Slow WiFi is one of the most common frustrations at home and at work, and it is often blamed on the broadband provider. In many cases the internet connection coming into the building is fine; the problem is getting that connection to every room. Here are the most common causes and what can be done about them.
1. The router is in the wrong place
Routers are usually installed wherever the phone or fibre line enters the building, often in a hallway corner or behind the TV. WiFi signal weakens with distance and with every wall and floor it passes through, so rooms at the far end of the house can struggle.
2. Thick walls and building materials
Stone, brick, concrete, foil-backed insulation, underfloor heating and mirrors all block or absorb WiFi. Older Devon homes with thick walls and modern extensions with insulated walls are both common problem areas.
3. Too many devices
Phones, laptops, TVs, speakers, cameras, doorbells and smart home devices all share the same WiFi. A basic router supplied by the broadband provider can struggle when dozens of devices are connected at once.
4. Interference from neighbouring networks
In flats, terraces and busy areas, many networks compete for the same channels. This causes slowdowns and dropouts, particularly in the evenings.
5. Extenders and poorly set up mesh
Plug-in extenders repeat a signal that is already weak, which often halves the speed. Mesh systems can work well, but if the units are too far apart they suffer the same problem.
6. Old equipment
Older routers and devices may not support newer WiFi standards, limiting speed and the number of devices they can handle.
What you can try yourself
- Restart the router and any extenders
- Move the router somewhere more central and higher up, if possible
- Plug TVs, games consoles and desktop computers in with a cable
- Test your speed next to the router, then in the problem room, to see where the drop happens
When to call a WiFi engineer
If the speed next to the router is good but drops away in other rooms, the problem is coverage, not your broadband. The reliable fix is usually one or more access points connected back to the router by cable, positioned after a proper signal survey.
Our WiFi engineers find and fix WiFi problems in homes and businesses across Exeter and Devon. For new installations see home WiFi and networking and business WiFi, or book a free consultation.
