop. I will try that.

Some additional info - I have looked at local wireless signals using InSSIDer and see about a dozen 2.4 networks (no 5 ghz) - my signal is about 12-15 db better than the strongest nearby network.  I have allocated channels which are where the weaker nearby signals are (there are no channels completely free). I have also tried different channel widths (20/40).  Can''t seem to get any better performance.
You maybe also encountering WiFi congestion on 2.4Ghz if you have many other WiFi routers near by using up the same channels. You may need to consider moving to 5Ghz radio and APs. Please review the following:Link>Managing Signal Congestion   As I mentioned in the previous post, I tried the 5 ghz band with the Linksys, and still got poor connection.  even though there are no other 5 ghz routers visible in the area

Thanks for your patience - although I set up this network and have managed it over the last 8-9 years (first with SMC router wireless b, then Dlink Extreme N), and it's always worked well, this issue seems to be beyond my knowledge...

I agree it has worked for you over the years however your environment may have changed, other nieghbors have moved in and thus adding more to your environment. WiFi routers can only do so much before something gives. Hope we can help you narrow it down and figure out some suggestions for you.  Thanks FurryNutz. As I mentioned, coming up at the end of the month I have some vacation time to do some experimenting  

[FurryNutz]

Are you getting 45Mb on the wired connection and speed testing? I have to re-test since it's been a while since I last checked.

It's really not recommended to speed test on wireless as there are many variables that cause inaccurate results. I don't understand this - the whole point of the excercise is to determine wireless throughput from the internet to local wireless devices - what does testing with wired LAN prove? It would be expected that wired connection would provide better performance. But I can't run wires around my whole house so I am trying to get best possible speed over wireless
Testing wired LAN just proves the best possible speed the router and ISP Modem is attaining between you and your ISP Services. Doesn't guarantee any same speeds over wireless. Yes Wireless speeds should be close or same however again, many variables can contribute to wireless results not being the same.  Last night with a laptop and ethernet cable connection to the router I measured 35 Mbps using Speedtest.net.  Better than wireless but still 10 Mbps less than my Rogers Internet package 45 Mbps speed. With Rogers SpeedBoost I should be getting higher than 45 Mbps in bursts.
I'm wondering if there is a compatibility issue with this SpeepBoost like there is with Comcasts DNS services. This could be effecting how the router performs with your ISP service.

How far away from the router is the 552 installed computer? The 552 computer is on the second floor (router is in the basement). Direct line maybe 50 feet? It's not a signal strength issue - I am getting full bars, maybe a drop by one bar occassionaly. I also moved my AP to a location on the main floor almost directly underneath the 552 machine, maybe 10 ft direct line but through a floor - no difference.
This could be one thing, it's not recommended to place routers in basements or top level floors. Wireless routers need to be place centrally on the main floor of a building so it can broadcast in all directs and provide the best coverage throughout the entire building as best as possible. If more range or signal is needed then add on additional AP to help provide greater coverage. Please review the following: Wireless Installation Considerations   As I mentioned, I moved the additional AP temporarily to the main floor and did not find much difference.
How about moving the main host router. The AP might be still effected by whats going on with the Main host router. I would test the main host router with all other APs and devices OFF accept for one test PC.
I presume you are using the latest drivers for it? I have not updated drivers since it was installed.  I will check that.  One thing I should mention - with the 552, I only seem to get a 300 mbps connection using the DIR-655 - with the other Dlink router and Cisco, I was only getting 54 mbps connection. Did you have any ideas why this is happening? Shouldn't I be getting 300 Mbps with any wireless N devices?
Might be a compatibility issue with between the 552 and the other non-D-Link routers. Configuration of those routers could be another...

Do the laptops exhibit this same issue? Not sure which issue you are asking about - internet speed test?  Yes, there seems to be little difference between devices.
Can you get up a share on the PC and LAN wire connect this PC to the back of the 655 and then connect a Laptop to the 655 using single mode N, WPA2 and AES only and see what your xfer speeds are between the PC and Laptop via the 655? Turn off ALL other devices for this test if you can. Do this in the same room and distance set to about 8-10 feet between the router and laptop. I will try that.

Some additional info - I have looked at local wireless signals using InSSIDer and see about a dozen 2.4 networks (no 5 ghz) - my signal is about 12-15 db better than the strongest nearby network.  I have allocated channels which are where the weaker nearby signals are (there are no channels completely free). I have also tried different channel widths (20/40).  Can''t seem to get any better performance.
You maybe also encountering WiFi congestion on 2.4Ghz if you have many other WiFi routers near by using up the same channels. You may need to consider moving to 5Ghz radio and APs. Please review the following:Link>Managing Signal Congestion   As I mentioned in the previous post, I tried the 5 ghz band with the Linksys, and still got poor connection.  even though there are no other 5 ghz routers visible in the area

Thanks for your patience - although I set up this network and have managed it over the last 8-9 years (first with SMC router wireless b, then Dlink Extreme N), and it's always worked well, this issue seems to be beyond my knowledge...

I agree it has worked for you over the years however your environment may have changed, other nieghbors have moved in and thus adding more to your environment. WiFi routers can only do so much before something gives. Hope we can help you narrow it down and figure out some suggestions for you.  Thanks FurryNutz. As I mentioned, coming up at the end of the month I have some vacation time to do some experimenting  

Look forward to helping you out if I can. I would try your router at a different location as well, like at a friends or families place with internet? See if the problem follows. Keep us posted.

[kargo27]

For the record, turning off both DNS Relay (or rather unchecking the box that's enabled by default) as well as Advanced DNS Services worked for getting my wifi speeds where they needed to be.

[FurryNutz]

Thanks Kargo, I have been recommending and using this:
Finding Faster DNS Addresses using Name Bench

[kargo27]

Thanks Kargo, I have been recommending and using this:
Finding Faster DNS Addresses using Name Bench

Thanks, Furry, I'm glad you posted that link. I need to optimize my DNS addresses, have just been using the default ones my ISP provides.

[FurryNutz]