A weak Wi-Fi signal can be frustrating, causing slow internet speeds, buffering videos, and dropped connections. There are several ways to diagnose and improve your home’s Wi-Fi coverage, depending on the specific issue you’re facing. This guide will walk you through the process of diagnosing the problem and then solving it.
In the video above, This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey helps a homeowner fix his slow WiFi. The family reported having problems with their WiFi since they moved in, rendering them unable to stream movies on their basement television or even send emails quickly. To fix their problem, Trethewey installs a mesh network–a distributed router system that strengthens WiFi connectivity and increases coverage.
Start With an Internet Speed Test
Solving your WiFi issue starts with figuring out your current speed. The issue might be the speed level you pay for, not your equipment. Several websites offer speed testing services, including Google (simply search: “internet speed test”) and Speedtest.net.
A speed test will return a download rate and an upload rate measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Your download rate is the speed at which your computer collects information from other machines. This determines video streaming quality and webpage load speeds.
- 25 Mbps: This should be enough to browse the web, send emails, and stream music, but it is not suitable for high-definition video streaming.
- 50 Mbps: This speed is adequate for streaming high-quality video if only one device is connected. It is not suitable for a large household with several connected devices.
- 75 Mbps: This rate is adequate for video streaming in small households and for online gaming.
- 100+ Mbps: This rate is more than fast enough for most households. Higher rates are only necessary if many devices are connected, as in an apartment complex or office building.
Keep in mind that internet speeds are divided among connected computers, so while 25 Mbps may be enough to stream movies to a single phone, it may not be adequate if other devices use data.
Upload speeds are important for sending information. Unless you are gaming or streaming, 25 Mbps is adequate for most households. A 75 Mbps or higher upload speed is ideal for online gaming.
If you find that your speed isn’t adequate for your needs, check to make sure that you’re getting all you pay for. Most internet service plans include a speed guarantee. You may be able to upgrade your plan to get higher speeds.
How Can You Diagnose Wi-Fi Issues?
If your speed is fine but you’re still experiencing issues, your WiFi signal may be the problem. Finding the proper solution for a slow internet means diagnosing the root cause of your weak signal. Factors that impact your Wi-Fi signal strength include:
- Distance from the router
- Physical obstacles like walls and floors
- Interference from other electronic devices
- Network congestion
- Outdated modem or router technology
When testing your internet speed, perform your diagnosis in this order:
1. Check Your Internet Service
The first step is to determine which speeds you are supposed to get. Locate your most recent internet bill to determine your advertised speed. If your advertised speed is too low, consider an upgrade.
2. Check the Modem
The first place to test your internet speed is directly at the modem. Hardwire a laptop computer directly to your modem using an ethernet cable and perform a speed test.
If your internet speeds are as expected, move on to router testing.
If your internet speeds are lower than expected, there is an issue with either the fiber to your house or the modem. Contact your internet service provider to investigate the issue further. There may be damage to their infrastructure, or the service technician may have improperly configured your modem. Another possibility is that your modem is broken or outdated–a service technician will be able to determine this.
3. Check the WiFi Router
In some cases, you may have a combined modem and router. These can also be separate devices (with the router wired to the modem via ethernet). Either way, if your modem delivers appropriate speeds to hardwired devices, your slow internet is due to poor WiFi connectivity.
Assessing Router Performance
Test your internet speed over the Wi-Fi network while standing directly beside your router. If speeds are slow even under this condition, the issue is either with your router or the result of heavy interference.
Interference
If you live in a multi-residential building, you may experience poor WiFi connectivity due to interference from many other routers. The best way to mitigate interference is to use a router that delivers signals at the 5 GHz frequency. Most modern routers emit signals at 2.5 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.5 GHz band has a broader range but is more susceptible to interference as a result.
Assessing Router Placement
The location of your router plays a significant role in Wi-Fi coverage. Ideal placement includes:
- A central location within your home
- Away from exterior walls
- Elevated position
- Clear of obstructions
In many cases, it is not possible to move your router without running more wires through your home. If you cannot move your router, you can extend the strength of your signal by installing a mesh network.
Solutions for Improving Wi-Fi Signal
If you’ve determined a poor Wi-Fi signal is the source of your slow internet speeds, the issue can be addressed by:
- Optimizing router settings
- Upgrading router hardware
- Implementing a mesh network
- Using a Wi-Fi extender
- Reducing interference
We’ll walk through each option with more detail next.
Optimizing Router Settings
Adjusting your router settings can significantly improve Wi-Fi performance. You may need to update your router’s software, or change Wi-Fi channels to reduce interference. Look for your router model name and search the manufacturer’s website for a troubleshooting guide. It should be able to walk you through your router’s specific settings.
Upgrading Router Hardware
If your router is outdated, consider upgrading to a newer model with improved features. Look for routers supporting the latest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E). Choose a router with multiple antennas for better coverage, or consider a tri-band router for improved performance.
Mesh Networks
A mesh network is a series of relays that amplify your WiFi signal throughout your house. It can provide comprehensive coverage for larger homes or those with persistent dead spots. These devices offer seamless coverage across multiple floors of your house, and are generally easy to set up and manage through a mobile app. As you move through the home, the mesh network will automatically route your WiFi through the nearest device. You can also easily add new devices to the network as needed.
Wi-Fi Extenders
While not as effective as mesh networks, Wi-Fi extenders can be a budget-friendly option for smaller homes.
Make sure the extender you choose is compatible with your router. We recommend dual-band extenders for better performance. Place extenders halfway between your router and dead zones.
Reducing Interference
Minimize interference from other devices to improve your Wi-Fi signal. Keep routers away from microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to identify and avoid crowded channels, and consider using the 5 GHz band for less interference in densely populated areas.
Achieving a stable and strong Wi-Fi signal isn’t a one-time task. It requires regular monitoring, updates, and investments in new technologies.