Why am I not getting the advertised speeds for my MidcoNet Xstream Wideband service?

 

Testing Sources

 

Where are you testing your speeds?

 

To test the speeds of your MidcoNet Xstream Wideband connection, you’ll want to use the Midcontinent speed test site, which is http://support.midco.net.

 

By using Midcontinent’s speed test site, we are testing speeds through our network and reducing outside influences that other speed test sites may introduce.
 

When performing speed tests, follow these guidelines:

• Perform speed tests using the computer with the fastest or most advanced hardware and software.
  • Gigabit Ethernet cards are recommended for MidcoNet Xstream Wideband 3.0.
• Perform speed tests with the computer directly connected via Ethernet cable to the cable modem.
  • Test using a wired connection rather than a wireless connection.
  • Bypass any routers by connecting via Ethernet cable to the cable modem.

This allows us to understand the speed that your MidcoNet Xstream Wideband connection is truly capable of obtaining.

 

Types of Devices

What devices do you have connected?

 

All devices are not created equal. Technology has changed considerably in the last few years andwhile many devices still function, they are not able to obtain the same level of speed as newer technology.
 

Computers and other connected devices require a network adapter to connect to MidcoNet Xstream Wideband services. It may be either a wired or wireless adapter, and both types have changed over the years.
 

Wired network adapters in both desktop and laptop computers and also in gaming systems will usually be one of the following two types:

• Fast Ethernet (10/100) - a 10/100 network adapter is capable of anywhere from 10Mbps to 100Mbps data transmission. However, some network adapters may not be able to provide their maximum speeds due to technology limitations. One option to make them work to the best of their abilities is to update the drivers that control the network adapter. Updates such as this can be received through the device manufacturer or their website.
• Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) - a 10/100/1000 network adapter is capable of anywhere from 10Mbps to 1000Mbps data transmission. Generally, if a device has a Gigabit Ethernet adapter it will not need updated drivers. However, it’s always an option to check with the manufacturer for updates.

For MidcoNet Xstream Wideband 3.0, a Gigabit Ethernet card is recommended to take advantage of the speeds offered by the service.

Wireless network adapters come in three common varieties:

 

• 802.11b - An 802.11b wireless adapter is not very common today as it was somewhat quickly replaced by 802.11g technology. It is capable of up to 11Mbps data transmission that is shared by both the upstream and downstream and uses a 2.4Ghz signal to transmit.
• 802.11g - An 802.11g wireless adapter is quite common as it has been in most laptops and retail wireless devices for years. It is capable of up to 54Mbps data transmission shared by both the upstream and downstream and it uses a 2.4Ghz signal to transmit.
• 802.11n – An 802.11n wireless adapter is the current standard for wireless adapters and will be found in most laptops and retail wireless devices. It is capable of up to 300Mbps data transmissionshared by both the upstream and downstream and can use either a 2.4Ghz or a 5Ghz signal to transmit.

Number of Connected Devices

 

How many devices do you have connected?

 

The number of connected devices can have an impact on the speeds you are receiving when testing. If there are ten devices actively connected simultaneously, they are all sharing the same connection. While each device can still get great download and upload speeds, they won’t each reach the maximum of your MidcoNet Xstream Wideband service.

Try connecting just one device with an Ethernet cable directly to the modem and then performing the Midcontinent speed test located at http://support.midco.net. This will give a better picture of the full capabilities of your MidcoNet Xstream Wideband service.

Many devices will continue to download and upload information even while they may not be in use by someone in your home. For example, a computer that is connected, but not in use, may be downloading software updates.

 

How many devices are having speed concerns?

 

When tracking down speed concerns, it helps to narrow down how many devices are impacted.

Is it every device in the house, or is it just one particular computer?

If only one computer or device is affected, it is a compatibility or technical issue/limitation with that device and not the MidcoNet Xstream Wideband service. For support, the device manufacturer should be contacted.

If all devices are affected, it is likely a problem with the cable modem or router. Those devices should be restarted before getting too far into troubleshooting as that may resolve any concerns.

If only wireless devices are affected but wired devices work normally, the wireless channel on the router likely needs to be changed.

Midcontinent Communications Technical Support can assist with changing the channel on a Midcontinent provided wireless cable modem.

Instructions for changing the channel on a retail wireless router can be found by referencing the user guide or by doing an online search for the devices user guide. The device manufacturer’s technical support number or website may be referenced or contacted as well. Midcontinent Communications does not provide support for routers and cable modems purchased from retail providers.

 

Software on Devices

 

What operating system is on the device/computer?

Windows Vista, Windows 7, and MAC OS X (and newer) are optimized for MidcoNet Xstream speeds.
 

Windows XP is not automatically optimized for the speeds that can be obtained with MidcoNet Xstream Wideband services.

Ensure that any Windows XP computers have been updated to Service Pack 2 or greater. This can be done by clicking on Start, then Control Panel, then Performance and Maintenance then System. This will open the System Properties with the “General” tab in front. Service Pack information is located under the section labeled System.

If it shows Service Pack 1, the computer needs to be updated.

The newest Service Pack can be downloaded to a computer by clicking on Start then Help and Support then Pick a task and choose the option “Keep your computer up to date with Windows Update.”
Windows Updates will include Service Pack 3 which will help an XP computer adjust to MidcoNet Xstream’s faster speeds and updated wireless security methods provided by newer wireless cable modems and routers.

Optimizer programs are also available for improving speed capabilities on some operating systems. While Midcontinent does not recommend or endorse any specific programs, many can be found by performing an online search for the following terms:

• TCP/IP tuning
• TCP/IP tweaks

What programs are running on your devices?

 

Software, programs and applications running on your computer or device can have an impact on their capability to get near the speeds of your MidcoNet Xstream Wideband service.

Programs such as virus protection, firewall protection and any other programs that run all the time can reduce speeds during testing. Although they may reduce speeds a bit, virus and firewall protection are still recommended to keep your devices safe and secure.

To identify if any of the programs running on your device are impacting speeds, you can usually disable each one temporarily to perform additional speed tests. If speed test results improve when a certain program is disabled, you should contact that software manufacturer for support – they may be able to configure it to have less impact on your speeds.

Many programs that are running on a device can be temporarily disabled by right clicking on the program’s icon in the lower right hand corner of the screen. Choose the option to disable, exit or shut down a program.

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