Do multiple computers slow wireless connection down?

cattie

Sorry if it is a daft question, but would like to know if multiple computers on a wireless network can slow down the connection?

Sometimes my connection is very slow & I will get a low signal message or limited connectivity. When this happens there is generally one or both of my student lodger pair on their laptops.

m5rcc

Yes....you only have a limited bandwidth and that gets shared out amongst multiple users.

loudcox

As above.

What I'd add is that under general loading of pages you won't really notice too great a difference.

Where you will really notice it is if people are doing things such as playing online games, watching streaming media (videos, music, iplayer etc.) or using peer to peer file-sharing applications such as uTorrent.

I'd mention this to your lodgers, and specifically ask them to schedule any bit-torrent activity (i.e. peer to peer file downloads) overnight. Makes a huge difference.

aliEnRIK

I completely agree with what loudcox is saying there. Id guess theres some bit-torrent activity going on there

m5rcc

loudcox wrote: »

As above.

What I'd add is that under general loading of pages you won't really notice too great a difference.

Where you will really notice it is if people are doing things such as playing online games, watching streaming media (videos, music, iplayer etc.) or using peer to peer file-sharing applications such as uTorrent.

I'd mention this to your lodgers, and specifically ask them to schedule any bit-torrent activity (i.e. peer to peer file downloads) overnight. Makes a huge difference.

or upgrade your router and ask them to fork out the cose

BikerEd

If you are connecting at wireless G speeds (up to 54 mbit/s link speed) and one of them is connecting using a wireless B device (up to 11 mbit/s link speed) then the speed of the whole network will be dragged down to B speed. This is nothing to do with torrents or any other traffic, just the fact that 802.11g routers come down to the lowest common speed.

kwikbreaks

Multiple users will share the bandwidth which may be noticeable if the usage is heavy but they won't be the cause of...

I will get a low signal message or limited connectivity

A poor connection will cause a slowdown too.

The other thing to consider is that 54Mbps WiFi supports a throughput of just over 20Mbps (shared) which is faster than most ADSL lines.

closed

cattie wrote: »

low signal message or limited connectivity.

A sign of wireless interference, which can slow (or break) the connection between the laptop and router down.

damoandclaire

you could consider changing your wireless channel. i have my router on channel 2. seems to work absolutely fab.

depending on what channel you have it can pick up alsorts of interference - DECT fones, microwaves. etc etc. Also how close to these items could impact the signal. Best signals I've used to date are 1, 2, 6 and 11. The others, depending on equipment have been somewhat intermitent. The ones I've mentioned, for me, have been the most stable.

Also, where you have your router situated could be an issue. The composition of the building you live in could impact on signal getting in certain areas, how thick a wall is, what its made of etc.

In the few wireless installations I have done, mainly for HMOs and rather large houses, I've found that the higher the router, the better but not always the case.

Just a few things for thought!;)

Leopard

You could consider changing your modem/wireless/router to one that has a configurable QoS (quality of service) option.

In effect, this means that you would be able to control who gets how much share of your broadband, for what purposes it can be used and at what times.