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Slow WiFi speed on iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) compared to iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (3rd generation)

Why is my iMac internet speed so slow using same network, in same location, at the same time as iPad Pro? On iMac, download speed clocked 24.6 Mbps, while the iPad Pro, at same location, at the same time, on same network was 238 Mbps. Even my iPhone XR got speed of 87 Mbps, at the same location. How can I increase the download speed on iMac?

Posted on Aug 14, 2020 7:43 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 20, 2020 4:35 AM

UPDATE: Yesterday, Xfinity brought out to the house their latest gateway, the xFi Gateway 3rd Generation, XB7 to replace my older gateway combination modem/router xFi Wireless Gateway, XB3 (https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/broadband-gateways-userguides). The XB7 is now giving me 368 Mbps download speed on my iMac (same location as before and without the use of any wifi extender), and upload speed of 37.4 Mbps. Again, my XB7 is located on the main floor of the house, and the iMac is located in the basement office. What a difference. There was an additional increase in my monthly Xfinity bill of approximately $10 per month (under a new 2-year agreement contract), but for me, totally worth the additional cost. Have verified the speeds throughout our approximate 2500 sq ft home in every room as well as back screened porch. For anyone contemplating a similar move up to the latest XB7 from the 6 year older XB3: take the plunge and never look back. Smiley Face!

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 20, 2020 4:35 AM in response to philfrommarietta

UPDATE: Yesterday, Xfinity brought out to the house their latest gateway, the xFi Gateway 3rd Generation, XB7 to replace my older gateway combination modem/router xFi Wireless Gateway, XB3 (https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/broadband-gateways-userguides). The XB7 is now giving me 368 Mbps download speed on my iMac (same location as before and without the use of any wifi extender), and upload speed of 37.4 Mbps. Again, my XB7 is located on the main floor of the house, and the iMac is located in the basement office. What a difference. There was an additional increase in my monthly Xfinity bill of approximately $10 per month (under a new 2-year agreement contract), but for me, totally worth the additional cost. Have verified the speeds throughout our approximate 2500 sq ft home in every room as well as back screened porch. For anyone contemplating a similar move up to the latest XB7 from the 6 year older XB3: take the plunge and never look back. Smiley Face!

Aug 14, 2020 7:59 AM in response to philfrommarietta

Start with this...


Make a New Location, Using network locations in Mac OS X ...


http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2712


System Preferences>Network, top of window>Locations>Edit Locations, little plus icon, give it a name.


System Preferences>Network, click on the little gear at the bottom next to the + & - icons, (unlock lock first if locked), choose Set Service Order.


The interface that connects to the Internet should be dragged to the top of the list.


Sys Prefs>Network>highlight the Interface you're using>Advanced>TCP/IP>Configure IPv4: Using DHCP.


If using Wifi, instead of joining your Network from the list, click the WiFi icon at the top, and click join other network. Fill in everything as needed.


System Preferences>Network>choose interface>Advanced>Proxies Tab, make sure none are set, like for HTTP & HTTPS.


System Preferences>Network, unlock the lock if need be, highlight the Interface you use to connect to Internet, click on the advanced button, click on the DNS tab, click on the little plus icon, then add these numbers...


8.8.8.8

8.8.4.4

1.1.1.1

9.9.9.9


Apply.


What Channel is the Mac Using 2.4GHz or 5GHz Range?

Aug 14, 2020 8:22 AM in response to philfrommarietta

Tried that. Unfortunately, not helpful. Ran speed test again on iMac and it was 8 Mbps. Network is using 5GHz. Don't think it's the network. My iPad Pro, using same network is lightning fast, sitting on the same desktop as my iMac. Have a feeling it's either in the settings, or the simply that whatever devise in the iMac that enables wifi speeds is woefully inadequate. Still looking for solutions if anyone can help.


Thanks!

Aug 14, 2020 9:01 AM in response to philfrommarietta

Some wi fi networks, like Comcast's, have the ability to sign in to their modem/router at either a faster speed or a slower speed. Apparently this is due to some peripherals being able to only accept the slower speed. (I have experienced this, myself.) Access to each speed is via a different name and each has its own password. You might check on this possibility.

Slow WiFi speed on iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) compared to iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (3rd generation)

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