Why is my WiFi slow?

This guide will help you understand why your Wi-Fi might feel slow, how it’s different from your nbn internet connection, and what you can do to improve your wireless speeds at home.

Wi-Fi vs. Internet: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse Wi-Fi and the internet, but they’re actually two different things! Think of it like this:

• The Internet is the vast network of servers, computers, and data all around the world. It’s the destination you want to reach to browse websites, stream videos, and send emails. Your nbn connection brings the internet to your home.
• Wi-Fi is like the road that connects your devices (like your phone, laptop, or smart TV) wirelessly to your modem/router, which is connected to the internet. It allows you to access the internet without being physically plugged in.

So, you can have a fast nbn internet connection coming into your home, but if your Wi-Fi “road” is congested or has potholes, your devices will still experience slow speeds wirelessly.

Think of it this way

Your Solitary Technology nbn speed is like the speed limit on a highway, while your Wi-Fi speed is how fast your car can actually travel on the local road from your driveway to the highway entrance.

Why Your Wi-Fi Can Be Slow

Several factors can affect your Wi-Fi speed, even if your nbn™ internet connection is performing correctly. Here are some common culprits:

1. Location, Location, Location

Your modem/router’s position in your home makes a big difference.

• Distance: The further away your device is from the modem, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal becomes, leading to slower speeds.
• Obstacles: Walls (especially brick or concrete), floors, and even large furniture can block or weaken Wi-Fi signals.
• Interference: Other electronic devices can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.

2. Interference from Other Devices

Many household devices use similar radio frequencies to Wi-Fi, causing interference.

• Microwave ovens
• Cordless phones
• Bluetooth devices
• Wireless cameras
• Even your neighbour’s Wi-Fi network!

3. Too Many Devices Connected

Just like too many cars on a road cause traffic, too many devices actively using your Wi-Fi at the same time can slow things down for everyone. Streaming video, downloading large files, and online gaming use a lot of bandwidth.

4. Older Equipment

Your modem/router’s age and technology can impact your Wi-Fi performance. Older routers may not support the latest and fastest Wi-Fi standards.

5. Outdated Firmware

Modem/router manufacturers regularly release software updates (firmware) to improve performance and fix issues. If your firmware is outdated, it could be affecting your speed.

How to Improve Your Wi-Fi Speeds

Here are some steps you can take to try and boost your Wi-Fi performance:

1. Relocate Your Modem/Router:

   • Place it in a central location in your home.
   • Elevate it off the floor.
   • Keep it away from walls, large metal objects, and other electronic devices.
   • Aim for a line-of-sight between your router and your most used devices where possible.

2. Minimize Interference:

   • Try moving devices that might cause interference away from your modem/router.
   • Some routers have dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz). The 5GHz band is generally faster and less prone to interference, but has a shorter range. Try connecting devices that are closer to the router to the 5GHz band and devices further away to the 2.4GHz band. You might be able to change this in your modem’s settings.

3. Reduce the Number of Connected Devices (If Possible):

   • If you have many devices, consider which ones are actively using the internet and if any can be temporarily disconnected.
   • For devices that use a lot of data (like smart TVs or gaming consoles), consider connecting them directly to the modem/router using an Ethernet cable for a more stable and faster connection.

4. Update Your Modem/Router’s Firmware:

   • Check your modem/router’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to check for and install firmware updates.

5. Consider Your Equipment:

   • If your modem/router is several years old, upgrading to a newer model that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6) could significantly improve your speeds and coverage.
   • For larger homes or areas with weak signal, consider a mesh Wi-Fi system. These systems use multiple units placed around your home to create a strong, consistent Wi-Fi network.

6. Test Your Speed:

   • Perform a speed test wirelessly from different locations in your home to see how your Wi-Fi speed varies.
   • Try connecting a device directly to your modem/router with an Ethernet cable and run a speed test. This will give you a good indication of the internet speed reaching your home. If the speed is significantly faster via Ethernet than Wi-Fi, the issue is likely with your in-home Wi-Fi setup.

Important Note

Improving your Wi-Fi will help the speed of devices connected wirelessly within your home. It will not increase the maximum internet speed of your nbn™ connection, which is determined by your chosen plan and the technology available at your address.

Still Having Trouble?

If you’ve tried these steps and are still experiencing slow Wi-Fi, there may be other factors at play.

Check for nbn Outages

Learn how to check for nbn outages

Take an internet speed test

Learn how to take an internet speed test

Contact Support Get in touch with our friendly support team for further assistance.

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