A slow WiFi speed is likely to give you a headache as there is no single answer as to what to do to fix the problem. There are many reasons why a WiFi may be working at a slower speed than intended. It could be a problem with the WiFi router, or the Internet itself.
Although it is difficult to identify the exact cause and resolve it, however, in this guide we will try to give you the basic steps you need to take to identify and resolve a slow speed WiFi.
Identify the problem
The first step to take when your WiFi is not at the "right" speed is to identify where the problem lies. As mentioned earlier, it can either be the Internet connection or a faulty WiFi device.
In order to find the culprit you will need an ethernet cable. At least one ethernet cable is usually supplied with the router, so you probably already have one. If not, you can buy one (it costs no more than 5 euros and can be of any specification as far as type or size or length), or you can always borrow one from a friend.
The ethernet cable will allow you to directly wire the router to the computer, bypassing the wireless WiFi altogether. If your connection starts working at the correct speed as soon as you use the ethernet cable, then the problem is WiFi. If it's still slow, then it could be the Internet (or both).
Fix the problems of a WiFi
In the event that the Internet is working properly with an ethernet cable, then you should focus that the WiFi is having an issue. Below are some steps you can take to fix the problem. Let's take a look at them:
Check the mounting location and environment
Between your router and your wireless device there can be a whole host of things that could limit the signal and your proper connection, such as walls, tall furniture, other objects, and even other electronic devices. You should try to reduce these obstacles between your router and your device. One solution is to place your router at a certain height to ensure proper signal distribution.
Make sure there are no electrical appliances near the router. Appliances such as a microwave, refrigerator, wireless speakers, wireless controls, electronic heating system are some of the most common causes of WiFi signal interruptions.
These devices usually operate in the 2.4 GHz band, and affect the signal coming from the router operating on the same frequency. Keep in mind that reflective materials (such as mirrors) as well as shiny metal surfaces can also weaken the signal.
If you have a wireless internet connection from your provider, then the placement of your router is very important as you should make sure to place your router in a place where you will have the best signal with your provider. The best location is represented by the number of indicator LEDs that light up according to the signal strength.
Create a heat map of the WiFi signal
Even if you have found the perfect spot for your router, building a heat map of your WiFi signal will definitely be useful. You can use some of the apps available on the internet to create a heat map of your home which will let you know how the signal is distributed in your home. It will also inform you about the dark spots as well as the places where you can get the best signal.
The Ekahua HeatMapper is a good tool for this purpose. It does not require registration to download and run it. It will generate a free WiFi signal heat map for your home. If you have a digital map of your home, then it will create an accurate heatmap of WiFi signals on that map.
Change the WiFi channel
A WiFi signal travels through one channel, but the total number of channels is no more than 13. Routers are factory set to broadcast on a random, automatically selected, channel that usually changes every time you unplug it. However, if in a particular area a sufficient number of WiFi signals are broadcasting on one channel then that channel will become overloaded and the connection between router and devices will be problematic and usually intermittent. You will simply have to move to another channel that has less people to stop the interruptions and get a better WiFi signal.
To get information on which channels your neighbours are broadcasting on, and if your wireless connection software does not provide this kind of information, then try the WifiInfoView by Nirsoft. It gives you information about all the channels used in your area and how "full" they are.
Low power on WiFi
Many routers have a built-in ability to turn down their power to save electricity. Unfortunately, some of the routers are by default set to work in power saving mode and in such a case you will have to intervene in their menu and disable this feature. In your router's settings look for an option that might be called "Eco Mode", or "Low Power Mode" or "Power Transmission" and either disable it or set it on the 100%.
Low power on your computer's wireless card
Similar behavior to the router can also be exhibited by the Windows operating system as it has the ability to set low power on the wireless network card it manages to save power (usually in power saving mode). This naturally leads to slower Internet speeds over a WiFi connection.
To fix it, simultaneously press the Windows + R keys and type "powercfg.cpl" in the "Run" dialog box. It will open "Power Options" from where you can click "Change Plan Settings" next to your selected plan, and then click "Change Power Settings". From there go to "Wireless Adapter Settings", then "Power Saving Mode" and set it to "Maximum Performance".
Reboot the router
Have you tried rebooting the router? We know, it sounds silly, but a reboot might just solve the problem. There are problems related to the Internet and the signal or interference received from it. Turning off the router (turning off the power) and turning it back on after 30 seconds could fix problems.
Reset on the router
If rebooting does not help, then resetting the router to factory default settings may solve the problem. Logically there should be a reset button on the bottom or back of the router, usually in a hole. Use a paper clip (or similar object) to press the button and hold it down for 15 seconds, or until the router reboots.
All your settings will return to factory settings and this may clear a slow, problematic WiFi connection (if it was caused by a poorly configured environment). Just remember before you do anything to find the settings your provider suggests that you need to apply to your router, as well as the username and password so you can reconnect to it again.
Buy a new Router
This is a difficult choice for your pocket, but perhaps the best if nothing has worked so far. Old routers use as little power as possible resulting in low signal strength. So, a new router will have more power and will definitely help fix a slow connection in a problematic part of your home. You can even ask the Internet provider you have to supply you with a new router.
Fix Internet problems
The above mentioned tips are useful when there is a problem with the WiFi signal. However, if the problem is with the Internet, you can do the following to fix it:
Notes: Rebooting or resetting the router is a reliable way to fix Internet problems. So, even if you don't have a WiFi problem, try rebooting and reset as a solution to restore your Internet speed.
Close applications that use Bandwidth
Many applications actively use the Internet to provide their services in real time. You should monitor your Internet usage to see if there are any such consumptions and then disable these applications. Also, make sure that Windows does not download updates in the background as these updates use a very large bandwidth.
In Windows, Task manager has the ability to find out which processes may be using the internet. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and go to the "Processes" tab. You should find all the processes that are running in real time. Just click on any that you don't need or use, and then click on the "End Task" button at the bottom right to close it.
Check which devices are using WiFi
Multiple devices all connected together on the same WiFi network can mean that the connection is overloaded, causing a decrease in overall Internet speed. The heavier content a device loads, the more bandwidth it uses. So, rest assured that you're not going to get a good speed on your computer if your brother is watching YouTube videos on his smartphone or video chatting on Skype.
The best way to ensure that you don't have a bandwidth issue is to disconnect all devices from your internal network and just use a single device for everyone. And when we say "disconnect" we mean literally disconnect, as even if someone isn't using their device, it will still be running background processes that may be using the internet.
After checking via the router's menu that you only have one device connected, in addition, make sure your WiFi is protected with WPA2 encryption to ensure that no other neighbours are stealing bandwidth.
Update the network card
An old network card driver may be one of the factors causing Internet slowdowns. Press Win + R keys simultaneously and type "devmgmt.msc" in the "Run" dialog box to open "Device Manager". Here, right-click on your network card driver and select "Update Driver" option.
In the next window, click on "Automatically search for updated driver software" and Windows will automatically search for and download the latest driver for your card.
Alternatively, and if Windows fails to update the driver, you can use a free third-party application such as IObit Driver Booster to update the drivers automatically.
Find out if there is a pattern in temporary speed slowdowns
If you are experiencing slowdowns at certain times, then it could be a problem with your provider. Some ISPs are unable to provide high speeds during peak hours, so you should see if there is a time pattern in the slow speed of your connection. If this is the case then in most cases, the slow connection is temporary and should be resolved in a few hours.
Whether the problem is temporary or permanent, it is the responsibility of your ISP to ensure a stable Internet connection for their customers. In this case, simply call your ISP and tell them the problem. You will need to be patient as the first line of "technicians" who answer will insist that you reboot and reset your router and check your phone line cables before they decide to forward you to the second line of "technicians" who will attempt to measure your line in real time.
You can also ask your ISP to send a technician to your location to check and fix the Internet problem. If your ISP refuses to bear the cost of the technician's visit, then threaten to move to another Internet service provider. He may agree to help you. If he still refuses, however, then seriously consider changing your ISP since the one you have is no longer good for you.
