Belkin Router

[samureye]

I got a Belkin router. This is the first time I ever used a router - I set it up in anticipation of getting new laptops but as of now I am just connecting my one laptop to the router, but not wirelessly. The set up was easy enough, I am online after all, but I think it takes pretty long to pull up youtube videos and pictures. Could this be because of the router?

[cwluc]

My first idea would be if there is only one computer connected, try and make a direct connection to your line and see how youtube and stuff works.

[tokenuser]

Not sure which Belkin you bought - but I had to take mine back. The router contained a hub and not a switch ... so when I was on my VoIP phone, EVERY computer in the house experienced a slow down (hubs are broadcast - think post office with a mail man visiting every house, while a switch is point to point - think FedEx).

With the modem plugged straight into your PC. Open up your browser of choice. Clear the cache.
Visit www.speedtest.net. Select a site. Run the up/down speed test.
Take note of the results.
Run the test again (this time it will make use of some browser caching) - should be a little faster.
Take note of the results.

With the modem plugged into the router and your PC plugged into the router. Open up your browser of choice. Clear the cache.
Visit www.speedtest.net. Select a site. Run the up/down speed test.
Take note of the results.
Run the test again (this time it will make use of some browser caching) - should be a little faster.
Take note of the results.

Compare results.

I think you will find they are the about the same.

[samureye]

I went to speedtest, intially it was really slow so I had to reset the modem (take out the battery and unplug cable modem) then went again to speedtest while connected through the router and I was getting normal speeds (about 500 on a 512 down connection) - so there was no difference with speed, but I went back to connection straight to the laptop and wouldn't you know it, youtube works. Weird.

[cwluc]

If you just bought it replace the router... if not use SmoothWall! I swear by it. It's definitely that router, either the router itself physically or the belkin router(s).

[samureye]

Wait, I downloaded the .iso and burned to a CD but realised I need an old PC to use this - but I have only one PC at the moment, I can't use smoothwall!

[samureye]

Found the router on the site, take a look.

[samureye]

The latest firmware on the site seems to be 8.01.21 while my router says Firmware Version 9.01.05.

I have now "logged in" to the router - and speedtest has it running slow again. Maybe I should change some settings to get it back to normal?

[cwluc]

Originally Posted by samureye

Wait, I downloaded the .iso and burned to a CD but realised I need an old PC to use this - but I have only one PC at the moment, I can't use smoothwall!

I'm sorry I have a habit of assuming "everyone" has old crap lying around. Also did you want wifi? I know it may be a bit late but I just saw a slew of deals on the Netgear RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router for around $50. Just an idea if you can still take back your current Belkin. A friend has one and there haven't been any issues in about a month of normal usage.

[samureye]

Don't know what it is but seems like youtube works now

I am wondering if I changed a setting.