Experiencing a slow internet connection is probably the worst thing that we can feel. There can be a various reason besides the slow connection. Here we are going to summarizes the most common WiFi speed problem and how to fix them.
Router Positioning
The further away from your router you get, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal. Therefore, the best option is to place your router as close to your devices as possible. However, this is only practical if you have one main area where you tend to use your Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Otherwise, you should place your router near the center of your home. After all, Wi-Fi broadcasts in 360 degrees, so it doesn’t necessarily make sense to put it at one end of the house.
- The further the distance, the weaker the signal, and the slower the Wi-Fi speeds.
- The distance between your router/modem can negatively impact your devices performance. The farther your device is from the router the weaker the signal will become.
- Relocating your router/modem may help. If you try to relocate your router/modem closer to your devices, please use a Spark light provided jumper as other coaxial cables purchased from retail outlets are not shielded as well and could cause additional interference.
Interference from other Wi-Fi Routers
Nearly every household has its own Wi-Fi network, which can create channel overlap. This can cause issues in a townhouse, but is especially problematic in housing complexes and apartments with many routers nearby.
Channel overlap is mostly an issue for routers that can only broadcast at 2.4GHz, or if you have devices that can only receive a 2.4GHz wireless signal. This is because there are only 14 channels to transmit on. Two routers broadcasting on the same channel at the same frequency will interfere with each other.
- Densely populated areas such as apartment complexes, subdivisions and condos are subject to significantly more WiFi congestion.
- When you live in a congested area with people who are using the same WiFi as you, your signal is fighting with all the other signals for speed. Most router and modems come preprogramed to being on a specific channel and frequency. Check your router manual or the manufacturer’s website online and select a WiFi channel on your router that your neighbors aren’t on. Use only channels 1, 6 or 11 on the 2.4 GHz band – using any other channel will cause poor performance. Also make sure you are on your WiFi network and not your neighbors.
- Some of the more advance, newer routers and modems have the capability of switching to the 5GHz band which is less congested than the older and more crowded 2.4GHz band. If you are unsure if your modem is capable of this, check the routers specification.
Microwaves
It turns out that microwave ovens can cause interference with your Wi-Fi network, which is particularly common with older routers. This is because microwave ovens operate at a frequency of 2.45GHz, which is incredibly close to the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band.
The 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band actually broadcasts between 2.412GHz and 2.472GHz, so there are times when the microwave frequency can overlap with the Wi-Fi frequency. When that happens, the data being transferred gets disrupted. Most microwaves have proper shielding, so no waves should be detected outside of the oven.
Reboot
Rebooting your device is the best option when you experiencing issue with your Router/Modem. Rebooting fix connectivity issues
- We’re asking more and more of our home network, and rebooting everything gives them a fresh start, like a short nap.
- Many times, rebooting your modem will fix your connectivity issues. The reason for this is because most electronics were not designed or built to be running all of the time with no breaks. A reboot every now and thing is highly recommended to ensure your WiFi performance stays in tip top shape.
