Wifi works for hour then slows to stop!?

[josh9985]

Hi I believe this problem started happening after macOS Sierra 10.12.6 updated on it's own but I'm not sure. What is happening is my internet connection works great and speedy for approximately an hour then slows down so much it won't even load a page. I then shut down my mac, start it back up, and it's back to working normally for about 45 minutes then the same slow down again. It is an older computer iMac (Mid 2010).

-So far I've removed existing Wi-Fi preferences
-Set a new network location
-Reset SMC and reset PRAM / NVRAM
-Factory reset router

I have Comcast/Xfinity Wi-Fi. I've Posted this in another forum and no one could help. I'm getting very frustrated! I'm a novice with computers so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Fishrrman]

How far is the iMac from your Comcast internet gateway?
Are they in the same room, by any chance?
Have you tried connecting to the gateway via ethernet?
If so, do you still get "the slowdown"?

 

[josh9985]

The computer is far away unfortunately. The router is in the basement, which is not good. I haven't had any problems with the wifi in at least the last 2 years though with the router being in the same spot. We got a new router and cable boxes installed almost a year ago and this problem has been around for about a month. It's a bigger heavier computer so it would be too hard to plug it directly into the router, if that's what you're suggesting. I'm going to get an ethernet cable a little later today cause I'm pretty sure I can find a plug somewhere. That is the only thing I haven't tried yet.

Just a strange problem that it works fine for a decent amount of time then just stop, then work perfectly fine again when the computer is shut down and rebooted.

 

[josh9985]

I haven't been able to get the Ethernet set up.. We have a massive amount of wires set up near my router and I haven't attempted to tackle that job yet.

 

[mikehalloran]

Spend the $14
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CCMUN8C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you have a clear shot and a router that supports 802.11ac, this is a lot faster than the wifi that comes on iMacs through 2013. It's even faster than gigabit ethernet. If the router does not support 802.11ac, this will be just as fast but with a stronger signal.

Your other choice is to open up that 2010 and deal with the real problem: Heat and what it does to components. Even still, that external wifi antenna is a lot faster.
[doublepost=1558568105][/doublepost]If your router does not support 802.11ac, get your ethernet working as it's a lot faster than 802.11n, the max speed of your 2010's wireless.

 

[josh9985]

Spend the $14
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CCMUN8C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you have a clear shot and a router that supports 802.11ac, this is a lot faster than the wifi that comes on iMacs through 2013. It's even faster than gigabit ethernet. If the router does not support 802.11ac, this will be just as fast but with a stronger signal.

Your other choice is to open up that 2010 and deal with the real problem: Heat and what it does to components. Even still, that external wifi antenna is a lot faster.
[doublepost=1558568105][/doublepost]If your router does not support 802.11ac, get your ethernet working as it's a lot faster than 802.11n, the max speed of your 2010's wireless.

Much appreciated. I think the heat and age has something to do with it for sure. A little bit before the problem started I noticed a plasticky smell unlike the usual when it gets hot. I downloaded an app to monitor the temp and use the fans manually. Didn't help, probably because the damage has been done. I'm going to try that product out though. Thanks for the help.