Router/Modem help

[Shikarikato]

I currently pay for 300/30, but I don't get anywhere near that. The Cox technician claims its my Router(EA4500) that is preventing me from getting my speeds. I currently have 7 devices connected to wifi all the time(4 computers, 3 phones) and I was wondering what I should get. He suggested to buy a 2 in 1 modem/router, but I was wondering what you guys thought. Definitely going to buy a new modem mainly for the purpose to stop paying the rental fee. 

[LienusLateTips]

2 and 1 modem/router are way worse than EA4500. Cox is cable, right? Is your modem DOCSIS 2.0 or 3.0?

[Shikarikato]

13 minutes ago, JDE said:

2 and 1 modem/router are way worse than EA4500. Cox is cable, right? Is your modem DOCSIS 2.0 or 3.0?

Docsis 3.0 and yes its cable

[Septimus]

Not exactly an expert with this, but I've gone through this as well, although not with a cable connection - I also have almost the exact same router. Have you checked to see if you have some sort of QoS setup that is capping the bandwidth per device? 

You also mentioned that you're using it mainly over Wi-Fi, have you tried testing it over an Ethernet connection? 

[Shikarikato]

Using my router with ethernet is generally 1-2 mbps slower but I think thats just margin of error. I do guess I have to check if the bandwidth is being limited on any of my devices.

[Septimus]

11 minutes ago, Shikarikato said:

Using my router with ethernet is generally 1-2 mbps slower but I think thats just margin of error. 

Assuming that you mean it's slower than your Wi-Fi "speeds". Your setup just involves the modem they gave you which you pay a fee for, and then that router? Try and plug a device directly into the modem and test the speed there rather than through the router. 

[Donut417]

2 hours ago, Shikarikato said:

I currently pay for 300/30, but I don't get anywhere near that. The Cox technician claims its my Router(EA4500) that is preventing me from getting my speeds. I currently have 7 devices connected to wifi all the time(4 computers, 3 phones) and I was wondering what I should get. He suggested to buy a 2 in 1 modem/router, but I was wondering what you guys thought. Definitely going to buy a new modem mainly for the purpose to stop paying the rental fee. 

What you have is an N900 router. Keep in mind it only get up to 450 Mbps on each band. Most Wireless N devices Ive seen came in 150 Mbps to 300 Mbps speeds. So it could be the device you have connected its only connected on the 150 Mbps speed. 

 

Are you doing the speed test on Wireless Or wired? Wired speeds should be able to give you what your paying for. You could always try a firmware update to see if its a software issue. 

[Shikarikato]

So I just went on a whim and bought a new modem. Amazon prime just barely delivered it and I set it up. Immediately after rebooting my router(not the modem) I already began to gain speed. I previously was getting 80 if I was lucky but generally around 40, it ended up coming up to 170. After installing the new modem, It's up to 270. Woo!!! I still think my router is a little iffy because the speed is fine where I am(directly by the router) for wifi, but across my house some places are worse than others.