Table of Contents Show
Slow internet speed may not necessarily imply that your tariff plan is inadequate. It could be a result of channel congestion or router performance issues. The following are ways to evaluate your internet speed and enhance it.
Step 1 – Measure internet speed
To determine your internet speed, you can use specialized websites like Speedtest or 2ip. These sites reveal incoming and outgoing speeds, as well as server delay. While there isn’t a substantial disparity between services, it’s best to examine them concurrently. If your incoming speed is considerably lower than the speed specified by your provider, proceed to the subsequent steps.
Step 2 – Check internet channel congestion
It is possible that your WiFi network is linked to a congested channel, which occurs when routers in neighboring apartments operate on the same frequencies. This can result in slower internet speeds due to interference. Though routers usually automatically connect to the least loaded channels, it’s advisable to check for yourself and locate the freest one. Applications for analyzing Wi-Fi networks enable you to view the channel load.
On Google Play, there is a free utility called WiFi Analyzer, and its equivalents can be found on Android. Once you open the program, navigate to the “Data Rating” tab and identify channels with the most stars, indicating they are the least busy. WiFi Analyzer is also available on Windows 8, 10, and 11, and on this platform, you can find the free channel in the “Analysis” tab.
For macOS, you can inspect channels directly within the operating system. Locate the “Wireless Diagnostics” program in your search and select “Scan” in the “Window” line located in the top left corner. The system will automatically recommend the best channels in the network. However, there aren’t any similar applications for iOS, so it’s preferable to use Android and Windows services.
Once you’ve identified the appropriate channel for you, access your router settings – guidelines on how to change the channel for your model are available on search engines. Choose the suggested channel from the frequency list, and after connecting to a free channel, your internet speed will improve.
Step 3 – Redistribute the WiFi network into several parts
At times, routers consolidate the frequencies of both 2.4 and 5 GHz into a single network instead of keeping them separate. The 2.4 GHz frequency has a greater range and can penetrate through walls, but it is slower compared to the 5 GHz frequency which is faster but has a shorter range.
Although devices switch unnoticed between the frequencies in combined mode, there are issues. For instance, a TV may connect to a poorly functioning 5 GHz network from a distance, while a phone that doesn’t require a powerful 5 GHz may connect to 2.4 GHz.
Separating the frequencies will ease the network and provide more speed to the devices that require it. You can achieve this by connecting speed-undemanding devices to 2.4 GHz and demanding ones to 5 GHz, preferably closer to the router.
Each router has its unique frequency distribution settings. For example, on my Huawei WiFi AX3 router, you can do this by accessing the address 192.168.3.1 on your browser, navigating to the “My Wi-Fi network” tab, disabling the “Priority 5 GHz” option, and configuring the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies separately.
Step 4 – Disconnect unnecessary devices from the network.
There may be instances where some of the devices connected to your Wi-Fi network are no longer necessary. In such cases, consider disconnecting them to lighten the network’s load. You can view a list of connected devices in your router settings and disconnect them as required. Alternatively, you can disconnect all devices at once and then reconnect only the necessary ones.
Additionally, it’s crucial to check if there are any unauthorized devices connected to your Wi-Fi network. It’s possible that your neighbors may be using your network without your knowledge. To address this, you can manually disconnect unfamiliar devices from the router settings. It’s also advisable to set a complex password to prevent unauthorized access to your network.
Step 5 – Change the location of the router
The recommendation to relocate the router is particularly relevant for large apartments or private houses, as it is unlikely to face interference issues in smaller living spaces. If feasible, consider moving the router closer to the devices that require a stronger signal. The signal strength can be affected by factors such as wall thickness and quantity, with mirrors and iron doors reflecting it. The most reliable signal passes through open doorways.
The best location for a router is a room that provides access to all other rooms, such as a hallway or corridor. You can place it on a cabinet or hang it on a wall. Alternatively, if you only use Wi-Fi in a specific room, it’s ideal to place the router there if possible.
Avoid placing the router near mirrors, wall niches, or high up on the ceiling, as the signal will reflect, resulting in poor internet performance. Similarly, do not position the router close to electronic devices like a fridge or computer, which can interfere with radio signals and weaken the signal strength. It’s advisable to position the router’s antennas vertically to achieve a more comprehensive coverage.
What else can be done
Buy a signal booster for the router. If moving the router is not possible and the network is still weak, you can buy a special amplifier. It connects to any outlet and delivers the router signal to hard-to-reach areas.
You can buy an amplifier from any retailer.
Connect an Ethernet cable from the router to the devices. Wired connections are more stable and faster than wireless ones. You can try connecting an Ethernet cable from the router to a computer, game console, or any other device with a special port. This will definitely increase the internet speed.
Change the router. Older router models may not be able to handle network loads and signals as well. Newer models also have a 6 GHz standard – devices with 6 GHz support have significantly higher internet speeds. These include iPhones starting from the 11th model, PlayStation 5, and Samsung TVs released in 2021 or later.
Responses