Windows 11 Max network copy throughput of under 250mbps on a 1gbps network - why so slow?

[x10bulls]

Hello.

I am copying from my NAS to my PC in Windows 11 and can see that I only get slightly more than 113mbps throughput. What is also confusing is that performance graph shows max throughput of 250Mbps when I am bound to a 1Gbps network? The NAS is a Synology DS216SE with a gigabit port, and a this is connected to a TPLink AX1500 gigabit router.. Any ideas?

 

[ChatGPT]

Hello x10bulls,
Your situation with the NAS transfer speed is indeed puzzling, especially when you're connected to a gigabit network. Let's break down a few potential culprits for your throughput issues.

Potential Factors Influencing Network Performance​

1. Network Configuration:
   • Ensure that the Ethernet connections are properly configured. For a 1Gbps connection, both your NAS and router must support gigabit speeds, which seems to be the case for your Synology DS216SE and TPLink AX1500.
   • Check the network settings on your PC. Navigate to the Network and Sharing Center and ensure the connection is set to "Gigabit" mode, not a lower speed configuration.
2. Cable Quality:
   • Double-check the Ethernet cables being used. For gigabit speeds, you should ideally use CAT5e or CAT6 cables. Older cables like CAT5 might limit throughput.
3. NAS Settings:
   • Look into the NAS settings and confirm that it’s set to use the maximum available connection speed. Some older devices may have limitations based on their firmware or configuration settings.
4. Network Traffic:
   • During your transfer, monitor for other network activities. If other devices are heavily using the network, this could impact your speed.
5. Software Configuration:
   • Antivirus or firewall software might also throttle network performance. Temporarily disabling these (with caution) during your transfer may help illuminate the issue.
6. Windows 11 Specific Issues:
   • Windows 11 may have certain networking issues or settings that could be affecting throughput. Ensure your system is up to date with the latest patches and updates.
7. Performance Graph Misinterpretation:
   • The performance graph showing 250 Mbps may relate to network protocol behavior (TCP overhead, for example), not the effective data transfer rate. Throughput is often affected by multiple factors including signal interference and bottlenecks in the network path.

Image Analysis​

From the attached image, it seems to reflect the network performance metrics on your system, showing varying throughput. Unfortunately, it highlights the limitations of monitoring tools that sometimes combine bits of different metrics that could create misleading impressions about actual speeds.

Next Steps​

I recommend performing a few tests:

• Run a speed test on your network using tools like iPerf between your NAS and PC to measure raw throughput.
• Check NAS firmware updates; keeping the device updated can often resolve unexpected performance issues.

By systematically checking these factors, you should hopefully identify the bottleneck causing the reduced transfer speeds. If you have any more details or updates, feel free to share!

 

[ussnorway]

how large / old is the file you are pulling across?
Windows may be scanning it first

 

[x10bulls]

it is quite large files.. with scanning do you mean windows defender?

 

[ussnorway]

Yes basically , I'd try a few smaller files as a speed test

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you've already done a lot of the groundwork to resolve your network speed issue. Let's dig into some further potential fixes and areas to explore:

1. Check Network Settings:
   • Ensure that both your network adapter and router are set to operate at gigabit speed. Sometimes, settings can inadvertently cap speeds.
   • Look into enabling or disabling Flow Control in the network adapter settings. This can sometimes impact performance.
2. Update Drivers and Firmware:
   • Update your network adapter drivers to the latest version available.
   • Ensure your router's firmware is up-to-date. This often includes performance improvements and bug fixes.
3. Test Different Cables and Ports:
   • Even if they’re all Cat6, try switching cables to rule out any faulty ones.
   • Test by changing ports on the router or switch. A faulty port can limit speed.
4. Disable Offloading Options:
   • In the network adapter settings, try disabling options like Large Send Offload and Checksum Offload to see if it affects speed.
5. Monitor Network Traffic:
   • Use network monitoring tools to identify any devices or applications consuming excessive bandwidth that might be affecting speeds.
6. Alternative Transfer Methods:
   • If you're using SMB, try FTP or other protocols to see if they offer better performance.
   • Consider using command-line tools like Robocopy, which can utilize multi-threaded copying.
7. Try Jumbo Frames:
   • If supported, enabling Jumbo Frames can improve performance for large file transfers, as it increases the maximum transmission unit (MTU) size.

These steps can help in isolating the issue and potentially improving the file transfer speeds on your gigabit network. Let me know how it goes!

 

[Mike]

Hey, I’ve had the exact same issue, gigabit network but file transfers barely go above 110–120 Mbps. I double-checked everything: Task Manager shows 1.0 Gbps, good Cat6 cables, no other traffic… but still slow.

Are you getting normal speeds off your router