Why does not reach more than 100 Mbps in Windows
It is relatively common to have contracted fiber optics of several hundred Mbps, for example 500 symmetric Mbps, and when doing a speed test in Windows to see that we maximum 100 Mbps arrive. We have the PC connected by network cable, so it is not a coverage problem, but even so we see that there is a problem. The truth is that there may be different reasons, as you will see.
You are using an old cable
One of the frequent reasons is when you use a old ethernet network cable. Keep in mind that only from CAT 5e (CAT 6, CAT 7…) you will be able to receive up to 1 Gbps symmetric. If you are using any older cable that you had at home before purchasing fiber optics, it is most likely CAT 5 or lower. That means you’re going to be limited to Fast Ethernet, which is 100 Mbps at the most.
Therefore, the first thing you should do if you are not getting the maximum cable Internet speed to Windows is to check your cable. Make sure you have a current one, with Gigabit capability.
Configuration problem in Windows
It may also happen that there is a fault in the windows settings. That will mean that it does not reach you beyond 100 Mbps. The system could detect that you do not have a Gigabit Ethernet card and you will not be able to reach the maximum fiber optic speed that you have contracted.
What you should do in this case is go to Start, enter Settings, Network and Internet, Advanced network settings and click on More network adapter options. There you will arrive at a new window where you have to select the Ethernet adapter, enter Properties, Clients for Microsoft networks and click Configure. You have to select Advanced Options, Speed&Duplex and select 1.0 Gigabit Full Duplex.
You use a limited network card
One more reason is to use a limited network card. Perhaps the same one that comes on the computer’s motherboard or even an external one that you have bought if your PC did not come with it. It may happen that this Ethernet adapter is Fast Ethernet, so it will be limited to 100 Mbps and you will not be able to have a higher speed.
In this case, what you should do is check what network card you have and check if it is Gigabit Ethernet or not. If it is not, what you can do is buy one that is. You don’t need to disassemble the laptop, or open the desktop computer; what you should do is buy a USB Gigabit network adapter.
However, before buying anything it is important that you make sure that the network card drivers are up to date. That will allow you to have the latest versions and correct problems.
There is something wrong with the router
Finally, another cause is that there is some router failure. If you don’t get more than 100 Mbps on a Windows computer, you should also rule out problems with the router. Sometimes it can have a problem with the cable connector, something that can happen if you yank and break a pin.
To rule out problems with the router, what you can do is change the cable to another Ethernet port and also connect it to another computer to see if it receives more than 100 Mbps. That will help you avoid problems.
Therefore, as you can see, you may not receive more than 100 Mbps on your Windows computer. There are different reasons why this can happen. You should always check what can happen to try to solve the problem as soon as possible.
