The slow internet is a recurring problem for users throughout Brazil. Several factors can interfere with Wi-Fi connection speedfrom technical failures to inappropriate use of equipment. The good news is that in most cases there are affordable solutions to recover stability and network performance.
With the advancement of remote work, online classes and consumption, the demand for faster connections has increased significantly. However, the service delivered by the operators corresponds to the expectation of the consumer, but in many cases the problem is indoors: Poorly positioned routers, old devices and common interference They can compromise the whole experience.
What interferes with Wi-Fi speed at home?
The quality of the is affected by multiple factors, including physical barriers, electromagnetic interference and up to the number of connected devices. One of the main villains is the excess of walls or furniture between the router and the user, which can block or weaken the transmitted signal. Larger or many rooms tend to suffer more from this kind of obstacle.
Another critical point is the electronic equipment that operates at the same frequency as Wi-Fi, as Microwave, wireless phones and even electronic nannies. They can generate signal interference, impairing connection stability. In addition, neighboring networks using the same transmission channel can overload the environment and cause slowness.
O number of people and connected devices Simultaneously also influences performance. In a house with several residents using smartphones, notebooks, TVs and video games at the same time, the router can have difficulty distributing the band in a balanced way, especially if the contracted plan is low speed.
The obsolescence of the equipment also weighs. Old or low quality routers cannot take advantage of the full capacity of the current, even if the plan offered by the operator is of high speed. The lack of updating of these devices can generate safety and performance failures.
How to know if the router is in trouble?
Signs such as frequent falls in the connection, speed far below expected or areas of the house without coverage are indicative that the router may be in trouble. The first step to diagnosing failures is restartsimple procedure that solves many temporary instabilities.
Another important test is to connect a device directly to the modem with a network cable. If the internet works normally in this scenario, the problem is probably on the router or Wi-Fi network. In more persistent cases, you may need to access the device’s control panel to check out pending updates or possible incorrect settings.
It is also possible Analyze the indicator lights of the router. Lights flashing in red or sloppy often signal connection failures. If the equipment is overheating, this can also affect performance. Position it in airy and obstacle-free places help in ventilation.
If the router is very old, especially models over five, it is recommended to consider the replacement with a more modern device. Devices supported to latest standards such as Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 deliver better performance, safety and range.
Lastly, if even with all adjustments the slowness persists, the failure can be internal in the router or in its power supply. Specialized technical assists may test the equipment or indicate the need for exchange.
Applications to measure and improve internet connection
Free applications can help identify network bottlenecks and measure connection quality. Among the most popular are the Speedtest by Ooklao Fast.comfrom Netflix, and the OpenSignalthey show the real speed of download and upload, in addition to latency, which helps to understand if there is loss of performance.
O WiFi AnalyzerAvailable for Android, it is useful for analyzing frequency channels available in the neighborhood. With it, the user can reconfigure the router to operate on a less congested channel, which often improves signal stability.
Some applications also offer router positioning suggestions and signal maps of the signal, such as the Netspot or Ubiquiti Wifiman. These features help identify blind spots and define the best places for installing repeaters or mesh routers.
There are also tools that help manage which devices are connected to the network, something important to avoid improper access. The Fing app, for example, shows all active devices and alerts to suspicious connections.
Does the router distance make so much difference?
The distance between the device and router has a direct impact on the intensity and quality of the Wi-Fi signal. The further the user is, especially if there are walls, doors or other physical obstacles, the greater the loss of performance of the connection.
Most Wi-Fi technology operates based on radio waves that weaken when crossing materials such as concrete, metal and even wood. In apartments with reinforced structure, for example, it is common for the signal to be strong in one room and practically null and void in another.
Therefore, it is recommended to position the router in a central place of the residence, preferably high and far from appliances or metal objects. Avoiding leaving it inside cabinets or behind furniture also contributes to better coverage.
For larger residences, the Use of repeaters or mesh systems may be necessary. Repeaters capture the existing signal and relay it, expanding range. Mesh systems create a unique network with various access points, promoting uniform coverage.
The distance does not only interfere with speed, but also with latency and stability. In online games or, for example, being away from the router can generate locking and connection falls. The closer to the device, the more efficient the navigation.
