Unexpected download test results in Deco X60 network

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Unexpected download test results in Deco X60 network

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.
Unexpected download test results in Deco X60 network
Unexpected download test results in Deco X60 network
2022-10-25 01:48:16
Model: Deco X60  
Hardware Version:
Firmware Version: 1.5.0

Hello,

 

I'm trying to get various Deco X60 in a new installation, but not success so far.

 

The network has seven units as show the diagrams. The house is a two (2) floor building where the connection are already established with CAT6 as show the connection diagram. 

 

Some Deco's are connected in daisy chain and others directly to the main deco through a network switch. Even if I would like to connect all in star topology, it will be very hard taking in consideration the current cabling and house pipes.

 

In summary, everything seems to work as expected, except the download speed which shows unexpected results (www.fast.com). Specifically, some devices show much lower speed than the maximum available (please, refer to diagram of speed test results).

 

All the devices (Deco) has default configuration. There is not guest network enabled.

 

Some questions:

 

  • It will be possible to have the 400mpbs in all locations?
  • Any suggested test or configuration (software or hardware)?

 

Appreciated your help regarding this situation.

 

Thanks,

 

Hu Lao

 

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#1
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4 Reply
Re:Unexpected download test results in Deco X60 network
2022-10-25 11:37:51

  @Hulao 

 

Let me start with saying that your network diagram is absolutely correct and Deco units, all wired, should each deliver 400Mbps. So, you don't need to redo Deco deployment, just need to figure what is wrong.

 

My theories would be:

 

1. Not all Deco units use Ethernet backhaul, even when wired.

2. For some reason, when you test speed on some of Deco units your test device (iPhone) is connected over 2.4GHz instead of 5GHz.

3. Network switch is incompatible with Deco mesh backhaul.

4. Some of CAT6 Ethernet cables are not up to specs and Deco units can only negotiate 100Mbps over those that aren't.

 

Not one of these theories fully explains what you see, but all should be tested. If you want, I'll provide you with detailed steps for testing them, unless you have already figured what was wrong. Let me know.

 

For running tests, the following hardware will be required: laptop (or other similar type of device) with gigabit Ethernet network card, and one RJ45 network coupler:

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#2
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Re:Unexpected download test results in Deco X60 network
2022-10-26 00:09:55

Hi @Alexandre. 

Thanks for your feedback.

I appreciated you provide me with detailed steps for testing the proposed hypothesis. In this way we could match all the testing and procedures.

I just acquired the RJ45 network coupler and I already have a Windows computer with gigabit Ethernet network card (Precision 7550 with Intel Ethernet Connection I219-LM,     
10/100/1000 Mbps). 

Hu

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#3
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Re:Unexpected download test results in Deco X60 network
2022-10-26 01:03:06

  @Hulao 

 

One more thing I will need from you, but you can put it in reply after proceeding with steps I provide below.

I'll need to you tell me what Main Deco is connected to: modem, router, or gateway - and also its brand and model number. That may come handy if initial troubleshooting fails to find the cause.

 

Also, please turn off MAC address randomization on iPhone you use for speed tests, and you only need to do that for Deco SSID.

 

Now, as promised.

 

1. Not all Deco units use Ethernet backhaul, even when wired.

 

In Deco app, open page for each Satellite Deco and see what it says under Signal Source. If Satellite Deco uses Ethernet for backhaul, you'll see this (as an example):

 

In my example Living Room is Main Deco, in your Deco app you'll see different name but the important thing is Ethernet link.

If there is any Satellite Deco that does not report Ethernet - that will narrow the problem. If all report Ethernet, continue with next step.

 

2. For some reason, when you test speed on some of Deco units your test device (iPhone) is connected over 2.4GHz instead of 5GHz.

 

Turn off 2.4GHz on Main Deco network, under More/Wi-Fi in Deco app:

 

 

Re-run speed tests on smartphone, and also double check it is indeed connected to the Deco for which you run speed test. If every one reports 400Mbps, we are done. If not, continue.

 

3. Network switch is incompatible with Deco mesh backhaul.

 

Unplug from the switch Ethernet cable that comes from Main Deco. Plug that cable to one side of network coupler. Unplug from the switch Ethernet cable that comes from Billiard Room Satellite Deco. Plug that cable to another side of network coupler. 

Power off Satellite Decos still connected to the switch: Office Room, Kids Bedroom, Main bedroom. We won't need those and powered off they won't interfere with the rest of tests.

 

You now bypassed networking switch and have daisy chain similar to this:

 

More specifically:

 

Main Deco<-Ethernet->Billiard Room<-Ethernet->Living Room<-Ethernet->Kitchen

 

Verify that all three Satellite Deco in that chain report Ethernet in their Signal Source, starting with Billiard Room. That to ensure network coupler is not defective and every Deco is going through wired connection. Just to be sure.

 

Run speed tests from iPhone for all these three Satellite Deco. Do you have 400Mbps on all? If yes, the problem is networking switch, if not - that is inconclusive and please continue.

 

4. Some of CAT6 Ethernet cables are not up to specs and Deco units can only negotiate 100Mbps over those that aren't.

 

Plug Windows computer to the available Ethernet port of Kitchen Deco and run speed test on wired link. Have you got 400Mbps from speed test on wired connection?

If not, keep tracing through that daisy chain by unplugging Satellite Decos and plugging Windows computer. Your Billiard Room delivers 400Mbps, so when you end with Windows computer connected to it you should see 400Mbps. If still not, go to Main Deco and plug Windows computer with short good quality Ethernet cable to the port which used to connect Main Deco with the switch. For sure you must get 400Mbps from Main Deco when Windows computer is connected to it directly. Let me know.

 

-------------

 

When you provide me with summary of results for above steps, I'll see what else can be done if cause is still not clear.

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#4
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Re:Unexpected download test results in Deco X60 network
2022-12-10 00:36:55

Hi  @Alexandre. 

Thanks for your support in this matter.

Sorry for the late reply. After coming back from work traveling I test your suggestions and found out the cables were wrong. The wires colors or pairs were place incorrectly. 

After re-doing all the Ethernet connectors, the testing (using the PC) shows a physical connection of 1gbps (instead of 100mbps) and the speed test (in WiFi or Wired) is as expected in all zones.

Best regards

 

 

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#5
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