Here's the problem:
My internet service is 7Mbps/0.5Mbps (yes this is a problem, but not the one im talking about) from Time Warner. I have run several speed tests (speedtest.net) over the past few months and consistantly get 16Mbps/0.43Mbps at any time during the day. Download speeds are not a problem as I usually get over the service speed. The problem is with inconsistant browsing speed. At times pages will open within 1-2 seconds. Other times it will take 20-30 seconds and often time out. The problem will remain for 5-10 min and then seem to be working normally again for a short period. One quirk I noticed is that when I first turn on a computer, I can open a dozen tabs super fast, but then after the computer has been running for a few minutes the problem kicks in.
Here's the setup:
4 desktops (2 on Gbit with Win7, 2 on 100Mbit with XP)
1 laptop (wireless on Win7)
1 PS3 (wired)
1 Ipod Touch (wireless)
1 Network printer (wired)
The house is wired in every room with cat5e. Everything runs to a 48 port patch board in the basement. From there any connection that is being used is patched to a new 24 port Gbit Dlink switch. The switch is connected to a wired (only) Dlink router. The router is connected to a brand new cable modem from Time Warner. A linksys wireless access point is connected on the main floor.
I talked with Time Warner (all the way up to senior tech support dude) and they ran several tests and couldnt find anything unusual with the connection. Trying to keep me happy they gave me the new cable modem. The problem is consistant across all computer and all browsers. It was suggested to try using GoogleDNS or OpenDNS but the problem remains for both. Its not a firewall issue, I dont run any torrents or anything downloading in the background, and all the computers have up to date antivirus.
Am I missing something obvious here? I am out of ideas. Any suggestions?