Differing download speeds when compared to XP computers on the network
 

Hi Everyone

I am a seasoned Linux User ( 1995 ). but I am NOT a
network expert. I'll describe the bizarre behaviour that I have been experiencing
on our "home" network.

I am on a network of 15 users. The network provides us with broadband access
(6MB/s). The other users are using XP. I am connected to this network through
a linux gateway in my room. ( in other words I have 3 linux boxes in my room).

We are all connected to the main network with wireless cards.

I seem to only be able to download data from the internet at a measly 40-50Kb/s (
at its best ) Whereas Windows users are able to obtain at least double that. We tested it ( some one came into my room with their XP laptop ) and we both tried a speedtest.

I cant seem to come up with an explanation for the difference in network performance.
I know its not the network because I can download large files from windows shares
at approx 12MB/min.

this is my current setup. ( on the gateway machine )

Mandrake 10.0
Belkin FD7000 Wireless ( using ndiswrapper + Win drivers )

Repeaters : D-Link
ADSL Router : Netgear DG834G

Please help.

Anyone experienced similar problems.

I would like to know how what changes to make to improve internet connectivity

Thanks in advance

One thing that helped me with my wireless card was using a static ip instead of dhcp. Dhcp seemed to add a lot of overhead on the bandwith. This will only work if you get the same ip every time which I fould to be the case with my router.

I am using a static ip. Thats what I almost always do because I like to set up port forwarding on the router
for SSH access.

I would like to know why our speeds differ so much and how to optimise or speed my linux machine
and or routers/repeaters to improve this.

thanks