[Shop-talk] shop internet connection

Sat Feb 1 20:56:07 MST 2025

I'll add to the list of folks recommending the replacement of this laptop.
Windows 7 is very susceptible to nefarious behaviors, with many
never-to-be-patched issues. As a last resort with this machine, you could
try a lightweight Linux distribution on that machine, but verify hardware
support before you dive in with both feet.

Check out https://swappa.com for good used options. Be certain to get a CPU
that is supported by Windows 11. What do you need this machine to do? I am
leery of the very inexpensive mini-PCs, as I'm not highly trusting of their
manufacturers. I'd stick with a recent-generation Intel NUC if I were to go
that route.

-Peter

On Thu, Jan 2, 2025 at 6:34 PM john niolon <jniolon at att.net> wrote:

> well that is an unusual development... moved the laptop to sit right next
> to the Orbi modem
> five speedtest gave me 25-30 mb download and a little less upload with
> latency around45 ms
>
> took it back to the shop sitting next to the satellite and got 50-60 mb
> down and 40-=50 up with less latency
>
> so I'm assuming it's just my old slow laptop as ya'll say...just like me
> old and slow
>
> My Orbi is a model RBR10   app version2.42.0.56
>
> firmware version v2.7.3.22
>
> I've started looking online for refurbed units... I've been using a
> refurbed DELL Optiflex 990 for several years with no problems
> they are getting cheaper every day... and I've got room for a small form
> factor and monitor in the shop... might just go that way
>
> if ya'll have any suggestions on the refurbs... I'm all ears
>
>    thanks for all the input
> john
>
> *----- Original Message -----*
> *From:* MIQ MILLMAN <miq at bigllama.com>
> *To:* john niolon <jniolon at att.net>
> *Cc:* shop-talk <shop-talk at autox.team.net>
> *Sent:* 1/2/2025 3:26:21 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [Shop-talk] shop internet connection
> ------------------------------
> As others have said, the old laptop is probably running within specs.
> Wifi-BGN is going to peak throughput of about 38-40 mbps.
>
> The latest spec for Wifi (aka Wifi-6) is 802.11ax or just AX as a
> designation to differentiate from the past "livingroom" standard of
> 802.11ac.
>
> Both of these are overkill for what you want/need, ac peaks at 3.5Gbps,
> and ax peaks at 9.6Gbps.
>
> The Toshiba you have also has a limit of 100 Mbps on the ethernet port
> built in.   So, even if you went with a cheap "hardwire solution" and tried
> to connect a switch to the ethernet port on the Orbi, you would still be
> limited to what the older laptop can manage.
>
> It's also possible that the version Orbi you have is only capable of
> 802.11ac, you don't mention which version you have, but they still
> sell/support the older versions, and the price is rather steep for the
> latest versions
>
> Even if you were to replace/upgrade to a usb dongle wifi connection, it
> would be limited to the speed of USB 2.0 and the older bus speeds in the
> Toshiba.  Also not sure that spending $35 on a wifi adapter is the best use
> of funds.... (e.g.  TP-Link AX1800 can plug into a standard USB a port, but
> the laptop would not be able to support the speeds.)
>
> If you are on a budget, I would look at chromebooks as an option,
>
> here's a not terrible option from Lenovo for $250 from the 'zon:
> https://a.co/d/am8aVRV
>
> All that said, most of the world runs just fine on 20-30 Mbps.
>
>   --Miq
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jan 2, 2025 at 10:34 AM john niolon <jniolon at att.net> wrote:
>
>> I'm trying to get better internet connectivity in my detached
>> garage/shop.  First tried hardwired cat-5 but it was right at the limit for
>> distance and slow and intermittent.  Next went with power line adapters and
>> while they were consistent in connection...speed was still slower than I
>> wanted...
>>
>> This Christmas my s-I-l gave me a Orbi mesh system and we installed it
>> with no problem putting one satellite box IN the garage and the master box
>> sitting on top of my fiber modem hard wired to the modem.
>>
>> I have 300mb fiber from ATT and the speed is great (350-375 MB) to
>> hardwired pc and around 140 mb on ipad in the house or in the garage.
>> I have an older laptop I use in the shop (Toshiba Satellite L875D-st210)
>> which is my primary shop machine.  Best speed I can get is 30-40 mb.
>> while the tablet sitting next to it is 140 mb+.
>>
>> I'm wondering if the old laptop has a wireless card that is old and
>> slower?  Everything I knew about computers is old and obsolete after 20
>> years out of the business.  Can someone with current knowledge tell me if
>> the problem is with an antiquated card in the laptop and is there a way to
>> get better wireless speed on the laptop?  or is that just the nature of
>> wireless nowadays? BTW the laptop is running windows 7 with no options to
>> run win 10.
>>
>>
>> thanks
>> John
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>
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