{"id":28616,"date":"2019-12-03T23:18:51","date_gmt":"2019-12-03T15:18:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/?p=28616"},"modified":"2022-07-13T17:15:58","modified_gmt":"2022-07-13T09:15:58","slug":"fixing-slow-wifi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/fixing-slow-wifi\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix Slow WiFi Connection"},"content":{"rendered":"

Slow WiFi speed<\/strong> can be really confusing, rather downright annoying<\/strong>, as there is no single answer to fix it. There are numerous reasons why your WiFi may be working on a speed slower than intended<\/strong>. It could be a problem with the WiFi router<\/strong>, or the Internet itself.<\/p>\n

Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact issue<\/strong> and resolve it, however, fixing the speed of your WiFi<\/strong> isn't impossible. In this guide we will get you through each step to identify and solve<\/strong> slow WiFi speed issue.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tRead Also:<\/strong>\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t802.11ac Wi-Fi Explained: What It is & Why It\u2019s Cool<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Identifying the Problem<\/h2>\n

Before getting into the fixing business<\/strong>, the first step is to identify where the problem<\/strong> lies. As mentioned before, it can either be your Internet connection or a faulty WiFi device<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In order to find the culprit you will need an ethernet cable<\/strong>. Ethernet cable is usually supplied with the router<\/strong>, so most probably you will already have one. If not, you can buy it (it's just under $5 and there is no specification of type or size<\/strong>), or you can always borrow one from a friend.<\/p>\n

The ethernet cable will allow you to directly connect the router to the PC without depending on the WiFi<\/strong> signals. If your connection starts working<\/strong> fine as soon as you begin using an ethernet cable<\/strong>, then the problem is with the WiFi. If it is still slow, then it could be the Internet (or both).<\/p>\n

Fixing the Problem with WiFi Signals<\/h2>\n

In case your Internet works fine with an ethernet cable<\/strong>, you need to solve the problem with the WiFi<\/strong>. Below we have listed different things you can do to fix WiFi problems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Positioning and Environment is Important<\/h3>\n

There can be a number of interruptions that could stop signals from reaching your device<\/strong> properly, like walls, objects and even other electronic devices. You should reduce these interruptions<\/strong> between the router and your device. Additionally, the router must be placed at a certain height<\/strong> to ensure proper distribution of the signals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Make sure there are no electrical appliances near the router<\/strong>. Devices such as microwave, refrigerator, wireless speakers, wireless console controllers and electronic heating system<\/strong> are some of the most common WiFi signal interrupters.<\/p>\n

These appliances usually operate at 2.4GHz band<\/strong>, and they interfere with the signals coming from the router that operates on the same frequency<\/strong>. Do keep in mind that reflective material (mirrors) and metal based finishing<\/strong> in walls also reflect\/weaken signals.<\/p>\n

Positioning is especially important<\/strong> when you don't have a wired broadband connection and you depend on signals from your Internet provider<\/strong>. In such a case, you will have to adjust the router position to get the best signals<\/strong> from your ISP, usually represented by the number of lights.<\/p>\n

Create Heatmap for WiFi Signals<\/h3>\n

While finding the perfect spot for your router, a heatmap of the WiFi signals will definitely be helpful<\/strong>. You can use a third party app<\/strong> that will create a heatmap of your house to let you know how the signals are being distributed in the house<\/strong>. It will also tell you about the points where there are interruptions as well the places where you can get the best signals.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ekahua HeatMapper<\/a> is a good tool for this purpose. It does require registration but it will create a heatmap of your WiFi signals for free<\/strong>. If you have a digital map of your house, then it will create an exact heatmap of WiFi signals on that map. Otherwise it can create heatmap over grids<\/strong> that are good enough to understand how signals are distributed.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"heatmapper\"<\/figure>\n

Switch WiFi Channel<\/h3>\n

WiFi signals are distributed over different channels in a specific area<\/strong>. All the routers in your neighbourhood are distributed<\/strong> over these channels. If a channel is crowded with connections, it could interrupt WiFi signal. You simply need to move to another channel that is less crowded to get better WiFi signals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

For this purpose, WifiInfoView <\/a>by Nirsoft is a great little utility that will list down information about all the channels in your area<\/strong>, and how crowded they are. You can just choose a new channel that is least crowded.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"wifi<\/figure>\n

WiFi On Low Power<\/h3>\n

Many routers have a built-in option to put themselves on low power consumption<\/strong> to save electricity. During this mode the router uses less power, however, it also decreases the power of the signals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, some of the routers are by default configured to run in power saving mode<\/strong> and in such a case you have to disable it yourself<\/strong>. In your router settings, look for options similar to \"Eco mode\", \"Low Power Mode\" or \"Transmission Power\" and turn it off or set it to 100%.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Low Power to PC Wireless Adaptor<\/h3>\n

Similar to the router, Windows operating system may also give less power to the wireless adaptor<\/strong> to save power (usually in power saving mode). This also leads to slower Internet speed<\/strong> over a WiFi connection.<\/p>\n

To fix this, press Windows<\/span> + R<\/span> keys and type \"powercfg.cpl<\/strong>\" in the \"Run<\/strong>\" dialog. It will open up \"Power Options<\/strong>\" from where you click on \"Change plan settings<\/strong>\" next to your selected plan, and then click on \"Change Advanced power settings\"<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"change<\/figure>\n
\"advance<\/figure>\n

In the advanced power options, expand \"Wireless Adaptor Settings\" <\/strong>and make sure it is set to \"Maximum Performance\"<\/strong>. This should ensure your network card is getting the power it needs.<\/p>\n

\"wireless<\/figure>\n

Restart The Router<\/h3>\n

Have you tried restarting the router? I know it's silly but it could be a simple fix to this problem<\/strong>. A simple fresh start is usually the answer to many Internet related problems. Just completely turn off the router and the modem<\/strong> (if they are separate) and wait for 30 seconds before turning them on<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Reset the Router<\/h3>\n

If the restart didn't help, then resetting the router to factory settings may solve the issue<\/strong>. There should be a reset button at the bottom or back of the router<\/strong>, usually it's inside a hole. Use a paperclip (or similar object) to push this button and hold it for 15-30 seconds, or until the router reboots<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

All your settings will be reset to factory settings <\/strong>(you\u2019ll even have to set a new WiFi name<\/a>). This may fix slow WiFi problem if it was due to a wrongly configured setting.<\/p>\n

Buy A New Router<\/h3>\n

That's a cold option, but it is the best one if nothing worked for you so far. The older a router gets the less its power becomes<\/strong>. So getting a new router with more power will definitely help<\/strong> fix slow WiFi problem. You can even ask your Internet service provider to supply you a new router<\/strong>. While you are looking for a new router, try to go for a smart router that can solve all your WiFi related problems<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Fixing the Problem with the Internet<\/h2>\n

The aforementioned tips are helpful if there is a problem with the WiFi signal<\/strong>. However, if the issue is with the Internet, following things can be done<\/strong> to fix it:<\/p>\n

Note:<\/strong> Restarting or Resetting the router is a reliable way to fix Internet problems<\/strong>. So even if you don't have any WiFi problems<\/strong>, do try out these options to enhance your Internet's speed.<\/p>\n

Quit Bandwidth Using Applications<\/h3>\n

Many applications use Internet actively to provide their services<\/strong> in real time. You should monitor Internet usage<\/a> by turning such apps off<\/strong>. Also, make sure Windows is not downloading any updates in the background<\/strong> as these updates also use a lot of bandwidth.<\/p>\n

In Windows, the Task manager is the place to look for processes<\/strong> that may be using bandwidth. Press Ctrl<\/span> + Shift<\/span> + Esc<\/span> to open the task manager and move to the \"Processes\"tab. You should find all the application processes here. Simply click on the one you don't need or are not using<\/strong>, and then click \"End process\" button below to close it.<\/p>\n

\"task<\/figure>\n

Check Other Devices Using the WiFi<\/h3>\n

Multiple devices connected to the same WiFi<\/strong> may mean that the connection is being over used causing a reduction in overall Internet speed<\/strong>. The more heavy content a device loads the more bandwidth it will use<\/strong>. So you will definitely not get a good speed on your PC if your brother is watching YouTube videos on his smartphone.<\/p>\n

The best way to ensure that bandwidth hogging is not the issue, disconnect all the devices from the network<\/strong> and only use a single device. And when we say \"disconnect<\/strong>\" we literally mean disconnect, as simply not using the device will still allow background processes to use bandwidth.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now check on that single device if the connection is working fine. Additionally, make sure that your WiFi is protected with WPA2 encryption<\/strong> to ensure someone else isn\u2019t stealing your bandwidth.<\/p>\n

Update Network Driver<\/h3>\n

An outdated network driver can be one of the factors causing Internet to slow down. Press Windows<\/span> + R<\/span> keys and type \"devmgmt.msc<\/strong>\" in the \"Run<\/strong>\" dialog to open the \"Device Manager<\/strong>\". Here right-click on your network driver and select \"Update driver software<\/strong>\" option.<\/p>\n

\"update<\/figure>\n

In the next window, click on \"Search automatically for updated driver software<\/strong>\" and Windows will automatically search and download the right driver.<\/p>\n

If this doesn't update the driver, you can use a free third-party application<\/strong> like IObit Driver Booster<\/a> to update drivers automatically.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"search<\/figure>\n

Understand Temporary Internet Slow Downs<\/h3>\n

If you face slow down at particular times<\/strong> or just started facing slow Internet right now, then it could be a problem at your Internet service Provider's end<\/strong>. Some ISPs can't provide optimum speed during rush hours<\/strong>, so you will just have to deal with slow speeds during that time. In most cases, it is temporary and should resolve in few hours.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether the problem is temporary or permanent, it is your ISP's responsibility to ensure a stable Internet connection for its customers<\/strong>. If nothing is working for you, simply call your ISP and tell them the problem<\/strong>. They should be able to inform you what the problem is and may provide the solution.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tTop 3 Android Apps to Boost Internet Speed<\/span><\/a>\n
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