Network issues

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ash
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Network issues

Post by ash »

So for many years now I've stayed away from using Windows 7 purely because every x minutes I get a spike on my connection which makes playing online games quite frustrating

This is how things roll in Win7:
pingpong.png
pingpong.png (125.98 KiB) Viewed 11925 times
(this is actually surprisingly worse than what I've had before)

usually the ping instead goes from ~23ms to ~1200ms (instead of time out)

this is consistent with the times that I experience lag in my game.

Using Win XP 'solves' the issue. I have tried different wireless adapters and routers, but with no improvement in Windows 7.

This is the issue that appears to be the same as mine:

http://www.overclock.net/t/555448/lag-s ... -windows-7

I have tried the app they mention from here www.martin-majowski.de/wlanoptimizer/ but nothing really happens regardless of which options I use in the program.

I'm using WPA2 for security on my network. Router has custom password so its not being hijacked afaik and its just me using it (90% of the time). :P

Signal quality is at 3/4 most of the time, connected around 25-54mb depending on the time of day.

I've installed all critical updates for Windows as well.

Not really got much more to add. Anyone got any suggestions that might help me?

I have considered getting the powerline ethernet instead but just not spent the money on it yet. Wired unfortunately isn't an option at the moment..
ash
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Re: Network issues

Post by ash »

http://handayani-dwi.blogspot.co.uk/201 ... a-and.html

also is related, but the page it refers to has been nuked :-(

also tried this:

http://lifeandcode.net/2009/05/reduce-g ... -or-vista/
Dreams of being better
Heeuge
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Re: Network issues

Post by Heeuge »

If you've got a network cable you can plug yourself (well, your PC at least) directly to the router and see if you can replicate the ping issues (you say this isn't an option - make it an option!).
¤ If the ping issues persist through the NIC, it's likely to be your router / connection, not the PC.
¤ If the ping issues disappear, it would appear to be WiFi related, either on the router or your PC.


Have you tried another windows device on your WiFi connection? Borrow a laptop or invite a mate over with their's and see if they encounter the same issue.
¤ If the ping issues persist on the second device, it's likely to be the router's WiFi at fault.
¤ If the ping issues don't occur on the second device, it would appear to be the WiFi on your PC.


If it looks like the router is the cause, you can try a few things:
» Change the wireless channel being used (there are apps for your mobile that can tell you which channels are least utilised in your area - I use WiFi Analyser for Android).
» Check for any electrical device that sits between your router and PC (or in the general vicinity of either). If possible, switch them all off (not your PC/router :P ) and see if the issue persists. If that solves the issue, switch things back on one at a time and find the (dodgy Chinese-built [RACIALIST!]) culprit and move/bin it.¥


If it looks like the PC is the cause, there are a few options:
» You say you've tried numerous WiFi adapters - have you tried them in difference PCI/PCI-E/USB slots? If not, try it. IRQ conflicts used to cause any number of odd problems back in the day so a different motherboard slot may help.
» Run Process Explorer and see if anything in particular spikes on the CPU in time with your ping issues. That might help narrow down the cause of the issue. If it occurs on Windows7 but not XP it implies a driver somewhere is at fault.
» Buy a new PC 8) - Chances are it could be something conflict between your motherboard and WiFi card. Unless you have a spare board lying around to test with, you might as well take it as a sign and upgrade ... :naughty:



¥ - Do you have a power extension / 4-way tucked away behind the PC? Is your WiFi card a PCI model with the antennae stuck out the back of your PC? If so, seperate them as much as you can to reduce further electrical interference.
ash
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Re: Network issues

Post by ash »

All the wireless adapters I've used have been USB related. Usually I plonk it on the top of my monitor via a extension cable (so this rules out the power extension thing). I shall try a different USB slot as well. I use the same setup for xp/win7 so I doubt the cable/slot is the problem but hey. :-)

I do have a 2nd pc which is running XP which I can do pings at the same time, I will let you know.

As for cabling.... I don't think I have a 10 meter cable to get from my router to my PC. Although the router is only 2 meters away (through a wall), in order to get to it I have to go through two doors and around a corner...

Will give process explorer a try too.

Between my PC and the router is another PC (usually off) then a solid wall. There is a telephone next to my router and that is about it :|

thanks for the suggestions
ash
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Re: Network issues

Post by ash »

So, I have both PCs pinging google.co.uk on Win7 I am periodically getting timeouts, on the XP machine I get periodic spikes in ping but no time outs.

The pings spikes are not synchronised with the timeouts I get on my Win 7 machine :-(

I've had a look around for a cable, but I guess I'll have to try to borrow one from work for a couple of days and see what I can do with it :|
Roper
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Re: Network issues

Post by Roper »

Ropey - lvl80 Priest
Roopa - lvl80 Rogue
Darkropes - lvl70 Warlock
Ropair - lvl60 Retired Hunter
ash
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Re: Network issues

Post by ash »

holy shit that is cheap
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Heeuge
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Re: Network issues

Post by Heeuge »

Problem solved then! Either:

a) tack the long cable to the skirting board around the walls to the router.

or

b) drill a hole through the wall and run a shorter cable through to the router.


A far cheaper solution than a new PC and guaranteed to clear up any WiFi-related ping issues!
ash
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Re: Network issues

Post by ash »

TBH though, the reason I say that cabling is not an option is 1) its not my house and 2) I can't make it look good even if I tried... that wall has destroyed a few drill bits in its time as well ;)

as a temporary measure to check stuff it would be ok but not permanently... :| doh
Heeuge
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Re: Network issues

Post by Heeuge »

Buying a new PC is cheaper than moving house. :mrgreen:
ash
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Re: Network issues

Post by ash »

The only thing more expensive than buying a house is getting married

;)
Korruptor
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Re: Network issues

Post by Korruptor »

I bought a pair of these over christmas for my new house. I was skeptical at first but after 3 months of use have yet to have a problem with them!
Heeuge
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Re: Network issues

Post by Heeuge »

PoE is a good call - personally I'd look at getting a passthrough model so you don't lose the socket, though you'll pay more for the privilege. £20 for a set is a cracking price though.... It depends if you have spare sockets :P



On a completely unrelated(ish) note, if anyone's in the market for a general purpose PC, Amazon are selling a Medion model that has a current gen i5, 6GB RAM, 1TB HDD, WiFi and Windows 8 for a bonkers £299.99. Sadly the PSU won't be up to coping with a decent gaming VGA card but for office duties it's a winner....
ash
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Re: Network issues

Post by ash »

hey you people keep linking to this website, how come I never heard of it before :-(
Dreams of being better
ash
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Re: Network issues

Post by ash »

I've decided to fork up some cash for that power line thing and give it a go

if it doesn't work its only 20 quid after all xD

fingers crossed
Dreams of being better
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