Best ISP for working from home in 2021?

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huckster

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#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

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#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

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#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.

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michaelmurfy

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#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.

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Spyware

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#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.

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huckster

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#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.

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#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.

freitasm

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#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.

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darrylb

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#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!

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panther2

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#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

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#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.

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CrashAndBurn

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#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

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#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.

:-)

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