Bandwidth problem Dimension 8200

Question

I have upgraded the Internet bandwidth from 24 to 50 Mbit (Comhem Cable). The problem is that when I run tests, the speed is between 15 to max 30 Mbit. The hardware is a Dell Dimension 8200 with a "CNet PRO200WL PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter". Could the problem be the NIC ?

Are there other limitations on this old computer ?

When I do the same test on a Dell Optiplex GX280 (my second computer next by the Dimension), the speed is between 45-60 Mbit, almost twice the speed !! There are no limitations in the Router or network.

Any suggestion is appreciated !

Larry R · Answer

The only thing I can think of, other than the limitation being somewhere between the site you are going to and your ISP, is that the NIC is set for half-duplex (sends and receives, just not at the same time) instead of full duplex (I'm assuming it is a 100Mbps card).

xcator · Answer

running xp or 2000, try and tweak your tcp settings test here http://www.dslreports.com/tweaks   use drtcp to adjust settings

vf1000 · Answer

Thanks for the reply !

I have a 100Mbit NIC and have tried 100Mbit half and full duplex and Auto....

Also tested:

Change "GlobalMaxTcpWindowSize" registry entry to -1

and run DRTCP021.exe, no improvments.

vf1000 · Answer

Forgot to mention, I have: Windows XP Pro, SP3 CPU P4 2.0Ghz  L2 cache 256 KB RAM: 1024 Mb Bios: A09  , 512 kb

vf1000 · Answer

I have swiched cables with the other PC that works fine, and ports in the Router....no luck.

TCP receive Window: 371260 (previus value 256960)

Window Scaling: yes

Time Stamping: No

Selective Acks: yes

Path MTU Discovery: yes

Nlack Hole detection: No

TTL: 128

MTU: 1500

xcator · Answer

can you post your drtcp settings, rwin, mtu etc   and switch patch cables to see also if it matters Message Edited by xcator on 09-03-2008 11:29 AM

xcator · Answer

I would use the rwin value you are using for the GX-280 since that one seems to work well

Any network activity running in the background at the same time you do the tests?

I suppose you could try a new network adapter, seen some 10/100/1000 nic cards for less than 10 bucks

other than than, dunno

vf1000 · Answer

I have tested the rwin value from the GX-280 (65535), that did not solve the problem.

I ran the broadband test first on the Dimension = 12 Mbit and the directly with GX = 61 Mbit !

There are no other network activity.....

Yes, next step is to buy a new NIC !

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Bandwidth problem Dimension 8200

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