21 replies to this topic

[Heeter]

Hey all,

Wondering about this.

I setup a test.

I took my Linux workstation (LinuxMint11Debian Edition) and ran several download tests. Averaged out approx. 1.3Mbps. I took the same workstation and put in a new hard drive and installed Windows7. Averaged out approx 2.2Mbps.

Same Modem, Router, Cat6 cable, Workstation (except for HD), Chrome 14 browser (Chrome 14 for both, not Chromium)

Why the difference?

Linux network card drivers? Shouldn't be, or can it?



Heeter

[dann0]

Good question, Heeter. I can get 25+ Mbps on Win7, but will only get 1-2 Mbps on Ubuntu /With Fire Fox on separate partition on the same PC. I have not dug into it, but I would like to correct this someday.
I, too, will wait for the Linux experts to chime in.....

[dann0]

Waiting for Ubuntu 11.10 upgrade. Says it should take 1.5 hours. I have a 50/5 connection. Hmmm. Gonna go to bed and leave the upgrade running. We shall see, Heeter......

[TriRan]

Definitely is a driver issue have you tried any different drivers? What network card is it what version of the driver are you running??

[Heeter]

 

adminuser@adminuser-PC ~ $ dmesg | grep 'Ethernet driver'
[	2.137856] r8169 Gigabit Ethernet driver 2.3LK-NAPI loaded
adminuser@adminuser-PC ~ $ 

The network card is a Realtek® 8112L Gigabit LAN onboard of my MB.


Heeter

[CA3LE]

Heeter, on 26 October 2011 - 05:41 PM, said:

Hey all, Wondering about this. I setup a test. I took my Linux workstation (LinuxMint11Debian Edition) and ran several download tests. Averaged out approx. 1.3Mbps. I took the same workstation and put in a new hard drive and installed Windows7. Averaged out approx 2.2Mbps. Same Modem, Router, Cat6 cable, Workstation (except for HD), Chrome 14 browser (Chrome 14 for both, not Chromium) Why the difference? Linux network card drivers? Shouldn't be, or can it? Heeter

What's up Heeter, I haven't seen you for a while.

You really shouldn't have a discrepancy like that.  I just installed the latest LinuxMint 11 (Debian Edition).  I got amazingly clean, quick tests with that setup out of the box.  Very nice and I'm running it on a fairly light virtual machine configuration of only 1GB ram and 1 core.  I haven't played with mint since 8, thanks for reminding me about it.

Here's a screenshot I just took.


lol, I was getting a notification in the background.

TestMy.net's method does a good job of highlighting differences between browsers and configurations, more so than other speed tests I've pit it against.  But in this case, I'd have to agree with Triran... I bet it's drivers.  Your chip may be poorly supported in Linux.  If it's a major issue that you're having a hard time resolving here's what I would personally do.  Hopefully you have a better network card laying around or know a friend who may.  If not, get one.  Aim for something popular and well supported and obviously if they state they're Linux compatible that's a good sign.

Another thing you can do is look around and see if you can find someone out there that wrote better drivers.  They're all over the place.  But it can be a tireless search and can often be wasted time... in my experience.  Usually just easier to change the card out in that instance.

... realize that I know nothing about the compatibility of your specific card in Linux...  just letting you know how I'd troubleshoot it myself.

[Heeter]

Thanks Ca3le, It has been a while. You know how life is............

Well I do have an Intel 1000 GT and an Intel 1000 Pro laying around here.

Would any of those net me better results?

Heeter

[CA3LE]

Heeter, on 27 October 2011 - 06:35 AM, said:

Thanks Ca3le, It has been a while. You know how life is............

Well I do have an Intel 1000 GT and an Intel 1000 Pro laying around here.

Would any of those net me better results?

Heeter

I hear that...

I'm not 100% positive but from my experience Intel based NIC cards usually have good linux support.  Can't hurt to give it a try.

Also, have you messed with any TCP settings or are you running a fresh install?

[Heeter]

Nah, Haven't messed with the TCP settings on the workstation.

I have changed the DNS settings on the router to OpenDNS address, that has helped too.

Later today, I will try out one of those cards, then I will issue a manual IP address to it, see how that goes.

This is not a fresh install, This was a fresh install way back when LinuxMint introduced the Debian Edition (Last year sometime, I think)


Heeter

[mudmanc4]

I'll be interested in seeing what the other card(s) do for it as well. Is there a gb card in there now ?

[Heeter]

Yeah, The Realtek is a gig NIC. Or so it pretends to be...................


I located some drivers for it Here, So hopefully it can make a difference. I will still try the Intel's too.


Heeter

[Heeter]

Update:

Well I tried my 2 Intel pci NIC cards, they did constantly register approx 400 Mbps better than the onboard Realtek. I located on the intel website some up to date drivers. I installed them, to no avail.

I tried testmy.net speed test with my CR48 Chromebook wireless through my "N" router. I am getting than same speed as my wired desktop (1Mbps - 1.4Mbps).

Now I go to speedtest.net. Go figure, I am getting nearly 50MBps. Just like the package I am paying for (Shaw's Broadband 50 Package).

Just going to have to be happy with this setup, I guess.


Heeter

[mudmanc4]

Are you taking tests specifically to Dallas server ? Or are the tests both DC and Dallas ?

I looked at your tests but at this point unless I'm missing something I cannot see the distinction between tests taken on opposite servers.

[Heeter]

I have been using Dallas only. Never actually noticed that there was a choice until yesterday.

DAllas Only

Thanks Mudmanc4

Heeter

[mudmanc4]

Yea ok , explains a little , seems that you might have the same issue as i do with your ISP routing. Test at DC and I'll place a bet the results will differ greatly.

[Heeter]

Okay will do later when I get back home.

Thanks mudmanc4,

Heeter

[TriRan]

mudmanc4, on 31 October 2011 - 06:47 AM, said:

Yea ok , explains a little , seems that you might have the same issue as i do with your ISP routing. Test at DC and I'll place a bet the results will differ greatly.

i am also still having that good old routing issue to dallas, dc works fine for me too though  Heeter try DC Server

[Heeter]

Well, I finally fixed it.

I contacted shaw and got my cisco router/modem disconnected. I re-enabled my old motorola surfboard with my overclocked Linksys WRT54G V2.2 with DD-WRT and 9Dbi antennas.

Now check out my tests.

Shaw has this package called Broadband 50, I signed up for the "upgrade" from my 25Mbps Extreme package. On speedtest.net, the broadband50 always shows up @50Mbps, even though was as slow as molasses, proven by speed tests here.

I just "downgraded" back to my previous package of "Extreme" 25Mbps, and speedtest.net now shows 25Mbps, but I can actually see my internet speed is a million times better. As proven by speed tests here.

Thanks all for your assistance.

Heeter

[CA3LE]

Heeter, on 01 November 2011 - 09:38 PM, said:

Well, I finally fixed it.

...I can actually see my internet speed is a million times better. As proven by speed tests here.

Thanks all for your assistance.

Heeter

Awesome, glad to hear it.  

[TriRan]

Heeter, on 01 November 2011 - 09:38 PM, said:

Well, I finally fixed it.

I contacted shaw and got my cisco router/modem disconnected. I re-enabled my old motorola surfboard with my overclocked Linksys WRT54G V2.2 with DD-WRT and 9Dbi antennas.

Now check out my tests.

Shaw has this package called Broadband 50, I signed up for the "upgrade" from my 25Mbps Extreme package. On speedtest.net, the broadband50 always shows up @50Mbps, even though was as slow as molasses, proven by speed tests here.

I just "downgraded" back to my previous package of "Extreme" 25Mbps, and speedtest.net now shows 25Mbps, but I can actually see my internet speed is a million times better. As proven by speed tests here.

Thanks all for your assistance.

Heeter

that's great news, glad you got it sorted!