Slow internet using wifi

Question

Slow internet using wifi

I have a FiOS network at home (FiOS now run by Frontier) with 75 Mbps internet speed on my plan. Today I'm getting 3 Mbps DL and 1.5 UL. Frontier tech spt says they only guarantee speeds with an ethernet connection, not using wifi. Of course, my new MacBook Pro (early 2015) doesn't have an ethernet connection. There is also a problem with my connection dropping out - wifi shows still connected, but printer is 'not connected', internet DL just stop, etc. Is this normal for a Mac wifi connection, or is it a problem with Frontier and their system? What are my options?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.5)

Posted on Jul 11, 2017 10:25 AM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

155,810 points

Jul 11, 2017 2:27 PM in response to Jeff Stephens

Please read Check for Wi-Fi issues using your Mac - Apple Support.

Of course, my new MacBook Pro (early 2015) doesn't have an ethernet connection.

To eliminate that uncertainty you can purchase an adapter such as this one: Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter - Apple.

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Answer 2

dialabrain

Level 10

136,127 points

Jul 11, 2017 3:25 PM in response to Jeff Stephens

Just to add to what John suggested, make sure you aren't running any anti-virus software with real time scanning. You shouldn't be running any anti-virus programs but that's another discussion.

FWIW, I am on Verizon FiOS, 150x150 and have no speed or connection issues with WiFi with my Macs, iPads or iPhone. I had 300/300 but got tired of paying for it.

FWIW, I never use ethernet.

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Answer 3

Jul 12, 2017 7:45 AM in response to John Galt

John - thanks for your reply. I'm working on the WiFi issues pages from Apple right now. First report was no problem - now letting the monitoring connection work. In reading that file, it occurred to me that when my connection to the internet or my printer stops working, the WiFi status menu remains unchanged - it says I have a good, strong connection. So, I assume (hate that word) that the WiFi from my Mac to the router (about 18" away) is good; but the router is not responding. Frontier can't seem to find an issue. Anyway, I'll keep the monitoring going for awhile and see what develops.

Thanks again.

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Answer 4

Jul 12, 2017 8:28 AM in response to Jeff Stephens

Just happened again (11:30 EDT). Locked up with status line showing strong connection. Finally got an error message that said 'Safari can't open...Server isn't responding'. I saved the diagnostic report from the monitoring, but can't open it, so it's not much immediate help. Just as an aside, I'm using a commercial VPN. Could that be the problem?

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Answer 5

Jul 12, 2017 8:50 AM in response to babowa

Thanks. I'll give it a try. Only problem I see is that if it doesn't hang up - is it because of the VPN, or because it just wasn't time for the intermittent failure??? I'll also research my brand of VPN to see if there are any issues.

Thanks again.

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Answer 6

John Galt

Level 10

155,810 points

Jul 12, 2017 9:17 AM in response to Jeff Stephens

Just as an aside, I'm using a commercial VPN. Could that be the problem?

It is certain to be a contributing factor. Whether it is the limiting factor cannot be determined without temporarily eliminating it to advance troubleshooting.

I strongly recommend that you do not attempt to use Google to find a solution. That will accomplish nothing other than to inundate you with advertisements for garbage products that should never be installed on any Mac. If you are unable to reach a solution on your own then Contact Support. Apple is uniquely qualified to interpret the result of the results of the diagnostics report you generated.

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Answer 7

Jul 12, 2017 10:09 AM in response to John Galt

I hear you on the Google comment. I did contact my VPN tech spt with a comment that the problem probably wasn't VPN. In any event, it happened once again while I was in the middle of working on a website. Just stopped. I turned VPN off and still nothing. I then tried to print a Word doc and got the error message 'printer not connected'. Mac status showed a strong connection. It's looking more and more like the Mac is working well, but the router is not. I think I'll purchase a USB-Ethernet (or Thunderbot-Ethernet) connector and see what happens. If it continues to fail, Frontier can send me a new router.

Appreciate all the help from everyone.

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Answer 8

Jul 12, 2017 10:45 AM in response to John Galt

True; however, Frontier's current 'out' is that they don't really support wifi - they can only check from the router. If I get the ethernet, they lose that excuse. Failures getting more frequent. Need some resolution. Will keep the community informed as it may help others.

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Answer 9

John Galt

Level 10

155,810 points

Jul 16, 2017 10:36 AM in response to Jeff Stephens

It's common for ISPs not to support anything other than their equipment, but it's their equipment creating that wireless network. Seems like a lame excuse to me.

Is it possible to configure their router to act as a simple modem? Some ISPs call that mode "transparent bridging". That would leave selecting a router up to you.

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Answer 10

Jul 16, 2017 10:36 AM in response to John Galt

Got the Thunderbot - Ethernet adapter and its been running well ever since. Getting above 75 Mbps consistently. I guess I'll just go with - it's not broken (Any more) so, I won't fix it!

Do appreciate all the help from the community.

Thanks

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Answer 11

babowa

Level 9

78,568 points

Jul 12, 2017 8:47 AM in response to Jeff Stephens

I'm using a commercial VPN.

Test with a regular connection to compare performance. And, google for connection issues with VPN - I was going to link to one, but there are too many.

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