Best ISP for working from home in 2021?

Forums › Desktop computing › Best ISP for working from home in 2021?

1 | 2

huckster

842 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2766426 25-Aug-2021 11:09

cyril7:

You can get the cli script for OSX, recommend you try that.

https://www.speedtest.net/apps/cli

Cyril

And ideally when the Mac is connected via Ethernet to the router which is connected to the ONT.

It does sound lke the WiFi setup with the ethernet over power line is the problem though.

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2766428 25-Aug-2021 11:10

Ah EoP - sure. That makes more sense. Being that it's only 100mbps, testing using the browser should give you accurate enough results.

You want to initially go right back to just your router, and one device connected directly to it via Ethernet, and then test & confirm you are getting the correct speed. Then you can work from there. You could test wireless after doing the test over Ethernet, you should still easily get over 100mbps there when connected on Wireless-AC.

Assuming you are getting the correct speed when connected directly to the main router, then you know your router is OK, then you really want to get a proper Ethernet link between the two Synology devices. That will most likely sort the issues.

If you still get junk speeds when connected directly to the main router, then you want a different router to test with.

Would be good if you can post screenshots of the speedtests.

darrylb

54 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

#2766462 25-Aug-2021 11:58

Here's what I'll do: as I mentioned, the problem is not consistent - it is an intermittent problem.

Everything is working great right now, so here are some baseline results from some speed tests. Note that in this result sitting downstairs in the lounge yielded as good a results as sitting next to the router, possibly due to switching from the browser to CLI for the test.

All tests are run on my Macbook Pro (M1) over wifi.

1. 11:27am - good connectivity, laptop connected via wifi <1m from router - Browser results (Opera)
* [https://www.speedtest.net/result/11931068031]
2. 11:45am - good connectivity, sitting downstairs (lounge), CLI results
* [https://www.speedtest.net/result/c/8a845d7b-b373-4990-91d5-9ef9ba168800]
3. 11:48am - good connectivity, in downstairs office, CLI results
* [https://www.speedtest.net/result/c/7acc8511-5aa0-4952-a9e6-802e3d0343d3]

I don't think these argue that the equipment has an inherent problem, so I'll watch for when the connectivity drops, rerun the tests and post updated results.

Recovering technology geek, business owner, Christian, generally friendly.

michaelmurfy

meow
13240 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2766476 25-Aug-2021 12:41

Assuming you're using 2x Synology routers for mesh, the 2nd router needs to be in good range of the first also. It can't magically latch onto a good connection if one doesn't exist.

Have you also got a laptop with Ethernet on it to test? If you also open the app store on your MacBook and download the Speedtest app (ensuring also you're testing to Spark Auckland) this will give you the best results over WiFi - but if you see issues you'll need to use Ethernet to confirm issues are there.

I personally think your devices are roaming to the wrong access point.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
Referral Links: Quic Broadband (use R122101E7CV7Q for free setup)

Are you happy with what you get from Geekzone? Please consider supporting us by subscribing.
Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

Spyware

3761 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2766494 25-Aug-2021 13:30

darrylb:

Here's what I'll do: as I mentioned, the problem is not consistent - it is an intermittent problem.

I don't think these argue that the equipment has an inherent problem, so I'll watch for when the connectivity drops, rerun the tests and post updated results.

Turn on your washing machine and test over EoP.

Spark Max Fibre using Mikrotik CCR1009-8G-1S-1S+, CRS125-24G-1S, Unifi UAP, U6-Pro, UAP-AC-M-Pro, Apple TV 4K (2022), Apple TV 4K (2017), iPad Air 1st gen, iPad Air 4th gen, iPhone 13, SkyNZ3151 (the white box). If it doesn't move then it's data cabled.

huckster

842 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2766519 25-Aug-2021 14:31

Spyware:

darrylb:

Here's what I'll do: as I mentioned, the problem is not consistent - it is an intermittent problem.

I don't think these argue that the equipment has an inherent problem, so I'll watch for when the connectivity drops, rerun the tests and post updated results.

Turn on your washing machine and test over EoP.

Whilst cooking something in the microwave.

ANglEAUT

2320 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2766576 25-Aug-2021 16:48

darrylb: ... but I figure this is probably the best place to get some good advice. ...

Even though you have to provide some additional answers first, I'd have to agree with you. 😝

Please keep this GZ community vibrant by contributing in a constructive & respectful manner.

Equinox IT

Cloud spending continues to surge globally, but most organisations haven’t made the changes necessary to maximise the value and cost-efficiency benefits of their cloud investments. Download the whitepaper From Overspend to Advantage now.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
79250 posts

Uber Geek

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2766688 25-Aug-2021 20:32

The question in the subject is "Best ISP for working from home?" and the answer is "They will all fail if your home network is not performing well. Fix it first."

Test over ethernet. Use over ethernet.

When there's a drop use a WiFi analyser app to see if there is any interference. Any neighbours nearby? Perhaps is the time of the day they turn their WiFi access points on. Perhaps there's a radar nearby. Test over ethernet.

darrylb

54 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

#2766780 26-Aug-2021 06:40

freitasm:

When there's a drop use a WiFi analyser app to see if there is any interference. Any neighbours nearby? Perhaps is the time of the day they turn their WiFi access points on. Perhaps there's a radar nearby. Test over ethernet.

Yeah, that occurred to me too. I can’t pin point it to any particular time of day. Sometimes it will be evening, other times it is in the morning or afternoon. I’ll do more testing and see what I can find out - and I’ll test over Ethernet when it drops too.

Thanks Mauricio!

Recovering technology geek, business owner, Christian, generally friendly.

panther2

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2766785 26-Aug-2021 06:57

Worked monday and tuesday at home. Zoom call + streaming tvnz update on phone while remote vpn and had no issues. Skinny vdsl

antoniosk

2358 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2766800 26-Aug-2021 08:06

5Ghz backhaul through things... yeah.

At home i have 5 machines within 20m of each other using 5.8ghz. 1 machine has 3 wood walls with batts and gib in the way, another is screaming at the same AP from 3m away in the same room. Perf is adequate only - if it's clear line of sight the perf is amazing, through things it drops massively.

________

Antoniosk

CrashAndBurn

668 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2766828 26-Aug-2021 08:37

Which EoP model do you have? As for the extender being connected via 5Ghz, try downloading a mobile app (Network Analyzer) to see if the channel you are currently using is crowded and then change if needed.

huckster

842 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2767963 28-Aug-2021 10:27

How have the last couple of days been?

Over the years I have spent many a "happy" hour under the house pulling ethernet cables through holes and it was well worth it in the end.

With an ethernet connected WiFi AP in the entre of the house, many (too many!) devices are connecting with good rates and keeping the family from bugging me about WiFi.

:-)

1 | 2