Wi-Fi Pod Speed Tests

[Aptic]

Up until recently I was getting between 300-600 mbps on my POD and Hub over wifi. (I don't have wired connections) However, I am at best getting around 150-200 mbps on my POD now (no change with the Hub, and there was no change to my set up).  I rebooted everything to see if it would make a difference, but it remains the same.    This has been going on for about a week, and measured at different times throughout the day.

When I run the Bell wifi checkup, it is showing a download speed of 1.8 gbps on the hub, and 1.5 gbps on the POD - with a strong signal to all my devices.  That said, I see no difference in the performance of any of my devices. I also note that the Bell wifi app is showing my devices are getting 2-3x the speed that I see when I run Speedtest or Fast. 

I am curious as to why the POD speed connectivitiy has dropped in half, and why Bell keeps sending me promotions to upgrade my speed, when I can't even come close to getting the speed I pay for now. 

[GS_5]

Hello everyone!
Results of using my pod since last week.
The 6E pod received firmware version: 4.2.0-155-g1af418-prod-ig. The gigahub is at 3.2.4.0-110-gcfa787.
Since updating the pod's firmware, I have observed the following:

The pod's connection is stable at 6 GHz on channel 37.
Network optimization is performed every 22 to 26 hours. No communication lost was observed during network optimization.
The measurements were taken with "Speedtest" running on Windows 11 24H2 with 2.5G Ethernet connectivity connected to an 8-port 2.5G switch. The switch is also connected to the 2.5G port (left port when electrically connected) of the 6E pod.
Download speeds are stable at around 200 Mbps and upload speeds are stable at around 1040 Mbps. My Bell plan is 1500/940 Mbps.
Since the pod update, there has been an improvement in terms of connection stability, download speeds (far from optimal), and upload speeds.

So, the download speed still needs to be adjusted to reach arround 1200 Mbps in my case.
I also tested a compatible 6E network repeater from another manufacturer, and the download results vary between 1100 and 1200 Mbps and the upload speeds around 1070 Mbps. These results are the targets to be achieved with the Bell pod.
The only problem that persists in my case is related to the slow download speed (200 Mbps max) with the Bell/Plume 6E pod.
Looking forward to a final solution soon!

[rascar]

I've never any other issue than download speed. Upload speed has always been high for me. I've started to loose hope on any update, and Bell is being radio silent on this.

[Ozie]

Original pod. Still stuck at 200/200

[LearningToKnow]

Is this still a live issue? @BellDRock  indicated on March 17 that Bell had been able to replicate the issue. Or has it been "written off" in anticipation of the release of Wifi 7 hardware? I realize that we've been told there would be an update when there was news to report, but over three months of silence seems excessive.

[Vanadiel]

All I can say is that this thread is closely being monitored, and when an update is available it will be posted.

[Phix]

I was thinking about getting one or two pods and began to read this thread yesterday. All 18 pages of it. 

First all, thank you for all the paying customers that escalated this and asked for an answer. Unfortunately, Bell only answered with canned messages. No ETA, no beta firmware that could be deployed to selected testers and just complete silence.

As a matter of fact, pods are still available to rent. They should be temporarily removed if Bell acknowledged that they are defectives.

[herca]

Yes, I waited for a fix but to no avail. I have returned my Pod and got my own Deco Mesh WiFi 6E system and not going to lie it's leagues better. My internet hasn't been this good compared to pod and modem only. 

[dks]

Thanks for the update. Glad you found a solution that worked for you. 

[Aptic]

I think the point is by not addressing this issue in a timely manner, Bell is upsetting its customers and losing revenue as people find alternative means.  

[dks]

With respect, as consumers we all have choices. We make those choices. I always appreciate hearing what solutions people find. 

[Aptic]

We certainly do.  I used to have 4 services with Bell, now I have one.  

[Havoc]

So I just switched from Cogeco to Bell yesterday, I frequently hop between the two ISPs depending on available promotions and pricing. I did a self install with two Wi-Fi pods and was expecting similar performance to what I usually get with bell which is around 400-600 Mbps, sometimes even 700+. Come to find out I'm getting around 200 Mbps up/down with the exact same configurations and pod placements I've had in the past. Had I known beforehand this was a known issue I would not have switched to Bell as pods are a crucial part for our house since hardwiring is not an option. Seems like the only "solution" at this point is to buy a Wi-Fi mesh system which should pay itself off eventually. If I can cancel my service without any fees and go back to Cogeco that might be an option for me as well. I will be following this thread and hopefully Bell comes out with a fix soon! 

[dks]

Are you seeing any practical effects of the current pod connection speed? 

[Retiredandbored]

@Havoc. as you indicate that you just switched yesterday, you are still in the CRTC mandated trial period to end without fees. 15 days I believe, depends upon your contract, but can't be less than 15 days.  If you have a self designated disability it is 30 days, but you need to declare in the beginning I believe. I am registered with disability with accessability centre so I haven't had to self declare. So if you are going to try a mesh system, suggest getting a fast pick up locally or delivery by chosen method to test things and still be able to cancel inside the window. 

Let us know how it goes. 

Bruce 

Let us know your solution. 

[Havoc]

The reason people purchase pods is because they do not have a way of running ethernet wires in their house, especially if renting. These pods used to provide acceptable performance over Wi-Fi vs hardwiring. If they are no longer doing that than yes, their entire function is a practical effect. I only recently switched so I haven't done enough testing yet but this is not the performance I am used to or expect from Bell.