Anyone ever had a problem with their browser and streaming slowing down at some point unexpectedly? It may be indicative of your wireless router’s poor performance. Now, let me explain to how much your wireless router actually matters to your internet speed. Here it takes us to the factors which affect internet speed and learn the important role played by our wireless router.
1. Bandwidth capability of Wireless Router
Perhaps one of the most important ones that affect your internet speed is the routers total bandwidth. Some routers have varying band width which determines the speed of the internet you get to use. For example, if you expect Internet speed of 100 Megabits per second (Mbps), you might only get that if your router supports 100 Mbps, but it can deliver only 50 Mbps for instance. In order to get the best possible experience out of your internet plan however, it is important to get a router with adequate bandwidth capability.
2. Wireless Standard and Version
It’s important to understand that the wireless standard and version of your router also play a big role in speeds. The current standards for wireless technology include Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax extended) and offer higher throughput and more connected devices. 802.11ac or 802.11n may still be viable standards, but their speed will not be as great as that of the more recent variants. Reloading with a newer generation wireless router can actually bring about a massive boost in Internet speed.
3. Router Location and Position
How you place your router affects the speed and reliability of the connection to the internet as well. For instance, positioning the router in an uncovered location, some distance from walls and other barriers improves signal quality. It is also important to place your router well off the ground and in the middle of the area that needs to be covered.
4. Number of Connected Devices
The more the devices that are connected to a router, more the division of the bandwidth among the devices hence slow internet speed. Individual users may not experience the slowdown, but when multiple devices are streaming or downloading concurrently, they experiences slow internet speeds. Some simple ways of controlling your connected devices and bandwidth usage can however ensure that you get the best speeds.
5. Router’s Physical and Logical
How fast your internet connection is can also determine by the hardware and software system of the router you have. Old routers do not support new internet speed and hence act as a barrier to internet connection. In addition, going distress when devices have insufficient RAM or processing power to connect to other devices is common. Updated firmware and verifying that routers’ specifications are up to the standard are some ways of making internet faster.
6. Disturbance from Other ElectronicsheadlineInterference from Other Electronics
Other electronic devices connected to the internet can also cause change in internet speed. Microwaves, cordless phones and Bluetooth gadgets are some of the devices that may interfer with your wireless networks. To reduce signal interference with these devices and improve internet speed, you need to leave them off your router and use different channels frequencies.
7. The Wired Connection vs The Wireless Connection
As much as people prefer wireless connections, wired connections are normally more reliable and faster in delivering internet. , ethernet cables are more reliable than wireless connections since they deliver the internet speed very fast. To cement speed and security your internet connection, opt for which range of your devices to your router and employ Ethernet cables.
8. Signal Range and Coverage
A poor signal strength and coverage of a specific router may also affect your internet speed especially where you live in a big house or apartment with many floors. When you have routers that provide a small coverage area, there could be gaps in your house and when your devices connect to the router, you experience slow internet or your connection drops. Purchasing a router with a greater coverage area or the use of range boosters can go along way in achieving full strength internet throughout your house.
Conclusion:
Many people underestimate their wireless router in choosing the internet speed because it is a very important component. Other influential internet speed is bandwidth capacity, Wireless Standard and Version, location of routers, number of devices connected, HW & SW, interferences, wired or wireless connection, distance & coverage of the signal. Understanding these factors and making the right changes will help you to have the best wireless router for the internet connection.
