Why Wi-Fi is slow, how to improve the wireless Internet signal, how to update the router firmware and where is the best place to place it
Nowadays, not only computers and laptops are connected to the network, but also many “smart” devices, so a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause a lot of inconvenience. In this article, you will learn about the reasons for low wireless Internet speeds and how to improve the quality of your connection.
Why is Wi-Fi slow?
Before you begin to improve your Wi-Fi signal, you should understand the reasons for its unstable or poor performance.
The router is not positioned correctly
If there are always weak signals in some places in your home or apartment, the router may be too far away from them. In this case, try to position it so that the coverage is as effective as possible, taking into account the geometry of the space. Please note that any overlap reduces the Wi-Fi coverage radius.
The device does not receive a signal well
The problem may not be with the Wi-Fi signal, but with the receiving device. Each gadget has its own network characteristics. If the device is old or something is damaged, it will not receive wireless Internet better, even if the signal is strengthened.
Too many devices connected to Wi-Fi
Each router supports a limited number of simultaneously connected devices. If there are too many of them, the load increases and the network speed decreases.
Background downloads, online games and streaming services
Internet speed may drop if you or one of your family members have set a large file to download from the Internet or have launched a torrent client. If possible, pause or cancel your download to improve your Wi-Fi speed.
Also, the cause of slow wireless Internet can be running online games and streaming services like Okko, Netflix and others.
Overloaded channel and interference
Wi-Fi can operate at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (modern advanced standards like Wi-Fi 6E operate at a higher frequency, but they are still far from the mass popularity of the previous two standards). If too many devices transmit on the same frequency, it can cause interference, causing your wireless internet speed to slow down.
Also, Bluetooth devices operate at frequencies close to 2.4 GHz, and a running microwave emits waves at 2.45 GHz. All this can also degrade the quality of wireless Internet.
How to improve your Wi-Fi signal
Now you know the reasons why Wi-Fi may be slow, it’s time to find out how to solve this problem.
Update your router firmware
The router firmware also requires updating. This can improve stability, add new features (for example, support for repeater mode) and improve security (fixing bugs and vulnerabilities).
If your router does not support automatic updating, you can do it manually. Different devices have their own features and interface, but in general the actions are the same, plus or minus.
Move the router to a different location
The router’s signal range is limited. If you want to maximize coverage, it is most logical to place it in the center of the house or apartment, while placing it in an open space, without covering it with any objects.
Use amplifiers
To increase signal coverage in a large house or apartment, you will most likely need to use repeaters or a mesh system.
- The repeater (repeater) picks up the signal from the main router and creates a network around itself with the same name. Unfortunately, when using the device there is an additional delay, so it is not suitable for active online games (online shooters, fighting games, real-time strategies, etc.).
- A mesh system is a set of several modules (from 2–3 to dozens) that allows you to create a single Wi-Fi network. What is noteworthy is that the ping in it will not increase. Please note that not all routers support mesh technology.
In addition, some routers may have a special turbo mode, which is activated by a separate button.
Turn off the freeloaders
If you have an open network or use a standard or too simple password, it is possible that cunning neighbors have connected to your router. In this case, it is not surprising that the Internet speed has become slower.
Go to the router settings through a browser (how to do this is written above in the section “Update the router firmware”). Administrative panels differ depending on the manufacturer, and the sections you need may be named differently:
- TP-Link – “Wireless network” and “Wireless statistics” or “Advanced settings”, “Wireless mode” and “Statistics”;
- D-Link – “Advanced settings”, “Network statistics” or “Wi-Fi” and “List of WiFi clients”;
- Zyxel Keenetic – “List of devices” or “Home network”;
- ASUS – “Customers” and “Customer Status”.
Disconnect the suspicious connection. This can be done in the same section where the list of connected devices is displayed.
Change your Wi-Fi password and select WPA2 encryption. Then make sure WPS is disabled in your network settings. Additionally, you can block someone else’s device by MAC address.
If the router admin option seems complicated to you, you can use third-party software, for example, Wireless Network Watcher. The program does not require installation – just download, extract from the archive and run. Also, you do not need to enter your router login and password. In the utility window you will see the number of currently connected devices. If there are more of them than there should actually be, it means that a freeloader has connected to you.
Unfortunately, Wireless Network Watcher shows only those devices that are currently connected to the network. For example, if you are doing a check during the day, your neighbor may not be home, so just running the program is not enough. Also keep in mind that using it you can only detect an extra “connector”, but not block him.
Change the frequency range
Most devices operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. The first option has a larger coverage area and overcomes obstacles better. The second one is faster, but the signal radius is smaller. Modern routers can support both standards (check the instructions for your device).
If your router supports both frequencies, you most likely already have two networks by default. The one with 5G in the name refers to 5 GHz. If you want to increase your internet speed, select it. But keep in mind that if you have a large apartment or house, the signal may not reach distant rooms. It is also important that the device receiving the signal supports the 5 GHz standard.
Change Wi-Fi channel
Each frequency band has a number of channels that can be used for Wi-Fi networks. For example, in Russia there are 13 of them at 2.4 GHz (in the USA – 11). If several networks connect to the same channel, this can lead to low Internet speeds and even connection interruptions.
Usually the router selects the channel automatically, connecting to the free or least loaded one. If you notice that Wi-Fi is working worse or crashing, it is possible that many neighboring routers are connected to your channel. In this case, it is enough to reboot your own router – with a high probability it will find a freer channel.
If this does not help, try setting a static channel in the router settings. Which? A free program can give you the answer. WifiInfoView. The utility does not require installation. Focusing on the Channel column, select a free or least loaded channel and set it in the router settings.
Please note that if you have devices imported from America or manufactured for the American market, they may not see channels 12 and 13. Keep this in mind when setting a static channel.
Buy a new router
If you have installed new firmware, positioned the router correctly, disabled all neighbors, but this does not help, perhaps your router is already old and cannot cope with the current load. In this case, you should think about buying a new model with the best and most suitable characteristics for you.
FAQ
How is a router different from a router?
A router is often understood as a device for working in wired networks, and a router for wireless networks. Although, in essence, this is the same device, and the words are synonyms. Router is an Anglicism from router (route – path or route). Router is a more Russian-language name for a router. It is interesting that the word “route” comes from the German marschroute, which, in turn, is formed from two French words – marche (move) and route (road).
Where is it better to place the router – below or above?
To ensure maximum coverage area, it is recommended to install the router higher. For example, on a cabinet or fix it on a wall higher than human height. This way there should be fewer obstacles in the signal path. The router should not be placed in a corner or in an opening between a wall and large furniture, or placed on the floor.
Is Wi-Fi dangerous for the body? Can a router cause cancer?
Radiations hazardous to health include ionizing radiation (gamma radiation, X-rays) – they can damage cells and DNA. Radiations from household appliances belong to the non-ionizing class. Their energies are too low to knock electrons out of the orbits of atoms and affect the structure of body tissues. To date, there is no clear evidence that radiation from routers and other home appliances causes diseases in humans, including cancer.
2024-02-12 16:45:00
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