Are you having trouble with your computer or phone, or are you just having slow internet speeds? Here's how to verify
Wi-Fi network problems are relatively common. We don't always get a fast connection, and we may experience frequent disconnections. However, it's not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause. While the problem is usually related to our distance from the router, resulting in a weak signal, it could also be a malfunction in the device we're using to access the internet, such as a computer or mobile phone.
In this article, we'll discuss what you can try to determine whether the problem is a general network issue or specific to the device you're using to access the internet. Once you identify the cause, you can take steps to fix it.
- Discover why your Wi-Fi network is performing poorly
For some internet uses, sufficient speed is essential. For example, speed is important for online gaming, video calls, and cloud computing. If the speed isn't sufficient, you may experience frequent interruptions that disrupt your daily life and affect your internet connection. Below are some tests you can run to improve your internet speed...
Try connecting from near the router.
The first thing you should try is connecting directly to the router. If you're using a computer, for example, try placing it near the access point. This will allow you to see if the connection problem persists. You can always run a speed test to check your upload and download speeds, as well as your latency.
If you find the speed is still too low, the problem might be with your device. There could be a faulty network card, malware, incorrect settings, or something similar. However, the problem could also be with the router itself, in which case you'll need to move on to the next point we'll explain.
On the other hand, if the speed improves significantly, you might conclude that your router is working correctly and the problem stems from a faulty Wi-Fi receiver on your device. However, you should consider whether you are connecting from a considerable distance or if there is interference or obstructions.
Try another device
We also recommend trying another device. This is an excellent way to confirm the connection is working properly and to determine if the problem is specific to a particular device or a general issue. If you find the connection is weak on that device as well, with slow speeds or frequent disconnections, the problem might be with your router.
We recommend you run an internet speed test again. This will help you determine if your connection is fast or not. This may be useful for making adjustments to your router or even replacing it if you are using an older model.
- Choose another frequency
Another test you can perform is to change the frequency you're connected to. You can usually choose between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Some routers and other devices are also compatible with the 6 GHz band, as they are tri-band.
The 2.4 GHz frequency is best suited for connections when the distance from the router is significant. However, it is more susceptible to interference, resulting in reduced speed. The 5 GHz band is faster, but its range is shorter and it is more sensitive to obstacles.
In short, these are some tests you can run to see if your internet connection is improving and to determine if the problem is general, related to your router, or related to a specific device you are using.