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Q: Slow web page loading and connection speeds with Airport Extreme

About 5 days ago I noticed a significant slow down in loading web pages. In some cases, I see a blank white screen for up to a minute before the page loads. In others, the page never loads at all. And sometimes they do load very quickly as expected. This happens with my iMac that is connected to an Airport Extreme router via ethernet, as well as my Macbook Air connected via Wifi.

 

I have a high speed Comcast/Xfinity cable internet connection: Blast 250Mbps.

 

I tried connecting my iMac directly to the cable model (Arris Surfboard SB6183), and there is no problem. Download speed was 300Mbps and upload 30Mbps.

 

I then hooked up my Airport Extreme router again, and connected the iMac to the router via Ethernet. Download speed dropped to 100Mbps!

 

So it seems the issue may be with the Airport Express. It's not a wireless problem, because as you can see the download speed dropped from 300Mbps when connected directly to the model to 100Mbps when connected to the Airport Extreme.

 

How do I troubleshoot/fix this?

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.4)

Posted on Apr 1, 2016 7:24 AM

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Q: Slow web page loading and connection speeds with Airport Extreme

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  • by s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s,

    s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s Apr 1, 2016 8:03 AM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 1, 2016 8:03 AM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s

    One more thing: I did a speed test with my Macbook Air which is connected via Wifi and the Airport Extreme router. Download speed dropped to 35 Mbps.

     

    So direct connection to modem is very fast, which would suggest the Comcast internet connection isn't the issue. Speed drops even with ethernet connection to the Airport Extreme router, then drops even more with Wifi connection.

  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Apr 1, 2016 7:05 PM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 1, 2016 7:05 PM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s

    I tried connecting my iMac directly to the cable model (Arris Surfboard SB6183), and there is no problem. Download speed was 300Mbps and upload 30Mbps.

     

    I then hooked up my Airport Extreme router again, and connected the iMac to the router via Ethernet. Download speed dropped to 100Mbps!

    There is a known compatibility issue with the Arris / Motorola SB61XX-series of modems with the AirPort base stations. Neither are bad by themselves, they just don't "play nice" together.

     

    The other issue is a number of ISPs are slowing pushing out IPv6. Something that might help is changing all of your AirPort base station for IPv6 - Link-local only. You would do this with the AirPort Utility, as follows:

    • Run the AirPort Utility, select the base station, and then, select Edit.
    • Go to the Internet tab > Internet Options...
    • Change Configure IPv6 to: Link-local only
    • Click on Save, and then, click on Update.
    • Allow the base station to restart.
    • Repeat the above steps for each of your base stations.
  • by s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s,

    s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s Apr 1, 2016 7:16 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 1, 2016 7:16 PM in response to Tesserax

    Thank you! I will try the IPv6 suggestion.

     

    I bought the Motorola because I read that it was the best choice for fast internet connections like the 250Mbps I have. I see a few other modem recommendations for fast internet connections, including the Netgear CM600, Zoom 5370 and SCM D3CM1604. All are compatible with Comcast and are well-reviewed. Do you have any idea if these work better with the Airport Extreme?

     

    Or would it be better to get a different router and keep the same modem? Routers are more expensive than modems, and I'd prefer to stay within the Apple ecosystem with the router if there's a modem that is more compatible with the Airport Extreme.

  • by s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s,

    s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s Apr 1, 2016 7:55 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 1, 2016 7:55 PM in response to Tesserax

    BTW, is it unusual to see such a significant drop in speed from: direct connection to modem > ethernet cable to router > wireless connection to router? i.e. to go from 300 Mbps > 100 Mbps > 30 Mbps?

     

    Since power-cycling the modem and router a couple of times the slow web page loading and blank screen search results has resolved. However, the significant decline in download speeds described above has not.

     

    I tried the IPv6 suggestion you mentioned and it didn't seem to affect download speeds.

     

    Would the best next step be trying a new modem?

  • by Tesserax,Solvedanswer

    Tesserax Tesserax Apr 2, 2016 8:40 AM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 2, 2016 8:40 AM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s

    I bought the Motorola because I read that it was the best choice for fast internet connections like the 250Mbps I have. I see a few other modem recommendations for fast internet connections, including the Netgear CM600, Zoom 5370 and SCM D3CM1604. All are compatible with Comcast and are well-reviewed. Do you have any idea if these work better with the Airport Extreme?

    I would suggest the Zoom 5370. Again, the Motorola is a very good modem, it's just not compatible with the Extreme and unless you came to a forum like this beforehand you wouldn't have known.

    Or would it be better to get a different router and keep the same modem? Routers are more expensive than modems, and I'd prefer to stay within the Apple ecosystem with the router if there's a modem that is more compatible with the Airport Extreme.

    That's a great question! It really comes down to your overall networking requirements. For example, if security is your top-most criteria, you may want to consider routers from other manufacturers. As an example, a number of routers have more sophisticated features to meet those goals. FWIW, I use a Cisco RV180 as my "main" router and use Apple base stations to provide my wireless network.

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Apr 2, 2016 8:44 AM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 2, 2016 8:44 AM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s

    BTW, is it unusual to see such a significant drop in speed from: direct connection to modem > ethernet cable to router > wireless connection to router? i.e. to go from 300 Mbps > 100 Mbps > 30 Mbps?

    Typically, yes. However, if the modem & router are incompatible, this would not be unusual in this case.

    I tried the IPv6 suggestion you mentioned and it didn't seem to affect download speeds.

     

    Would the best next step be trying a new modem?

    It was worth a try, but it looks like the incompatibility issue is the culprit. I believe I answered which would be best in my last reply.

  • by s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s,

    s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s Apr 2, 2016 8:55 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 2, 2016 8:55 AM in response to Tesserax

    Thank you again.

     

    My first priority is speed. Of course I care about security, but between the two speed is more important to me if we assume that most of the routers we're talking about have reasonably good security.

     

    On that same review site I linked to earlier (Wirecutter), they suggested the Netgear AC1750 router. I wonder if there's any advantage in terms of compatibility in using a Netgear modem (CM600) and router (AC1750)? Again, both are well-reviewed on Amazon and elsewhere.

     

    Can you link me to instructions for using something like the Netgear AC1750 or Cisco RV180 as a "main" router, and then the Airport Extreme for the wireless network?

  • by s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s,

    s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s Apr 2, 2016 9:02 AM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 2, 2016 9:02 AM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s

    Also, I probably should have mentioned this before, but there is a complicating factor. I had a Sonos home audio system installed in my home. As part of that, we had two Araknis Wireless Access Points installed—one in the kitchen and one in the living room—to extend the signal through the house.

     

    Is it possible that these are slowing things down somehow, either because they are not up to the fastest wireless spec, or because they are creating a signal that is too strong and interfering?

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Apr 2, 2016 9:05 AM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 2, 2016 9:05 AM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s

    My first priority is speed. Of course I care about security, but between the two speed is more important to me if we assume that most of the routers we're talking about have reasonably good security.

    For "speed" you want a router that has excellent WAN-LAN interface and wireless throughput performance. You can get a better idea to choose from by going to a site that tests them. I would recommend SmallNetBuilder for that. You can then compare the AirPort Extreme vs. the Netgear and other router. Note: The Cisco RV180 is a wired router; it does not have wireless capability. Mine is in an enclosed cabinet with the modem where I would not want wireless anyway.

    On that same review site I linked to earlier (Wirecutter), they suggested the Netgear AC1750 router. I wonder if there's any advantage in terms of compatibility in using a Netgear modem (CM600) and router (AC1750)? Again, both are well-reviewed on Amazon and elsewhere.

    For compatibility, it would hard to go wrong using equipment from the same manufacturer when possible. The only caveat is that the modem should be one that your ISP supports.

    Can you link me to instructions for using something like the Netgear AC1750 or Cisco RV180 as a "main" router, and then the Airport Extreme for the wireless network?

    Sorry, I'm not aware of any set of instructions for that. My knowledge comes from experience with setting up networks. Again, the key here is your overall networking goals. If you stay with an Apple product we can certainly assist you with setting it up. When you get to a point where you made a decision on the networking hardware, just start a new post. I'm sure you will get help if you need it.

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Apr 2, 2016 4:36 PM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 2, 2016 4:36 PM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s

    Also, I probably should have mentioned this before, but there is a complicating factor. I had a Sonos home audio system installed in my home. As part of that, we had two Araknis Wireless Access Points installed—one in the kitchen and one in the living room—to extend the signal through the house.

    Yes, that would have been helpful. Although they wouldn't have anything to do with the incompatibility issue we have discussed.

     

    I don't think that these access points can extend the wireless range of your Extreme, unless they are all interconnected back to the Extreme by Ethernet. This is known as a roaming type network. If they are wireless only, then they may be causing Wi-Fi interference with the Extreme's network.

  • by s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s,

    s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s Apr 3, 2016 9:09 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 3, 2016 9:09 AM in response to Tesserax

    Thank you again for your reply.

     

    These access points are indeed connected by ethernet. That's why I'm wondering if they could be slowing down the overall Wifi connection. My Airport Extreme is 802.11ac, but these WAPs are 802.11a/b/g/n. Is it possible that they are reducing the speed of the Wifi network (i.e. speed can only be as high as the lowest common denominator)?

     

    Would getting new 802.11ac access points make it faster? These seem to get pretty good reviews.

     

    Since I work from home, I'm willing to invest in the best possible set-up.

     

    My current plan is to get a new router first, test that, and if speeds are still low on Wifi, upgrade the access points. What do you think?

     

    Thanks for the link on setting up a roaming network. I imagine I'll need to do that if I need to install new access points. Of course if I have a new router the Airport instructions won't be valid, and I guess I'll have to find directions for doing it with the new router's software?

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Apr 3, 2016 9:19 AM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s
    Level 9 (54,452 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 3, 2016 9:19 AM in response to s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s

    These access points are indeed connected by ethernet. That's why I'm wondering if they could be slowing down the overall Wifi connection. My Airport Extreme is 802.11ac, but these WAPs are 802.11a/b/g/n. Is it possible that they are reducing the speed of the Wifi network (i.e. speed can only be as high as the lowest common denominator)?

    Two things: 1) I am assuming that you have these WAPs configured as a roaming network with the AirPort Extreme. That is, they are all broadcasting a Wi-Fi network using the same network name (aka, SSID) and use the same wireless security type & password, and 2) Potentially only 802.11ac devices may be impacted, not the overall Wi-Fi network due to a "mix" of radio modes. Remember the Extreme is also capable of supporting the older 802.11 standards.

    Would getting new 802.11ac access points make it faster? These seem to get pretty good reviews.

    The key here is that all your wireless devices must be 802.11ac to realize any potential speed benefit. Also, since 802.11ac is only operational on the 5 GHz band, it also is subject to that band's limited range. Therefore, 802.11ac clients work best when the are in the same room as the 802.11ac WAP. For overall performance, Ethernet is still the best way to go.

    My current plan is to get a new router first, test that, and if speeds are still low on Wifi, upgrade the access points. What do you think?

    Sounds like a reasonable plan.

    Of course if I have a new router the Airport instructions won't be valid, and I guess I'll have to find directions for doing it with the new router's software?

    That would be a correct assumption ... but the overall set up would be the same. The major difference is that you would be using a web browser, instead of the AirPort Utility, to administer these non-Apple devices.

  • by s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s,

    s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s Apr 3, 2016 9:26 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 3, 2016 9:26 AM in response to Tesserax

    1) Yes, that is how it's configured.

    2) All of our devices are 802.11ac enabled.

     

    We currently have a WAP in the living room, and another in the kitchen/dining room. The router is in my home office. These cover all of the rooms that we commonly use our devices in.

     

    Given this, it sounds like 802.11ac capable WAPs may indeed provide better speeds.

     

    Thanks.

  • by s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s,

    s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s s_w_i_t_t_e_r_s Apr 3, 2016 9:32 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 3, 2016 9:32 AM in response to Tesserax

    Also:

     

    I just did speed tests this morning and got 280Mbps from my ethernet-wired iMac, and 247Mbps from my Macbook air placed about 5 feet from the Airport Extreme.

     

    So, I think several things are at play here:

    • Congested Comcast network slowing down speeds during times of heavier use (it's Sunday morning where I am, which is NOT a heavy-use time)
    • Decreased Wifi speeds the further the clients get from the main router, perhaps in part because (see next bullet)...
    • The WAPs in living room/kitchen are 802.11n and not capable of download speeds that are as fast?
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