Check Your Internet Speed
The first step when troubleshooting a slow wireless connection is to check your internet speed. There are a few ways to do this:
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Run a speed test on a site like Speedtest to measure your download and upload speeds. This will tell you if your overall internet connection is slow or if it’s just the wireless.
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Test speeds over an ethernet cable connected directly to your modem/router vs your WiFi speeds. This isolates the issue to your wireless network if wired speeds are significantly faster.
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Run speed tests at different times of day or locations in your home. Compare results to see if speeds vary based on time or location. Congestion during peak usage hours can slow things down.
Ideally, you should be getting speeds close to what you pay for from your ISP when testing over ethernet. If WiFi speeds are much slower, that points to a wireless problem.
Check Your Wireless Signal Strength
Weak wireless signals can drastically slow down your network. Some things to check:
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Use a WiFi analyzer app to survey wireless signal strength in different areas of your home. Look for dead zones or weak signal areas.
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Make sure your router’s antennas are securely attached and properly positioned. Antennas are removable on some routers.
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If using a laptop, ensure your wireless antenna is enabled and try moving it closer to the router. Built-in antennas have limited range.
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Consider switching wireless channels on your router to reduce interference from neighboring WiFi networks. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are commonly recommended.
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Try moving your router to a centralized location to maximize coverage area. Keep it elevated in an open area, not hidden in a cabinet.
The closer you are to your router and the stronger the signal, the faster and more reliable your wireless connection will be.
Check for Interference
There are many common sources of wireless interference to be aware of:
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Nearby routers – Neighboring WiFi networks on the same channel can interfere with each other. Try changing channels.
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Bluetooth devices – Bluetooth operates in the same radio frequency band as WiFi. Turn Bluetooth off when not needed.
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Baby monitors, cameras, etc – Video streaming devices can congest WiFi networks. Use wired connections if possible.
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Cordless phones – Older 2.4 GHz cordless phones and headsets can interfere. Switch to 5 GHz WiFi or get rid of cordless landlines.
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Microwaves – Yes, they can actually interfere with 2.4 GHz WiFi! Don’t use the microwave when you need optimal WiFi.
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Metal objects, foil insulation – Try to keep your router and computer away from large metal objects, mirrors, filing cabinets, etc.
Your wireless environment matters. Identify and eliminate sources of interference for better WiFi performance.
Update Your Router Firmware
Outdated router firmware can potentially cause performance issues, bugs, and security vulnerabilities. Regularly updating to the latest firmware version keeps things running optimally:
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Log into your router’s admin interface and check the current firmware version.
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Visit your router manufacturer’s website and look for the most up-to-date firmware. Release notes often identify bug fixes and improvements.
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Download the firmware file and update your router following the instructions. Some routers have automatic update features as well.
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Restart your router and devices after updating. Check if speeds improve.
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Consider upgrading to a newer router model if yours is over 5 years old. Newer standards like WiFi 6 deliver better performance.
Keeping router firmware updated takes just a few minutes and can potentially solve wireless slowdowns while improving security and reliability.
Switch to 5 GHz WiFi
If your wireless router is dual-band, switching from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz WiFi can help with interference issues and slowdowns.
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5 GHz provides faster top speeds, less interference, and more available wireless channels. But it has shorter range than 2.4 GHz.
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Ensure your wireless devices support 5 GHz WiFi. All modern phones, laptops, and tablets should. 5 GHz support started becoming common around 2013.
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If router and devices support it, switch your wireless network and devices to the 5 GHz band. Give your 5 GHz network a distinct SSID (network name).
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Stay closer to your router on 5 GHz due to the shorter range. Again, less interference means faster speeds.
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Set both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks if you have a mix of older and newer devices. Automatic band steering can help capable devices use 5 GHz.
Leveraging 5 GHz WiFi eliminates interference from legacy 2.4 GHz devices, allowing for faster wireless performance. Just note the shorter range and device compatibility requirements.
Switch to Ethernet for Stationary Devices
For reliable high speed connections, especially for stationary devices like desktop PCs, smart TVs and game consoles, use ethernet cables instead of WiFi when possible:
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Ethernet offers speeds matching your internet plan’s full bandwidth with low, consistent latency. No wireless variability.
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Run ethernet cables from your router’s LAN ports to any nearby devices. Hide cables under carpet edges, along baseboards, etc.
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There are options like powerline adapters or MoCA that allow ethernet over home electrical or coaxial cabling if you can’t run cables through walls.
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For neater setups, install ethernet jacks in your walls connected to a network switch to provide permanent ports in rooms.
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Prioritize stationary high-bandwidth devices like gaming PCs and 4K streaming devices to be wired first.
Offloading high-demand wired devices improves wireless performance for your mobile devices. Reducing WiFi congestion and maximizing throughput.
Upgrade to a Wireless Mesh System
If your home has dead zones or inconsistent coverage that can’t be improved with router placement adjustments, consider upgrading to a mesh wireless system:
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Mesh systems use multiple access points throughout your home to provide seamless extended coverage. No more dead zones.
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Mesh routers automatically work together to provide one unified network. Devices automatically transition between access points as you move around.
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Models like eero, Orbi, Google WiFi, and others make setup painless. Just replace your existing router and add satellites.
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Mesh systems often have modern features like easy guest networking, parental controls, and IoT device management.
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Performance improves dramatically over a basic single router setup, though still consider wiring stationary devices.
Mesh systems come at a cost but deliver excellent wireless coverage and performance for both small homes and large multi-story houses alike.
Contact Your ISP if Issues Persist
For ongoing wireless performance problems, especially if your internet continually tests slow, contact your internet service provider:
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There could be an issue with your broadband connection limiting speeds for your entire home. Let them investigate and confirm your plan’s speeds.
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If you’re not getting your advertised speeds consistently via ethernet, request a technician visit to inspect your lines and equipment.
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Ask if your modem and router are approved for your speed tier or if an equipment upgrade is needed. Renting a newer gateway improves WiFi.
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For cable internet, signal issues on your node from the street can lower speeds. Amplifiers may be added to boost your connection.
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DSL customers may need a line filter added if speeds are inconsistent throughout the day. Or service may need bonding.
Your ISP wants you to have solid service and speeds. Let them troubleshoot problems so slow wireless isn’t mistakenly blamed on your home network.
Summary
There are many potential factors that can slow down your home’s wireless connection. Methodically checking your internet speeds, WiFi signal coverage, interference sources, router firmware and settings, band and channels, and wired device usage helps identify and remedy the culprits. Upgrading to advanced mesh systems or contacting your ISP provides additional fixes for stubborn wireless issues. Consistently optimizing your WiFi environment results in much faster wireless connectivity.
