Complete guide to testing and optimizing your WiFi router performance
Understanding your WiFi router's role in your network
A Wi-Fi router routes traffic to and from other network devices which are connected wirelessly. It's the hub that enables all your devices to connect to the internet without cables.
Wi-Fi Router
RJ45 Cable
What you'll need to check your internet speed at the router
A laptop or computer that can connect with a network cable
Most routers come with them
Usually has antennas but not always
Testing takes a few minutes
Follow these steps to test your router's performance
Skip this step if you have a combination modem and router.
Make sure your router is directly connected to your modem using the port labeled WAN (often a different color than the rest).
Power off your router for 5 minutes. This allows it to fully reset and clear any temporary issues.
Connect your laptop directly to your router using the RJ45 cable. Use one of the LAN ports (not the WAN port).
Power on your router and watch the lights on it to ensure it shows that it is connected. This sometimes takes several minutes.
Open a browser on your laptop and navigate to https://www.speedtest.net (or a similar speed testing site) and run a speed test.
If the speed test result is what you expected, yet you still have poor Wi-Fi, then the problem is likely with:
Settings may need adjustment
Yes, they do wear out over time
Too many devices on same channel
Weak coverage in certain areas
Use these tools to find the best WiFi channel
Find the channel that is least congested and switch your router to use that channel. Acrylic Wi-Fi Home can be used for both finding the best channel and testing signal strength.
Please only attempt this if you have confidence in what you are doing.
A more advanced troubleshooting step is to revert your router's configuration back to the factory default settings. This is often done by depressing a small button with the tip of a pen or paperclip for 30 seconds or so.
Identifying and solving typical router problems
If you find your router occasionally just stops and you have to reboot it to regain Wi-Fi, it's likely due to an underpowered router.
Routers are like small computers and if they are under stress they often just stop responding - somewhat like people.
If you find your signal strength is good near the router but poor throughout the rest of the house, there are a few options:
Options to improve signal throughout your home
Run cable from your router to the destination in your house that has poor signal strength and connect the access point.
Limitation: Often not possible in finished houses.
View OptionsExtends your existing WiFi signal to hard-to-reach areas.
Best For: Smaller homes with moderate WiFi needs.
View OptionsMultiple units work together to create seamless coverage throughout your home.
Best For: Larger homes or high WiFi demand.
View OptionsIf you've tested your speed directly at the modem and found it to be as expected but found the speed to be slow when directly connected to the router, there's a good chance it's time for a new router.
Reset your router to factory default and check to ensure the latest firmware is installed on the router. See your user manual for instructions. If the speed is still slow after that, then it's time to purchase a new router.
Make an informed decision when purchasing router hardware
I'm not going to recommend a specific type of hardware to purchase since technology changes frequently and everybody's needs and budget are different. Read the reviews and do your homework and you'll be fine.
If this is all just too much, we're here to help. Contact us and we'd be glad to offer our services to help you out.
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