Is It Your Wi-Fi or Your Internet Service?

Before you start adjusting settings, it's important to figure out where the slowdown is actually happening. Plug a laptop or desktop directly into your router with an ethernet cable and run a speed test at fast.com or speedtest.net. If speeds are fine on a wired connection but slow over Wi-Fi, the problem is your wireless network. If speeds are slow on the wired connection too, contact your internet service provider (ISP) — the issue is upstream of your router.

Quick Fixes to Try First

  1. Restart your router and modem — Unplug both devices from power, wait 30 seconds, then plug the modem back in first. Wait for it to fully connect, then plug in the router. This clears memory and refreshes your connection to the ISP.
  2. Move closer to the router — Wi-Fi signal weakens with distance and through walls. Test your speed from the same room as the router to rule out a range issue.
  3. Disconnect unused devices — Every connected device uses a slice of your bandwidth. Temporarily disconnect smart TVs, game consoles, and other devices to see if speeds improve.

Router Placement: The Most Overlooked Fix

Router placement has a huge impact on Wi-Fi performance. Follow these guidelines:

  • Place the router in a central, elevated location — not in a cabinet, corner, or closet.
  • Keep it away from microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors, which can interfere with the 2.4 GHz band.
  • Avoid putting it directly on the floor or behind large metal objects like filing cabinets.
  • If your home is large or has thick walls, consider a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system.

Check Your Wi-Fi Band

Modern routers broadcast on two frequency bands:

  • 2.4 GHz — longer range, more interference, lower speed. Good for devices far from the router.
  • 5 GHz — shorter range, less interference, much faster. Best for devices close to the router like laptops and phones.

Log into your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and check if your device is connected to the right band. Switch your primary devices to 5 GHz if they're within range.

Update Your Router's Firmware

Outdated router firmware can cause performance and stability problems. Log into your router's admin panel, navigate to the "Administration" or "Advanced" section, and look for a firmware update option. Many modern routers check for updates automatically, but it's worth verifying.

Change Your Wi-Fi Channel

If your neighbours' routers are using the same channel as yours, you'll experience congestion and interference. Use a free tool like Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or Wireless Diagnostics (Mac) to see which channels are crowded, then log into your router and switch to a less congested channel. For 2.4 GHz, channels 1, 6, and 11 don't overlap — choose whichever is least used in your area.

When to Call Your ISP

If you've worked through all the steps above and speeds are still consistently below what your plan promises, it's time to contact your ISP. Ask them to:

  • Run a line test from their end
  • Check for outages or congestion in your area
  • Send a technician to inspect your cable or phone line connection

Keep a record of your speed test results over several days before calling — this gives the support team concrete data to work with.