Getting the speeds you should get
Internet speeds today are 100 times faster than they were ten years ago. Every day we push the limits of our Internet connections to meet demands. The 250Mbps and 1Gbps connections provided by UTOPIA and XMission are no exception. We know what it means to need a fast and reliable Internet connection.
The one oversight when upgrading your Internet connection is believing that a faster Internet connection will make all your devices faster. In a sense, this can be correct. However, we have to look at how your connection is being established. Internet speeds are determined by the device and how that device is connected, either wired or wireless.
Wired (Ethernet) connections are the most stable and best way to see your true Internet speed. However just because you are connected via an Ethernet cable doesn’t mean you will still get the full speed of your connection. Here are a few questions you can ask to determine if you are receiving your full connection speed.
- Does your router support the speed you are paying for?
- Some routers will advertise they offer speeds up to 300Mpbs. However if you look closely, the WAN (Modem/Internet) port only offers a 100Mbps negotiation. The 300Mbps would only be available to your internal network.
- Solution: When purchasing a router, XMission recommends looking for a router that states “Gigabit Router.” A gigabit router will ensure your connection with XMission will be supported.
- XMission suggests: TP LINK Archer C7 Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router
- Does your computer’s NIC (network interface card) throughput support 100Mbps or 1000Mbps?
- A computer purchased more than a few years ago may only support a 100Mbps connection. That is because of the limitations of NIC adapter in your device.
- Most newer home computers and laptops will support a 100Mbps/1000Mbps throughput.
- Are you using a CAT5e(or CAT6) Ethernet cable? (CAT5 only supports 100Mbps).
- Older Ethernet cables that you have lying around the house may not support the higher speeds of today’s Internet.
- It is always best to use the Ethernet cables that are provided when you purchase a new router.
- If you are unsure, a new cable might just increase that speed a little more than you are currently getting. (On most Ethernet cables, the category will be labeled.)
- Is there any visual damage to the Ethernet cable?
- If you have animals, especially cats, they like to chew on wires. Best bet is to make sure one of your family-friendly animals have not decided to have dessert.
Solution: Replace any cables that appear to have bite marks or damage.
- If you have animals, especially cats, they like to chew on wires. Best bet is to make sure one of your family-friendly animals have not decided to have dessert.
- Is QoS (Quality of Service) enabled on your Router’s interface? If yes, check that it is configured for 1000Mpbs throughput. Anything less can slow your speeds down.
Wireless connections allow you to have Internet anywhere in your home. However, wireless Internet can very unstable to begin with. Any device that is within the radio broadcast range that also uses a radio antenna can create interference. These devices include: wireless printers, cordless telephones, walkman, etc.
Here are some questions you can ask about your wireless connection to determine if you are receiving the fastest speed.
- Are you connected to a 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless connection?
- 2.4GHz typically only supports wireless speeds of 10-75Mbps. (This is a limitation to the radio frequency)
- 5GHz typically supports wireless speeds of 10-300/1000Mbps.
- What is your signal strength?
- How far you are from your router can have a major factor on the speeds you are getting. If your router is located in your basement, and you are one or two levels above that in your home, you may have an issue with your signal strength.
- Relocating the router to the level on which you do most of your work would be the best suggestion.
- You can also purchase a router booster that you can connect to your router that will boost your signal throughout your home.
- Does your computer’s wireless adapter support 100/1000Mbps?
- Like we stated above, some wireless adapters only support 100Mbps. When you shop for that new device, check if it supports 100/1000Mbps (wired and/or wireless) speeds.
A great troubleshooting step to ensure you are receiving the speeds you are paying for would be to plug your computer directly into your router or UTOPIA access portal. When directly connected and if your computer’s LAN card supports 100/1000Mbps, speed tests should confirm that you are receiving the connection speed you are paying for.
When it comes to testing your speed, we recommend using our speed test website to ensure the results are coming directly from our server. Third-party locations have the availability of using other servers that may not be configured correctly and provide incorrect results. Use XMission’s Speed Test or specify XMission or UTOPIA as the testing server on third-party speed test websites.
As always our XMission Technical Support team is available 24/7 to help answer any questions you have about reaching your max speed. Please contact us anytime: local 801-539-0852 or toll-free 877-964-7746.
Media Release: XMission Receives Perfect Score on Energy Star Certification from U.S. EPA Is it your connection or your router?
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Well, if you can get UTOPIA they are 100 times faster than they were ten years ago. If you are still on DSL that is a different matter.
Speaking of which, does XMission still offer DSL? I don’t see it on your residential connections page anymore. I understand that CL didn’t allow 3rd party DSL providers in some locations. I’m wondering if that’s everywhere now. That would be sad. 🙁
Thank you Peter for your response. We are happy to be part of the UTOPIA family and provide Utah with fast and stable Internet. Unfortunately, as of January 1 2017, XMission is no longer selling DSL.