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I am using windows xp sp2 with a 6mb download and a 388kbps upload dsl with a network with two cpu's going thrue a networklynksys hub. My main cpu when I look at Task Manager Network Utilization is only 0.5% and 0.75% at its best. How would I be able to utilize the 100mb that is there?

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— short answer: is right about the bottleneck, and Task Manager is only showing how busy the network interface is relative to its maximum link rate. That makes the numbers look very small when the internet link is far slower than the NIC. This is normal.

To actually use the full 100Mb/s capacity you must move traffic inside the LAN (machine-to-machine) and eliminate anything that forces the link into a slower mode. Practical steps:

  • Verify each PC reports a 100Mb/s, full‑duplex link in the adapter Status. If it shows 10 or half‑duplex, negotiation failed.
  • Replace the hub with a switch. Hubs are half‑duplex and cause collisions that lower throughput.
  • Use proper cabling (Cat5e/Cat6) and update NIC drivers.
  • Test by copying a large file between two local PCs or by running a LAN throughput tool; Task Manager is coarse and reports percent, not absolute Mb/s.

Troubleshooting notes: a duplex mismatch (one side forced to full, the other on auto) can give very low throughput even when link speed looks OK. Old hardware or poor cabling will also limit speeds. If the goal is faster internet, the LAN can’t exceed the ISP link speed — improving local transfer won’t change that. To push more internet traffic you need a faster uplink or techniques like parallel downloads, caching, or distributing work across machines.

Checklist: check adapter status, replace hub with a switch, confirm full‑duplex 100Mb/s on both ends, update drivers, then measure with a direct LAN transfer.

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Member Avatar for DimaYasny

just think about it - how do you expect to use 100Mbps speeds, when the internet pipe is 6Mbps?

Member Avatar for SillyBilly

"Real stupidity always beats Artificial Intelligence. (Terry Pratchett)"


"The only stupid question is the question that you do not ask." (Billy Pettit)

O.k. you got me on that one,,, but the making fun of we can do without, however I see your point and thanks for the lesson.

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

there was no fun making intended - you mistook my signature for the post, mate :)

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