Your broadband and Wi-Fi are not the same thing.
Broadband brings the internet into your home. Your router then uses Wi-Fi to connect your phones, laptops, TVs and other devices.
So, if the internet seems slow, first find out which one is causing the problem.
What Is a Router?
Your router connects your devices to your broadband.
Most people use the router supplied by their broadband provider. It normally gives you both:
- Wi-Fi for wireless devices
- Ethernet ports for wired devices
The router is therefore an important part of your home network.
Broadband or Wi-Fi?
This is the first thing to check.
If the internet is slow on every device, there may be a problem with your broadband connection.
However, if it works well near the router but becomes slow in other rooms, Wi-Fi is more likely to be the problem.
A simple test can help.
Connect a computer directly to the router with an Ethernet cable, if possible. Then run a speed test.
If the wired connection is good but Wi-Fi is poor, your broadband may be working properly.
The problem is more likely to be inside your home.
Move Your Router
Where you put your router matters.
Wi-Fi becomes weaker as it travels through walls and other objects. So, try to place the router:
- out in the open
- off the floor
- near the centre of your home
- away from thick walls
- away from large metal objects
- away from other electrical devices
Avoid hiding it in a cupboard or behind furniture.
A more open position can improve Wi-Fi without costing anything.
Keep It Away From Interference
Other devices can affect Wi-Fi.
For example, interference can come from:
- microwave ovens
- baby monitors
- cordless phones
- speakers
- some lights and dimmer switches
So, give your router some space.
Also, keep it away from large objects such as radiators and fish tanks, which can weaken the signal.
Restart Your Router
If your Wi-Fi suddenly becomes slow or unreliable, try restarting the router.
Turn it off, wait about 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
This can clear a temporary problem.
However, do not keep turning your router off every night. Leaving it on allows it to receive updates from your provider.
Check Your Devices
Sometimes the router is not the problem.
If one phone or laptop is slow but everything else works well, check that device first.
Try restarting it and installing any updates. Also, close apps you are not using.
An older device may also have older Wi-Fi technology, so it may not reach the same speeds as a newer one.
Too Many Devices?
Phones, TVs, tablets, games consoles and smart devices can all use your connection.
Some may also download updates or send data when you are not actively using them.
So, if your connection slows down at busy times, check what else is online.
Large downloads and video streaming can use a lot of your connection.
What Are Wi-Fi Bands?
Modern routers can use different Wi-Fi bands.
You may see:
2.4 GHz
Usually reaches further, but can be slower.
5 GHz
Can be faster, but usually has a shorter range.
Newer routers often manage these for you, so you may not need to change anything yourself.
However, the difference helps explain why Wi-Fi speed can change around your home.
What Is Wi-Fi 6?
You may also see terms such as Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6.
These are different generations of Wi-Fi.
Newer versions can offer better speed and cope better with many devices. However, your phone, laptop or other device also needs to support the newer technology to get the full benefit.
So, a new router will not always make an old device faster.
Use Ethernet Where Possible
Wi-Fi is convenient, but a cable can give you a faster and more reliable connection.
An Ethernet cable connects a device directly to your router.
This can work well for devices that stay in one place, such as:
- desktop computers
- smart TVs
- games consoles
It can also help you test whether a problem is with the broadband or the Wi-Fi.
What Is a Wi-Fi Booster?
A Wi-Fi booster or extender can help the signal reach an area where it is weak.
However, boosters can sometimes reduce speed.
So, first try moving your router. If that does not work, a booster may help with a small weak spot.
For larger homes, a mesh system may work better.
What Is Mesh Wi-Fi?
A mesh system uses several Wi-Fi units around your home.
They work together to spread Wi-Fi over a wider area.
This can help if you have:
- a large home
- several floors
- thick walls
- rooms with poor Wi-Fi
However, mesh systems cost money.
So, try the free fixes first.
Need a New Router?
An older router may struggle with faster broadband or lots of devices.
If yours is old, ask your broadband provider whether it can supply a newer one.
You can also buy your own router. However, setup may be harder and your broadband provider may offer less help if something goes wrong.
So, check with the provider before replacing its router.
Improve Wi-Fi in This Order
First, check whether the problem is really Wi-Fi.
Then:
- Restart the router.
- Move it into a better position.
- Keep it away from interference.
- Check whether one device is causing the problem.
- Use Ethernet where practical.
- Consider a booster for a small weak area.
- Consider mesh Wi-Fi for wider coverage.
- Ask about a newer router if yours is old.
Only then consider paying for faster broadband.
Key Points
- Broadband and Wi-Fi are different.
- Poor Wi-Fi does not always mean slow broadband.
- Put your router somewhere open and central.
- Ethernet can be faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.
- Try free fixes before buying new equipment.
Fix the Wi-Fi before paying for more speed.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
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