Wireless connection says "Excellent connection, 5 Mps" but a speed test says it's only 250kps. WTF?

Question

Wireless connection says "Excellent connection, 5 Mps" but a speed test says it's only 250kps. WTF?

Answer 1

The 5mbps is the maximum possible over the connection you have between the router and your PC. It is actually a message from your wireless adapter's driver. This has nothing to do with the actual speed attainable through your Internet connection.

First of all, check what your Internet connection speed is supposed to be. The use two or three different speed tests to come up with an average connection speed. Google for Internet Speed Test to find about a thousand sites that do this for you.

Finally, once you get your speed result, compare it to the speed your subscription is supposed to have. Phone your ISP to complain if it's too slow.