12 reasons why WiFi is slow and how to fix it

 If you are experiencing WiFi that feels slow or slow, there may be several reasons. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to fix slow WiFi. So, let's take a look at the reasons why WiFi is slow.

1. Router Placement: High VS Low

Your router placement plays an important role in your home WiFi network. Even a slight change in position can slow down your WiFi. In fact, getting the correct position is one of many ways to increase the speed of your router.

As it turns out, the height of the router doesn't make a difference. Installing a router on the ground or behind another object usually results in significantly poorer performance. Instead, place the router as high as possible to extend the range of radio broadcasts. This also helps clear the router from interference.

2. Building Materials Block WiFi Signals

Materials such as concrete and metal are usually the biggest blockers of WiFi signals. So you may want to avoid placing your router in the basement, as lots of concrete usually covers this area. Other materials can also hinder the performance of your wireless network. Make sure other large objects are not blocking your router.

3. Distance To Router

The farther your device is from the router, the weaker the WiFi signal will be. Hence, the best option is to place your router as close to your device as possible.

If your broadcast router seems very weak or if your house is very large, then you may need to increase the range of those WiFi bands. WiFi extenders or repeaters are additional devices that are connected to the main router and to cover a wider area.

4. Other Household Users

Have you ever let a large download run on your PC? That might be the cause of your slow WiFi. Downloading large files can take a huge toll on your WiFi performance. So if you're running a non-urgent task, try pausing it.

However, it is more likely that people on your network such as friends, roommates, or family members are taking part in bandwidth-intensive activities such as playing games or streaming videos.

5. Too Many Devices Connected To WiFi

You need to count how many devices are connected to your WiFi. Because the more devices connected the slower your internet speed.

Many devices automatically download and upload which can eat up bandwidth. Therefore, if you have many devices connected to WiFi, make sure you buy an adequate internet package.

6. Digital Distraction

Digital noise can occur for a number of reasons. There are wireless signals from WiFi, electronic devices, cell towers, satellites and other sources. While WiFi usually uses a different signal from these other devices, radio noise can still cause interference.

Some old routers only use a single band on the 2.4 GHz frequency. However, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, cordless phones also use the same 2.4 GHz frequency band. This overlap causes WiFi interference. If possible, try connecting to the 5 GHz frequency band as it is less congested or try selecting a different channel.

7. Noise From Your Neighbors

Almost every household has its own WiFi network, which can create channel overlap. Channel overlap is a problem for routers that can only broadcast on 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. Two routers broadcasting on the same channel on the same frequency will interfere with each other.

That's why you have to choose the right channel in your router settings. Modern routers can select the channel for you automatically, but sometimes it's better to search and find the best WiFi channel for your network.

8. The Router Is Old

Routers older than 5 years may not be compliant with the latest standards (802.11ac / WiFi 5) or provide simultaneous dual-band support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Especially when it comes to ISP provided router/modem units, it might be time to upgrade to the latest and greatest. Let's put it this way, having the latest smartphone served by an old router is like having a nice race car with the cheapest tires you can find.

9. ISP Downtime ISP / Network Clogged

Sometimes, ISPs suffer from downtime and poor connections. Nothing is perfect. That must have been experienced by every ISP. However, dealing with internet rush hour is akin to Monday morning traffic.

Especially after people get off work or lazy weekends, when everyone in the neighborhood is using the internet at the same time, congestion occurs and ends up creating a network with heavy traffic.

10. ISP Quota Limitation

Do you know how much data you use every month? Home users typically spend more than 200 GB per month. All videos, online games and hours of browsing on the web lead to high data usage. Therefore, many ISPs reduce the internet speed of their customers because it has exceeded the reasonable usage limit. For example Indihome implements a FUP (Fair Usage Policy) system or fair usage limits for each of its customers.

11. Someone Stole Your WiFi

First, let's hope your WiFi is password protected. Second, make sure your passwords are strong and varied. And don't use weak passwords like “123456” or “password” or “qwerty”. Because if someone else connects to your WiFi without your consent, they steal your bandwidth.

12. ISP's DNS is not good

When someone types a website address into their browser, the computer automatically uses DNS to convert the address into an understandable IP address.

In some cases, the computer using the DNS server is having problems. Your router usually uses your ISP's DNS server, but that doesn't guarantee speed. Better DNS can help speed up loading times.

How to Fix Slow WiFi

Identifying the cause of your slow or slow WiFi can be a challenge. Starting from technical to non-technical matters, it can be the cause of your router being slow or slow. Therefore, to fix it, start from simple things like restarting your WiFi router device. If you are still experiencing slow internet issues it's time to call your ISP for answers.

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Resa Risyan

Just an ordinary person who wants to share a little knowledge, hopefully the knowledge I provide can be useful for all of us. Keep in mind! Useful knowledge is an investment in the afterlife.