Forum Discussion
Ethernet cable slowing down connection
Hi, thanks for responding. The initial contact where I upgraded the service was 9/11 or 9/12. I recall emphasizing that point about minimum upload speed repeatedly because it didn't seem like the agent was understanding me and, as I mentioned, it is important. I upgraded the service solely for this remote work contract.
On the second contact when I called about the ethernet, the first thing I mentioned was an ethernet connectivity issue (i.e., slow connection, upgraded to Cat 6 to no effect), so if it wasn't in the call notes, then somehow that point didn't get across. The agent immediately began walking me through steps to check the basic connection, which is how I ended up renaming the networks. After hanging up in frustration with that person, I tried to check settings that might somehow be affecting the ethernet connection and didn't see anything.
I am careful to disconnect all other devices from the network while I'm using the Dell laptop for work. The last speed test on that laptop (ethernet connected) I did before starting work yesterday, the upload was 5.6 Mbps. The Cat 6 cable works, but it doesn't help with speed much, not sure about overall stability of the connection vs. WIFI. If that speed could just be stable at or above 5, all would be okay.
So far, I've been able to complete all tasks but with some hiccups and delays. Once I got disconnected from the VPN and had to close everything and start over. Fortunately, recoveries haven't caused too much delay that would be noticed. The uncertainty is stressful though.
Just something to keep in mind is that using a VPN with HughesNet can cause noticeable slow downs with the service. I don't know this for a fact, but I believe it's because of the latency being around 600ms or so. I just mean in addition to the typical slowdown that VPN use causes in general.
Regarding the upload, unfortunately being above 5Mbps is something they can't guarantee. System load affects it, so it might be around 5Mbps one minute, then drop some the next, then be back up again the next. The speed will vary throughout the day, but will probably be the lowest during prime time in the evenings, when the highest number of subscribers are trying to stream.
As for the ethernet issue, I've been following this thread since you started it, and that one's a head scratcher, that's for sure. One thing I'd try is to see if there is an updated driver for your network adapter, though with network adapters being so common and integrated and Windows itself usually providing the driver for them that's unlikely. Still, it might be worth a check.
I don't personally have HughesNet anymore, so I'm not familiar with the newer modems, but they still have multiple lan ports on them it might be worth trying the others. And your Cat6 cable should be fine. Cat 6 is pretty much the standard these days.
