Crazy Speedtest Results using Apple Time Capsule

[mk313]

Hey guys, I know almost nothing about networking , so I apologize if I'm missing something simple. I have a Spectrum internet account that was recently upgraded from 200 Mbps to 300 Mbps. I use a Zoom Modem & an Airport time Capsule (the final generation). My old router wasn't certified for the higher speeds, so I got a new modem from the company, but it gave my crazy wild speed test swings. (speed tests ranged from 35-300 Mbps down). I ended up returning that modem and got a Motorola MB7621, which is certified for Spectrum 300 Mbps service.

I just got done installing it & it's still giving me wild speed swings, but ONLY on my Macs. I am getting anywhere from 20-300 Mbps when I run Speedtest on either of my 2 Macs, but if I run it on my work computer (same wireless network) I am getting a solid 300 +Mbps.

It definitely sounds like the modem, router & wireless are ok and the problem is with my 2 Mac (both 2017 12" MacBooks). Any idea what might be going on or what I should look for?

Thanks,

 

[hobowankenobi]

If any machine is getting consistent speeds, I would doubt the connection or modem is to blame.

I would be a bit suspect of any old router. Could be just the wifi, or something else. One way to verify it is wifi would be to test at least one machine that is inconsistent now, with a wired connection and see if the wild swings stop.

 

[mk313]

If any machine is getting consistent speeds, I would doubt the connection or modem is to blame.

I would be a bit suspect of any old router. Could be just the wifi, or something else. One way to verify it is wifi would be to test at least one machine that is inconsistent now, with a wired connection and see if the wild swings stop.

Thanks, I agree, it seems unlikely to be the connection or the modem (or the router). It has to be something with the Macs. Good point on the ethernet connection. I have a USB Ethernet adapter & Will give that a shot later tonight to see if I'm getting better speeds that way.

 

[mk313]

Just wanted to close the loop on this one. I have no idea what happened. My work laptop got solid speeds from the Time Capsule/ Spectrum-supplied modem combo, but my MacBooks would not. I ended up buying my own modem (Motorola MB7621) and it solved the issue. Still no idea why it wasn't working, but I did want to post my final solution here in case anyone searches this thread in the future.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Wow. That's pretty unusual.

Glad you got it sorted, thanks for posting the outcome!