Troubleshooting Slow Internet: Boost Your Wi-Fi Speed and Solve Connectivity Issues
In today's digital age, where approximately 5.35 billion people are active internet users, a fast and reliable internet connection is not just a convenience—it's a necessity. Yet, many of us grapple with sluggish internet speeds that hamper our productivity and entertainment. If you've ever found yourself asking, "Why is my internet so slow?" or "How can I make my internet faster?" you're not alone. In this blog, we'll embark on a journey to not only understand the root causes of slow internet but also explore effective, cost-free measures to enhance your Wi-Fi speed.
Why settle for less when you can optimize your internet experience without spending an extra dime? By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to assess and improve your internet speeds and make your internet faster, ensuring you get the full value of the service you pay for. Let's dive into the world of internet troubleshooting and take back control of your connectivity!
I'm gonna take you through a bunch of stuff that you can do for free to understand what's going on with your internet speed and help you answer why is my internet so slow and how to make your internet faster.
By the time you're done with this, you'll be in a better position to understand what's happening before throwing more money at your internet provider. Unlike your provider, this isn't going to cost you anything.
I want to start by asking you a question. If you pay for 10 items in a store, are you okay walking out with just five? The answer should be absolutely not, and I agree. You should get what you pay for. 😄
When it comes to our internet provider, for some bizarre reason, we're culturally okay with not getting the speeds we are paying for. Some people say, "Hey, just go and buy a faster internet package." That is awesome for the internet provider. They don't supply you with the speed you're paying for, so why would we give them even more money to get into a higher tier package?
So that's where we start. Before we get started we want to mention an important step if you have not done so, securing your WiFi!
Why Should You Password Protect Your Wi-Fi?
Securing your Wi-Fi network with a robust password is vital for several reasons:
- Prevent Unauthorized Access: Without a secure password, anyone within range can access your network. Unauthorized users can consume your bandwidth, leading to slower internet speeds. This affects not only your streaming and downloads but also any device that relies on a steady connection.
- Protect Personal Information: An unprotected Wi-Fi network leaves your personal and sensitive data vulnerable. Hackers can intercept data, potentially gaining access to your personal files, banking details, and private communications.
- Maintain Network Performance: Strangers hooking onto your Wi-Fi can significantly bog down your network performance. This can lead to buffering during your favorite show or lagging during an important video call.
- Avoid Legal Implications: If someone uses your Wi-Fi for illegal activities, the responsibility can fall on you as the network owner. This can include anything from downloading illegal content to more serious cyber-crimes.
How to Secure Your Wi-Fi
To safeguard your network, follow these steps:
- Access Your Router Settings: Open your browser and enter your router’s IP address. You'll need to log in using the admin credentials.
- Update Default Passwords: Navigate to the settings and change the default Wi-Fi password to something strong and unique. A combination of letters, numbers, and symbols is recommended.
- Choose the Right Encryption: Ensure your router uses WPA2 or WPA3 for encryption. These are currently the most secure standards that protect your network data.
By taking these steps, you not only enhance your internet security but also ensure that your connection remains fast and reliable for your use.
Now lets get into speeding up your WiFi network.
Step one: Are you actually getting the internet speed that you're paying for?
Your provider is supposed to give you a set download and upload speed based on your subscription package. Therefore, you should be getting as close to those speeds as possible.
👉 First, visit your internet provider's customer website or portal, or check your last invoice. You should be able to see the package speed you're currently paying for.
If it doesn't say the speed because they've got a fancy schmancy marketing package like "Super Surfer", look up that package name on their website to see the supposed speed. Or if you're willing to spend about half an hour, call their customer service department and ask what speed you're paying for. But ensure you get both the upload and download speed, as they tend to focus on the latter.
Now that you have your speed, let's start testing if you are actually getting that.
When your internet connection is sluggish, a quick remedy often lies in restarting your device. But why is this simple act so effective? Let's delve into the benefits.
The Power of a Restart:
- Refreshes Network Settings: Restarting resets your device’s network settings. This can resolve minor glitches, offering a fresh start to your connection and improving internet speeds.
- Clears Temporary Data: Devices store lots of temporary files in their memory. While usually useful, over time these can build up and slow down performance. Restarting clears this clutter, allowing your device to run more efficiently.
- Resolves Software Conflicts: Sometimes, applications or processes running in the background may conflict, causing connectivity issues. A restart shuts down these processes and can resolve such conflicts, smoothing out overall device performance.
- Releases System Resources: Overtime, running apps and programs use up memory and processing power. Restarting your device frees up these resources, letting your device operate at peak efficiency.
How to Restart Your Device:
- For Windows PCs: Navigate to the start menu, select the power icon, and choose "Restart."
- For Mac Computers: Click the Apple logo and opt for "Restart."
- For iPhones: Press and hold the side button until the power-off slider appears, turn off the phone, wait briefly and turn it back on.
- For Android Phones: Press and hold the power button, then select "Restart."
Incorporating regular restarts into your routine can ensure your devices maintain better performance, leading to a smoother and faster online experience.
👉 First, switch off your router and modem. It may be one or two devices, depending on what you have. Essentially, disconnect from the internet for about five minutes.
Why five minutes? That's the time it takes for you to fully disconnect from the network. When you reconnect, they send you a fresh token and welcome you back.
Now that everything is back on, we're going to use speedtest.net to see the actual internet speed you're getting. I know this isn't a perfect test, but if you kick everybody off your network and avoid any major downloads, it will give a good enough indication of what's happening.
👉 Ideally, connect your computer with a LAN cable to your router to avoid being influenced by the Wi-Fi.
I suggest running the internet speed test three times, ensuring you connect to the same destination each time. Record the speeds and divide them by three to get the average download, upload, and latency.
Now, that is the internet speed you are getting. Is it close to what you're paying for? It's never going to be exact, but it should be close.
If it's close to what you're paying for and it's still not fast enough for you (slow internet), then the only real option to make your internet faster is to upgrade your internet package with your provider. It's like having a motorcycle. That's great, but if you want to travel with your entire family, there's only so much you can load up before needing to upgrade to a car. Same thing here. Your provider is providing the service that you're paying for.
Let me save you a whole bunch of Googling and YouTubing. There is no hack or tip that is going to get you faster internet speed than you are paying for. Yes, there may be a small percent of people who can actually get a little bit faster, but for the majority of us, what we pay is what we get.
What happens if the speed you've just tested is nowhere near what you're paying for? Say you're paying for 100 megabits per second, but you're getting 25. Now what?
We have to move on to step two to determine the issue.
Step two: Is the slow internet on our side, or is the internet provider at fault?
We know that the best situation is to hardwire your computer or laptop to your router using a LAN cable. If your interested in learning more about hardwiring check out our blog on ethernet cable installation here. However, this isn't always possible. So let's address both situations, starting with the wired.
👉 The first clue is to look at the actual cable itself. You want to see the tiny wording that says something like CAT5, Cat5e, or Cat6.
You can Google the difference between the various categories. It's rather technical. But for typical home usage, you want a Cat6 or better because of the speed and build quality.
Look at your router's ports. You should be able to see a port that says "Gigabit." If it doesn't, then look up the make and model on Google to see what speed your ports are.
This is an important step that a lot of people miss. If you have an older router, those ports could be limited to 100 megabits per second. This means that your fast Cat6 cable, which can handle one gigabit per second speed, will be heading quickly from your computer down the cable, into your router, and then come to a halt because the port can only handle a fraction of that speed. The result? Slow internet for you. This is how you can tell if your Wi-Fi router is going bad and its time to replace it.
If your ports are limited and you're mainly using a wired connection, I'm afraid a new router is in your future.
Assuming you have a gigabit port on your router and your computer has a gigabit network card, you may want to run another speed test. You should be getting close to the speed that you are paying for.
If you are not, maybe your cable needs replacing. After doing so, run the speed test again. If you need help replacing or even running cabling throughout your space we can take of that for you here!
If you are still not getting the right speed, now is the time to call your service provider. They may need to reset your account, or even come out to your house to check the physical connections. Remember, these are cables lying outside, typically for years, connecting your house to the box on the street. Over time, they could become damaged, frayed, or broken, impacting the speed, especially if you're running cable or DSL. So let them come out and check.
If you are getting the speed that you are paying for, your computer is nice and fast, but your wireless devices are slow, it's time to move on to step number three, the Wi-Fi(Wifi troubleshooting).
When Should I Consider Switching Internet Providers?
If you're experiencing sluggish internet speeds or inconsistent performance, it might be time to evaluate your current internet situation. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if you should switch providers:
1. Unresolved Slowdowns
Frequent slow connections can be frustrating. If your internet slows down noticeably at certain times—such as evenings—it could be due to your provider managing bandwidth across its network. This technique, known as throttling, often targets heavy users even on unlimited plans. If this issue persists despite troubleshooting, it might be a sign to explore new options.
2. Current Plan Limitations
Even if you're on a purportedly unlimited plan, some providers still impose unmentioned restrictions. Review your plan details carefully. If your usage exceeds what your provider considers "normal," they may throttle your speed. Before switching, consult with your provider to understand these restrictions and see if they offer better plans that suit your needs.
3. Ineffective Upgrades
If you’ve already tried upgrading your plan with little result, it might be time to consider a change. Sometimes, providers offer more enticing packages to new customers rather than existing ones. If your request for an upgrade doesn’t yield better performance, start shopping for alternatives.
4. Customer Service Issues
Consistently poor customer support can be a deal-breaker. If reaching your provider is like pulling teeth, or if they aren’t responsive to your issues, consider switching to a provider known for better customer care. A transition might offer peace of mind along with improved service.
5. Contractual Flexibility
Evaluate your current contract terms. If you find that your contract is restrictive or nearing its end, this might provide an ideal opportunity to change providers without incurring hefty fees. Be sure to ask about any costs associated with early termination before making a decision.
6. Better Offers from Competitors
Regularly review competitor offerings. Other providers might offer superior network speeds or more attractive packages. Contacting competitors for quotes can uncover better deals and compel your current provider to match or beat these offers.
Switching providers could potentially offer you faster speeds, better service, and a plan that suits your lifestyle without the headaches of your current provider. Always weigh the pros and cons, consider trial periods, and ensure the switch aligns with your internet needs.
Step three: the Wi-Fi (Wifi troubleshooting)
Now, I know it's not always possible to hardwire everything. You may be renting, and your landlord certainly doesn't want you to punch holes in the wall to run your cable. Walking around the house with a phone tethered to a LAN cable is impractical. So, wireless is gonna be your friend.
👉 Grab your laptop or phone and walk close to the router. Look at the Wi-Fi options. You should typically see two connections that are yours, along with a gazillion other Wi-Fi networks from your neighbors.
One connection is Wi-Fi 2.4 gigahertz, and the other is 5 gigahertz. The 2.4 gigahertz is slower than 5, but can be used over greater distances. This is perfect for devices like wireless doorbells and smart plugs that are placed all over the house and don't require much speed.
5 gigahertz is faster, but the range is shorter than 2.4 gigahertz. To get that fast internet speed, your devices connecting wirelessly need to be relatively close to the router.
You've grabbed your laptop and phone, you're right next to the router, connecting to the 5 gigahertz network, and you want to run that speed test. Is it close to the speed that you're paying for?
If you are connecting to the 5 gigahertz Wi-Fi and it's not working, then the laptop may have a built-in 2.4 gigahertz network card. You can easily swap that out with a USB adapter to get it to 5 gigahertz. If you're connecting with your phone, ensure it can handle 5 gigahertz. Most phones can, but some older models cannot.
At this stage, you should be getting a nice, fast internet speed right next to the router. Now, walk around to the places where you sit, work, watch TV, and stream your stuff, and run the Wi-Fi speed test there.
Are you still getting that speed? If not and your still getting slow internet speeds, it means that the signal from the router isn't able to reach that spot efficiently. There may be thick walls, different levels of the house, big appliances, or other interferences that disrupt the Wi-Fi signal.
So, what do you do now? I mean, you're not going to bash down walls or get rid of your fridge, right? 🚀
Well, there is a free option and a paid-for option. Let's start with the free.
Wi-Fi signals work on channels. So you want to make sure that your Wi-Fi channel isn't congested, it's not fighting with all the other signals.
I know that routers have an "Auto Channel" feature, which technically means it should automatically look for the least busy channel and provide the best Wi-Fi signals. However, I have tested many routers that simply don't do this. So I personally like to set my own channel if the signal is sluggish.
So let's check this:
👉 Download a Wi-Fi analyzer from the Microsoft Store on your computer and examine the free versus congested channels.
If you see that your Wi-Fi is on a congested channel, note the number of one that isn't congested.
Go into your router settings and make the change there. Don't worry, this is reversible if it doesn't work out for whatever reasons.
Each router is different. There's no way for me to explain every single one. So the best thing to do is to look up your router's documentation.
You've run a speed test. If that doesn't improve your Wi-Fi, the next option is to physically move the router to a more central position in the house to get those glorious Wi-Fi signals spreading all around. This will give you better connectivity in the areas that were previously slow.
If you have a router with external antennas, you can adjust their positioning to improve connectivity in various areas. This does make a difference.
How to Check and Update Your Router Firmware
Updating your router's firmware can enhance performance and security. Here’s how you can ensure your router is running the latest software:
1) Access the Router Interface:
- Begin by opening a web browser and typing in the IP address of your router. This information is usually found in the user manual or sometimes printed on a label on the back of the router.
2) Login:
- Enter the required login credentials to access the router's settings. The default username and password are often "admin" or "password," but it’s advisable to change these for better security.
3) Locate the Firmware Update Section:
- Once logged in, navigate through the menu to find a section dedicated to firmware updates. This may be labeled differently, such as "Firmware Upgrade," "Router Update," or "Software Update."
4) Check for Updates:
- Look for an option to check for new versions or updates. This could be a button like "Check for Updates" or a similar command. Select this to see if an update is available.
5) Download and Install:
- If an update is present, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it. Ensure that your router remains powered on during this process to prevent any interruptions.
6) Reboot the Router:
- After the installation completes, your router may automatically reboot. If not, manually restart it to apply the changes.
By regularly updating your router’s firmware, you can potentially solve connectivity issues and keep your network secure from vulnerabilities.
Why You Should Close Bandwidth-Heavy Programs and Applications
If you’ve noticed that your internet is sluggish on your computer or laptop but not on your other devices, the culprit may be bandwidth-heavy programs running in the background. These applications consume your internet resources, leaving less available for what you actually want to do online.
The Impact of Background Programs
When applications run unnecessary processes, they consume bandwidth and can significantly slow down your internet connection. By identifying and stopping these processes, you can free up bandwidth, resulting in a faster and more efficient online experience.
Steps to Close Resource-Intensive Applications
To tackle this issue on your PC:
- Access Task Manager: Right-click on the taskbar and choose Task Manager.
- Identify Bandwidth Consumers: Go to the Processes tab and click on the Network column. This will display the processes using the most bandwidth.
For example, cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive may be uploading or downloading files in the background, consuming valuable internet resources. By selecting the program and choosing End Task, you can temporarily halt their activity.
Consider a More Permanent Solution
While manually ending tasks helps in the short term, these programs might restart when you reboot your device. To manage this in the long term, consider adjusting your startup programs or using system utilities to put idle applications to sleep. This ensures that only the programs you need actively consume your computer's resources, including CPU, RAM, and your network connection.
Benefits of Managing Bandwidth Usage
By managing which programs have access to your bandwidth, your computer can dedicate more resources to the tasks you are prioritizing. This not only speeds up your internet but also optimizes overall system performance, making your computing experience smoother and more responsive.
In conclusion, regularly monitoring and closing bandwidth-heavy applications can notably enhance your internet speed and device efficiency. Take control of your resources, and enjoy a faster, more focused browsing experience.
How Can Scanning for Viruses Help Speed Up My Internet?
Viruses and malware can covertly infiltrate your device, often through unsecured public Wi-Fi or deceptive phishing attacks. Once in, these malicious programs can consume significant internet bandwidth by accessing personal files or downloading harmful code, slowing down your overall internet speed.
The Role of Virus Scanning
- Detection and Removal: By thoroughly scanning your device, antivirus software identifies and removes these hidden threats. Eliminating malware frees up bandwidth that was previously hijacked.
- Optimized Performance: Many antivirus programs come equipped with tools that optimize system performance. These tools close unnecessary background processes, reducing their strain on your internet connection.
- Data Protection: Regular scanning helps safeguard your personal data from being uploaded to phishing servers, which can slow down your internet as rogue programs send information back to cyber attackers.
With fewer threats bogging down your system, you'll likely notice a smoother, faster internet experience. Regularly updating and scanning with trusted antivirus software can be a critical step in maintaining high internet speeds and secure online activities.
Understanding the Importance of Updating Devices and Network Drivers
Keeping your device and network drivers up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance and security. But why is this so important? Let’s break it down.
Enhanced Performance
Updating your device’s operating system often includes enhancements and fixes that developers have diligently worked on. These updates aren’t just about introducing new features—they often include bug fixes and improvements that can enhance the overall performance of your device. Whether it's a minor or a major update, these changes can address inefficient areas within your system, resolving issues that could be slowing things down.
Security Patches
Security is another compelling reason to stay updated. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and manufacturers regularly release patches to cover vulnerabilities. Failing to update leaves your device susceptible to attacks. By updating both your OS and drivers, you ensure that your device is equipped with the latest defenses against malicious activities.
Improved Compatibility
With technology advancing rapidly, new hardware and software products are constantly being released. Updates often include drivers that ensure your device remains compatible with the latest technologies. Without these updates, you may miss out on using new devices or software efficiently because your current setup might not support them.
Tips for Device Updates
- Ensure Sufficient Storage: Make sure you have enough storage available to accommodate updates. As a rule of thumb, aim for maintaining at least 10% of your hard drive's capacity free.
- Check Compatibility: Ensure your device is compatible with the latest updates before proceeding.
Network Driver Updates
Updating network drivers can significantly enhance your internet performance. While operating systems like macOS manage these updates automatically, Windows users may find that some drivers require manual updates if they're not included in Microsoft's database. Here's how you might approach updating your network drivers manually:
- Access Device Manager: Type "Device Manager" in your search bar and open it.
- Check Network Adapters: Locate and expand "Network adapters."
- Update Drivers: Right-click on the driver and choose "Update Driver."
If Windows doesn’t locate a newer version, visit the manufacturer's website for the latest update.
Remember, outdated software may lead to conflicts or inefficient use of resources like RAM, affecting everything from processing speed to network connectivity. Regular updates harmonize system components, leading to smoother operation and an enhanced user experience.
Updating is not just a routine task—it's an essential step in maintaining the health and efficiency of your devices, enabling a seamless digital experience.
How Updating Your Browser Can Boost Internet Performance
Updating your web browser is a simple yet effective way to enhance your internet experience. An outdated browser can lead to sluggish performance and security vulnerabilities, which might hinder your online activities. Here's how updating can make a difference:
- Fix Known Bugs: Over time, developers identify and fix bugs that might slow down your browser. Keeping your browser up to date ensures you benefit from these improvements, providing a smoother and more efficient browsing experience.
- Enhanced Security: Internet threats evolve rapidly, and older browsers might not have the latest protection against these risks. Updating your browser ensures it has the newest security features, safeguarding your personal information while you browse.
- Optimized Performance: Each update typically includes enhancements that refine the browser's speed and functionality. These optimizations might make pages load faster and improve the overall responsiveness of your browsing session.
Easy Update Steps
Updating your browser is typically straightforward. For most browsers, follow these general steps:
- For Chrome: Locate the menu in the browser's corner, navigate to settings, and select "About" to check for updates.
- For Firefox: Open the menu, go to help, and choose "About" to see if a newer version is available.
By regularly updating your browser, you ensure you're getting the best possible performance and security for your internet use.
Changing the DNS Server on Your Computer
The Domain Name System (DNS) functions as the internet's directory, converting easy-to-remember domain names into numerical IP addresses that computers recognize. By switching to a well-known public DNS, like one from a major search engine company, you might experience faster and more reliable internet connections.
Steps to Change the DNS Server in Windows
For Windows 11 Users:
- Navigate to Settings: Start by opening Settings and head to Network & Internet.
- Advanced Network Settings: Look for and click on Advanced network settings.
- More Network Adapter Options: In the Related settings section, click More network adapter options.
- Access Properties: Right-click on your network connection and choose Properties.
- Modify Internet Protocol: Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.
- Set DNS Server: Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter 8.8.8.8 in the primary box and 8.8.4.4 in the secondary box.
For Windows 10 Users:
- Search for Ethernet or Wi-Fi: Use the search bar to find and select ethernet or Wi-Fi, according to your setup, and hit Enter.
- Change Adapter Options: Click on Change Adapter Options.
- Proceed with steps 3 to 6 from the Windows 11 guide above.
Changing the DNS Server on a Mac
- Open System Settings: Go to the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Access Network Preferences: Select Network and choose your active connection.
- Configure DNS: Click on Details, then navigate to the DNS tab.
- Input DNS Addresses: Click the + button and enter 8.8.8.8 followed by 8.8.4.4.
By following these steps, you'll be able to change your DNS server settings on either Windows or Mac, potentially improving your internet speed and reliability.
Enhancing Your Internet Connection with Ad Blockers
Wondering how you can improve your internet experience? Using an ad blocker might just be the answer. Here’s how it can enhance your internet connection:
Speed Up Browsing
Ad blockers prevent advertisements from loading on web pages. By reducing the amount of data your browser has to process, you'll often notice faster loading times. This can be especially beneficial on sites that are heavy with ads.
Conserve Data Usage
When ads are blocked, your device consumes less data, making it particularly useful if you have a limited data plan or are using mobile data. This means more of your bandwidth is dedicated to what really matters—your selected content.
Improve Page Appearance
Without the clutter of ads, web pages appear cleaner and more streamlined. This not only makes it easier to find the information you're seeking but also reduces distractions.
Boost Privacy and Security
Many ads come with tracking scripts and sometimes even malicious software. An ad blocker can defend against these risks by shielding your personal data from trackers and protecting your device from harmful content.
Simplify Your Online Experience
By removing distractions and potential security threats, ad blockers contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable online experience. You can focus on surfing the web without interruptions or delays.
Using an ad blocker can make your internet connection feel faster and more secure while conserving data and reducing clutter. Whether you're on a desktop or a smartphone, it’s a simple tool that can vastly improve your browsing life.
Why Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Browsing History?
Clearing your browser's cache and browsing history is crucial for maintaining optimal web performance and ensuring your online privacy. Here's why you should consider doing it regularly:
1. Improve Website Performance
Cached data can sometimes cause websites to load incorrectly or much slower than anticipated. When too much data accumulates, your browser might struggle to fetch and display the most recent content, leading to incomplete or outdated pages. By clearing the cache, you allow your browser to load updated versions of web pages, resulting in a smoother browsing experience.
2. Resolve Loading Issues
If you’ve ever experienced a website not fully loading, your cache could be the culprit. Over time, stored files may become corrupt, interfering with the normal functioning of websites. Clearing out these files can often resolve these frustrating issues, ensuring that sites load properly.
3. Enhance Privacy and Security
Browsing history and cached data can include a record of your online activities, which might be accessible to unauthorized users if your device is compromised. Regularly clearing these can help protect your privacy by wiping out digital trails that might otherwise be exploited.
Points to Consider:
- Logins and Saved Data: Be mindful that clearing your cache will log you out of frequently visited sites. Have your login details ready to re-enter any accounts you rely on.
- Device Compatibility: While the steps vary slightly, clearing cache and browsing history can be done on both desktops and mobile devices.
By regularly maintaining your browser's cache and history, you keep your surfing swift and secure, ensuring that your internet experience is as efficient and protected as possible.
If the free options didn't help, unfortunately, you're looking at spending some money. 💰
👉 The cheapest option is to buy a Wi-Fi extender, but the smart, future-proof solution is a mesh Wi-Fi system.
The mesh nodes are placed all over the house with built-in intelligence to manage the Wi-Fi data. They're constantly monitoring the traffic and rerouting any congestion to maintain optimal speed. So you get that beautiful, glorious speed all the time. 🤑
If you rather have a professional help with your wifi extension we can take of that for you here.
Our Recommended WiFi Signal Extender
Enhance your home Wi-Fi network with the TP-Link RE605X AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender. This powerful device is designed to eliminate dead zones and boost your Wi-Fi coverage with the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, ensuring faster and more reliable internet connections throughout your home.
The dual-band speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps make it ideal for streaming, gaming, and large file transfers, providing a seamless online experience without lag. With its intelligent signal indicator, you can find the optimal location for the extender with ease, ensuring the best possible signal strength. Easy to set up and compatible with any router, the TP-Link RE605X is the perfect solution to extend your Wi-Fi coverage and enhance your slow internet speeds.
Our Recommended Mesh WiFi Router
Transform your home networking experience with the NETGEAR Orbi Quad-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6E System. This top-tier mesh system is crafted to deliver unparalleled Wi-Fi coverage and performance across your entire home.
Featuring the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology, it offers four distinct frequency bands, including a dedicated 6 GHz band, which significantly reduces congestion and interference, ensuring ultra-fast and reliable internet connections.
Capable of covering up to 9,000 square feet and supporting over 100 devices, this system is ideal for large homes with high connectivity demands.
If after all of this, you still have slow internet and you're not getting the speed that you're paying for...
It's time to call your service provider. Settle in, as this is gonna take a while.
They will typically try to diagnose things over the phone, reset your router, and make you reboot and close and open everything. Eventually, someone will have to come out to your house to check the cables, which is what you want.
You want someone from their office to come to your home and see for themselves that you're not getting the speed that you're paying for. They may then offer a bunch of options such as upgrading your line for free, providing better equipment, or even offering a discount on your current payment if there's nothing more they can do. At least you can have some real options versus just being super frustrated.
