Intel-based Macs: Slow network connections (#3); Changing wireless security settings; more
Intel-based Macs: Slow network connections (#3); Changing wireless security settings; more
We continue to report on inordinately slow network operation exhibited by some Intel-based Macs.
We first reported on very slow connection and volume mounting times for Intel-based macs connecting to Xserves over AFP (Apple filesharing protocol), and later indicated significant slowdown when attempting to connect Intel-based Macs to networked PowerPC-based Macs, especially when said PowerPC-based Macs are running any iteration of Mac OS X 10.3.x (Panther).
Coverage has now been broken down into a few key areas of disappointing network performance.
Internet slow-down MacFixIt reader David Padfield is one of the few readers to report slow-down when pushing files to remote UNIX servers via FTP and WebDAV.
He writes:
"Uploading files to my Web site (at Interland) in now glacially SLOW> I use GoLive CS2 on my Intel-based 20" inch iMac.
"I have a Cable modem, but downloading files from Apple's iDisk makes it seems like I have a slow dial-up connection. I even sent a letter to Apple complaining about the download speeds, but they assured me it was my problem. Funny, it is only my problem on my new iMac, not on my old G4."
Ethernet lapses A more widespread issue appears to be drops in all network activity regardless of the function being carried out.
MacFixIt reader Don Thompson writes:
"When I use a wired connection with my Intel iMac the connection frequently drops and I have no activity. Oddly enough, if I hit refresh enough times in my browser the connection will re-establish itself. I've tried switching down to 100Mbps and 10Mbps, full- and half-duplex but the connection keeps dropping. If I plug my PowerBook into the same connection there is no problem. Also, if I switch to Airport on the iMac, there are no problems."
One MacFixIt reader monitored the packet loss exhibited by Intel-based Macs connected to Cisco routers with some interesting results.
"We have found exactly the same behavior in our network. Over wireless, 100% packet transfer, normal network behavior. Hardwired 10/100 to both a 6513 and a 6509 series cisco switches...packet loss fluctuates between 100% and disconnect to 20% packet loss and dog slow file transfers. Typically the switch is left at auto/auto and we leave the workstation the same. We attempted to force 100 Full Duplex and both ends as well with no luck."
Filesharing problems/slowdown As previously reported, the biggest point of contention among network speed complaints for Intel-based Macs involves filesharing connections -- generally when attempting to link with PowerPC-based Macs.
MacFixIt reader Alejandro writes:
"I have a new iMac intel 17" and I have similar problems. When any of the network mounted disks disconnects by any reason, the finder gets blocked and no more tasks can be performed, so one is obliged to reboot the computer."
Wireless connections Meanwhile, some readers are reporting slow operation when using certain wireless security standards, but not others. It appears that the currently shipping Intel-based Macs have issues -- in some cases -- with WPA security. Switching to WEP or WPA-2 may resolve the issue.
One reader writes:
"With my Intel iMac (20" model), internet and network performance via wireless is pathetically slow and unreliable when using WPA security encryption on a router. Downloads slow to 56k modem speeds and connecting to network PowerPC Macs take an eternity and copies rarely complete. A number of users on Apple Discussion lists have reported the same issue.
"Disabling encryption has worked for me - speeds have returned to expected levels. There were reports (also on Apple's Discussion lists) that WEP may work as well as WPA-2 although I haven't tried other encryption techniques yet to confirm this."
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
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