Daniel the Manual
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Q: MacBook Pro slows down my entire network!

Ok everyone, this is crazy.

 

I'll make a long story short. The past few weeks I've been all over ATT Uverse about slow downoad speeds. I pay for 12Mbps, and consitently get .5 - 3 Mbps. We have tested all of their stuff over and over again. Everything is working great, except my MacBook Pro is experience a slow connection. Here's the crazy part. When my Mac isn't connected to the network (wifi or ethernet) all of my other devices get 12 Mbps (dell, iPad, iPhone). However, when my Mac is on they all experience the slow speeds. I literally just close my Mac or turn off wifi and speeds are fast, then turn it on and all devices slow down.

 

What on earth could cause this and how can I fix it?

 

Thanks!!

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)

Posted on Jun 4, 2013 5:33 PM

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Daniel the Manual

Q: MacBook Pro slows down my entire network!

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Jun 4, 2013 8:14 PM in response to Daniel the Manual
    Level 10 (208,044 points)
    Applications
    Jun 4, 2013 8:14 PM in response to Daniel the Manual

    What on earth could cause this

     

    Most likely, a malfunctioning or misconfigured wireless router. Do you have the same problem on other networks?

  • by Daniel the Manual,

    Daniel the Manual Daniel the Manual Jun 5, 2013 11:49 AM in response to Linc Davis
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    Jun 5, 2013 11:49 AM in response to Linc Davis

    I do. I can't know if it's slowing down other devices on other networks, but the MacBook Pro is not picking up the available speed anywhere.

     

    It seems to be the Mac without a doubt. I've really been experimenting with this for several weeks before posting. Is there any setting in the Mac that could be causing this?

     

    Thank you so much for your response!

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Jun 5, 2013 1:01 PM in response to Daniel the Manual
    Level 10 (208,044 points)
    Applications
    Jun 5, 2013 1:01 PM in response to Daniel the Manual

    Please read this whole message before doing anything.

    This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

    The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, or by a peripheral device.

     

    Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
       
    Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including Wi-Fi on certain iMacs. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.

    The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

     

    Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

     

    After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

  • by Daniel the Manual,

    Daniel the Manual Daniel the Manual Jun 5, 2013 2:29 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 5, 2013 2:29 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Thank you again for your time! I did as you said and here were my findings:

     

    - In safe mode I was unable to even use speedtest.net or speakeasy.net. They seemed to destroy safari.

    - My other devices got 11 Mbps download as if the computer were not connected to the network, even though it was. In other words, the network was not affected while the MacBook Pro was in safe mode.

     

    The crazy part is I rebooted normally and now the problem seems like it may be gone. Of course I'm skeptical, but speeds on all devices are pretty much fine with the MacBook Pro connected. Every few tests show dramatically slower speeds ( about 2 Mbps.), but it seems much improved. Usually the ping slows down at ton, and this hasn't happened since going into safe mode and then rebooting again.

     

    Man technology gets on my nerves. Any hypothesis as to what was going on? I really like understading things like this so that I can avoid future problems!

     

    Thank you, thank you, thank you! Where do I send the check Mr. Davis?

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Jun 5, 2013 2:34 PM in response to Daniel the Manual
    Level 10 (208,044 points)
    Applications
    Jun 5, 2013 2:34 PM in response to Daniel the Manual

    Safe booting forces certain system caches to be rebuilt, and sometimes that's all it takes. Send the check to your favorite charity.