Advice Required - Best Desktop Computer Connection Method With Full Fibre 150

[TaffStrat]

Hi All, I've recently had Full Fibre 150 with Digital Voice installed (upgraded from Fibre 65) but noticed that my desktop computer is now struggling for speed (4mbps). The previous wifi router was located upstairs with an ethernet cable connected directly to the desktop, but the new Eero installation is now downstairs in the hall.

What I originally thought would be an effective solution has not worked out as well as anticipated... a 5 port ethernet switch from the one (of 2) remaining Eero port, and a cable from that to a BT gigabit powerline adapter up to the bedroom. Whilst the desktop is admittedly dated, the best speeds achieved appear to be 4.5mbps download, and 29mbps upload. The powerline adapters are a matched trio, the other one supplying my smart tv and original YouView box.

My question is, am I better off trying to get the current set up to work effectively, given that the ethernet adapter on the desktop (and the desktop itself) is going to be dated?... or should I maybe "bite the bullet" and fork out for a usb wifi adapter and hope that the performance is greatly improved?

As always, any suggestions/advice would be genuinely and greatly appreciated.

[Michelle-TalkTalk]

Morning,

Thanks for the update 🙂

Thanks

[TaffStrat]

Okay, just to confirm that after a reset of the three powerline adapters, I'm now getting around 50mbps on the desktop... which is much more acceptable! I've also checked my iPhone signal upstairs next to the desktop and the wifi signal gave me around 70mbps. And to answer your last question mrwrighty, yes the wall sockets both upstairs and downstairs appear to be on the same circuit.

Many thanks indeed for the responses, they've been very helpful and greatly appreciated!

[mrwrighty]

Sorry I edited my question. Are all sockets on the same circuit, i.e. turning off a single breaker turns off all the sockets.

[TaffStrat]

Thanks mrwrighty… yes, all three are plugged directly into wall sockets! I’m about to try a reset of the power line adapters to see if it makes a difference.

[TaffStrat]

I did try a reset of the power line adapters last week, but will try it again… maybe I didn’t do it correctly? I’ll try again Chris, many thanks.

[mrwrighty]

Unfortunately power line adapters are not very good, some are better than others but they will not give anywhere near the advertised speeds.

Just to check that the Powerline adapter is plugged in to the wall socket both ends and not an extension lead. They must also not be plugged in to a surge protected extension lead. Also is your downstairs socket circuit the same as the upstairs socket circuit, i.e. one breaker turns off all sockets. 

In terms of Wifi, firstly what is the Wifi signal like to a mobile device near to where the PC is located. If the signal is poor then a USB wifi adapter will unlikely give much improvement. It might be worth considering adding another Eero node to your network.

[Chris-TalkTalk]

It sounds as though the drop in speed one the device upstairs may have something to do with the electrical wiring but have you tried resetting the powerline adapters? 

Chris

[TaffStrat]

Hi Chris, yes, my iPad is on around 150mbps (28mbps upload) and my iPhone is the same, so the Wi-Fi signal is fine. The smart tv and YouView box (via power line adapter) appear to be much more stable since the upgrade, but I’m not sure if I can test the signal strength on those?

[Chris-TalkTalk]

Hi TaffStrat,

Do you have any wireless devices? if you do what sort of speeds do you get on those?

Chris