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1. 

   Posted by: Falcon64
   Member

   Reposted in the proper forum:

   Hi everybody, newbee of this forum...

   Well, I'm experiencing a weird problem with WiFi connection of my brand new Acer One D150, which is driving me mad...

   Netbook's fitted with a Broadcom 4312 WiFi card and connects to my Netgear DGN 2000 "all-in-one" device (=ADSL modem+router+switch+WiFi AP).

   The Broadcom card supports 802.11g standard, also the router (which could support draft-N) is configured for 802.11g standard only.

   The first minor issue is that no WiFi connection is possible if the "rate" of Broadcom card is explictly set at 54 Mbps, while if the rate is set at "best rate" the connection is established at 54 Mbps (this occurs either using DHCP or using a static address). I don't care much of this, frankly.

   The very annoying fact is that when I download a single large file from the Internet (eg service packs from Microsoft) the connection bandwidth never goes beyond 5% (~2.7 MBps), ADSL bw being 7 Mbps (and no other host being using the line).

   But, and this gets really weird, if I EITHER download several large files at the same time OR use a download manager to download a single file (establishing multiple sessions, then) the bandwidth gets to 12% (~ 6.5 Mbps) and keeps stable (so I could say that ADSL bw is fully used).

   Moreover, if I shut down the WiFi and connect the netbook to the router via Ethernet, even downloading a single (!) file I reach ~ 6.5 Mbps straightaway ....

   Some further details:

   - OS: Win XP Pro SP3 + all relevant patches released at date;
   - browsers used: IE 8 and FF 3.5 (both patched to latest levels), the problem occurs with either browser;
   - Broadcom drivers used: 4.170.75.0 (from Acer site), 4.170.77.3 (from Dell site, being Broadcom 4312 fitted in many Dell's);
   - all possible options of all parameters in WiFi card GUI have been unsuccessfully tested (specifically, I mean the power saving options);
   - have tried to disable wiFi encryption;
   - connecting another laptop (Sony Vaio) to my network, 12% of 54 Mbps bw is easily reached even downloading a single file.

   I'm getting frustated....

   Any suggestions guys?

   Many MANY thanks in advance....

   Posted 2 years ago #
2. 

   Posted by: noober
   Member

   Try going into the wireless devices advanced settings and adjusting all the settings there to allow the maximum values (for instance: setting full duplex, if it has it.)

   This can either be found in the software for the card itself or the advanced standard menu that Microsoft provides.

   Also please be aware that environmental variables can also affect speed and connectivity, so make sure you got no one else leeching off you, no microwaves or portable phones are near you and the like, including that kid's remote-controlled race car can wreak havoc.

   Posted 2 years ago #
3. 

   Posted by: Falcon64
   Member

   Thanks Noober for your reply.

   Unfortunately:

   - I have already tried >all< the options avalaible in the WiFi card configuration interface (Device Manager -> Network Adapter -> Broadcom card -> Properties -> Advanced), without any success;

   - I don't think that the issue could be due to interference basically for two reasons:
   - the Vaio immediately and steadily connects at the "correct" speed;
   - the Acer One itself easily connects at the "correct" speed IF I establish more Internet sessions (either downloading more files together or using a download manager).

   This is really weird, at least to me....

   You mentioned "advanced standard menu that Microsoft provides", what menu are you talking about?

   Thanks again,

   Falcon

   P.S.: is anybody else experiencing the same behaviour? It could be very interesting to know if it is either a "feature" (maybe for power saving?) or just an issue with my new toy..... Please post!! :-)

   Posted 2 years ago #
4. 

   Posted by: Falcon64
   Member

   Just some updates: I have even tried drivers from HP.
   HP drivers (June 2009) are more recent of both Acer and Dell ones and furthermore allow to use the Broadcom WLan Utility, while Dell drivers don't work with this tool on the Acer One.

   ....and?

   ....everything is as before, max bandwidth is 5% of 54 Mbps if downloading a single file, goes up to ADSL bandwidth (~12% of 54 Mbps) either if downloading more files at the same time or if using a download manager!

   So, where the hell is the parameter which controls this?

   Falcon

   P.S.: HP drivers allow to explictly set the 54 Mbps connection rate, different from both Acer and Dell drivers.

   Posted 2 years ago #
5. 

   Posted by: Falcon64
   Member

   --->>> F I X E D!!!!

   The problem was that, for reasons known only to skilled Broadcom engineers, the Default TCP Receive Window of the WiFi card was set to some a random 17000 Bytes, value which absolutely doesn't do any sense!

   Using TCPOptimizer from Speedguide.net (HIGHLY recommended!) now the RWin is some 500000 Bytes, and now I can fully use my ADSL broadband connection!

   Now my Acer One is really FAST, I felt the same when I first connected to a T1 after being using a 33.6 modem...

   My lever gets much better, among the other...

   Cheers!

   Falcon

   P.S.: anyway I'll keep using the latest driver from HP, which works better than the "official" ACER one.

   Posted 2 years ago #

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