MacBook Pro slows down my entire network!

Question

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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Answer 1

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

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?

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Answer 2

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!

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Answer 3

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

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.

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Answer 4

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?

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Answer 5

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

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.

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Answer 6

Nov 7, 2016 9:46 AM in response to Daniel the Manual

Well... it does sound absolutely crazy.... except, it's also happening to me as well. I tried the safe mode thing, but unfortunately for me, to no avail. Here is my back ground info:

macbook pro (el-capitan)
upgraded to Sierra. Nope... rolled back and this problem has plagued me for a couple of weeks now. Just don't know what to do.
I've reimaged to el-capitan. The first time, it didn't help. The second time, wifi worked for about a day, before plunging back in the 7th level of wifi ****.
I thought it was my router, so bought another one. Nope. The problem persists. (Two different manufacturers)
I've reset the SMC as well as PROM. Nope.
Booted up in safe mode. Nope.
tried to remove network config. http://osxdaily.com/2014/10/25/fix-wi-fi-problems-os-x-yosemite/ Nope!
Waaaaahhhhh!!!

Since my mac did work for a day or so, after reimaging, I am thinking it's config issue somewhere as opposed to hardware issue. If anyone can help, I would surely appreciate it.

thanks.

A

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Answer 7

Eric Root

Level 10

685,233 points

Nov 7, 2016 10:46 AM in response to aguavelvet

You might want to consider starting a new discussion. Since this one is a couple of years old, less people are likely to look at it. A new post would be much more visible. You can link to this one.

In a new post, try running this program in your normal account , then copy and paste the output in a reply. The program was created by Etresoft, a frequent contributor. Please use copy and paste as screen shots can be hard to read. On the screen with Options, please open Options and check the bottom 2 boxes before running. Click “Share Report” button in the toolbar, select “Copy to Clipboard” and then paste into a reply. This will show what is running on your computer. No personal information is shown.

Etrecheck – System Information

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