The "/rate" command has to do with how fast your system sends packets across the network during play. Com_maxfps determines how many times in one second to update your screen. It won't affect gameplay speed, but it does affect how smooth things draw. Com_maxfps does have some effect on your network speed, as the higher a framerate you run at, the more often your system will send commands to the server. com_maxfps and rate both have some effect.
Wireless, eh? That's probably the issue right there. If you could, try hardlining to a network sometime and see if that helps get rid of it. You could be picking up interference, so you might try tinkering with the wireless settings. It's possible the router is flakey too.
|