Are your videos stuttering and getting worse? If you think your old, slow Wi-Fi router is causing the problem, this tutorial will help. We can help you troubleshoot your Wi-Fi network, fix slow Wi-Fi connections, and show you how to improve the situation without breaking the bank.
Tip: If it is Your Mac is having a Wi-Fi issue, here are ways to fix it.
Reasons for slow Wi-Fi connection
Before you leave the house this weekend and insist that you're going to replace your router, understand that getting a new one may not always be the best solution. In some cases, it may not help at all.
Here are some other reasons besides your router that may be slowing down your internet speed:
- Number of devices connected to your router
- The distance between your device and the router
- Router age
- Your Internet Service Provider
We will walk you through all of these issues and suggest fixes for each one.
Can your Wi-Fi router handle multiple devices?
First, your WiFi router has a limit on the number of devices it can serve. You'll usually find this on the router's packaging. It states that they recommend connecting 10 or 30 devices at once. Some may only be able to handle two, though this is usually the case with really low-spec models.
While the theoretical maximum number of devices that can be connected is 254, your router may have as many as six devices.
There are two ways to solve this:
- Use a Wi-Fi repeater, which is like having a second Wi-Fi router, but it connects to your main Wi-Fi router for internet.
- Connect directly to the Ethernet port.
Be sure to remember that the number of devices connected to your router doesn't just include phones and laptops. This also includes your smart home devices, such as Smart cameras and smart screens.
How far is the Wi-Fi router from your device?
In addition to the number of devices, a Wi-Fi router has a limited range. As always, this depends on the device. However, if your router is located on the east side of your home and you're on the far west side, it's possible that your Wi-Fi signal may not reach you.
Walls and other obstacles between your device and router can also affect the quality of your Wi-Fi network.
Metal grilles, refrigerator doors, aluminum foil, and other metal obstructions can block radio frequency signals emitted by your phone and router.
The easiest way to fix this is to move your router to a central location in your home so it can be accessed from every corner. If this isn't possible, another option is to use a Wi-Fi repeater/extender to extend your router's range.
Or better yet, you can try adding an extension cable to your router's antenna so you can route it around obstacles and closer to your other devices.
Should you contact your Internet Service Provider?
Sometimes, the source of your slow Wi-Fi problem lies somewhere else—your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your internet speed can only go as fast as your ISP provides, and the only way to know if there's something wrong with them is to contact them.
To test if your ISP is responsible for slow Wi-Fi speeds, stand close to the router and By running a speed testIf your speed is slower than usual, and you're sure there's nothing wrong with your router, the problem is most likely coming from your ISP.
There are three things your ISP can answer for you:
- The maximum and average speed of the display you are using.
- Internet outage on their part.
- Other services they have that can help.
Of course, you risk talking to an agent who charges more for services if you're unlucky. But that's not always the case with every ISP out there.
Another thing they can help with is your Wi-Fi modem's firmware. If your Wi-Fi router and modem come with your internet plan, your internet service provider may also be responsible for updating their firmware. Newer firmware helps older devices keep up with the latest updates and provides you with a better Wi-Fi experience.
How old is your Wi-Fi router?
With 5G rolling out in more and more parts of the world Older router hardware may not be as fast as you'd like. If your router is already outdated, it may not be compatible with today's latest technology.
You may want to consider replacing your router if it still uses the 802.11b standard, as it's already outdated. Many consumer routers currently use 802.11n. 5G is optional for these devices, and it only improves when they support the newer 802.11ac standard.
Other reasons why your Wi-Fi might be slow
Here are other reasons why your Wi-Fi might be slowing down:
- Someone is consuming too much bandwidth.
- Wi-Fi hackers
- There are too many apps on your device consuming your internet bandwidth.
You will notice this by examining the telemetry data of your router and devices.
Installing a mesh screen like this can help you: NetData و Glasswire On your devices, it helps identify apps and programs that are consuming a lot of bandwidth. This can also tell you if you have a virus that's doing just that.
On the router side, you can see all the devices connected to it. If any of them seem to be from your device, you should block them and change your Wi-Fi password to something more secure.
Ultimately, your Wi-Fi router, like you, has its own physical limitations. To top it all off, you should also monitor your Wi-Fi usage and check your connections every now and then, even if you don't think they're slow. This helps you save bandwidth, reduce your internet bill, and keep an eye on the plastic-encased silicon chips powering the world one virtual call at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is the difference between a hub, a switch, and a router?
answer. A hub allows a single computer to send data to all other devices connected to it. However, it can't choose just one device to send it to—all traffic is sent to all connected devices. A switch can be used to send a message to just one computer because it can identify any computer using its MAC address. Finally, a router allows devices to connect to the internet. All three are typically used to create a larger internet network.
Q2: Why do some old houses have poor internet reception?
answer. Wi-Fi signals can be blocked or weakened by thick walls. Many older homes that have stood the test of time have thick walls made of thicker steel and lots of concrete. Because of this, Wi-Fi signals can sometimes have trouble passing through rooms in older homes and buildings.
Q3: Why do IP addresses start with 192.168?
answer. Although it may be common, IP addresses don't always begin with 192.168. The address 192.168 is reserved for private local networks, which might be your home or office network. This may be why you see these numbers so often. Other numbers are reserved for other purposes, such as 127 and 10.
