The source can be difficult to diagnose, and while a bad connection is often the culprit, it could also be down to your router.
To help banish the broadband blues, we run through some potential router problems to get you back up and running.
Our guide to the offers a range of advice around wireless routers, extenders and mesh systems1. Is your broadband speed too slow?
The first port of call in diagnosing a broadband problem is checking your broadband speed.
No matter how good your router, your broadband speed is restricted by your broadband contract. Speed is measured in megabytes per second (Mbps), and whether it's fast enough for you will depend on what you're doing online.
Devices connected to your router via wi-fi are likely to experience slower speeds, particularly if they are far away from the router. In this situation, there are a number of steps you can take to try and resolve the problem.
2. Pick a good spot for your router
The location of your router, especially in relation to where you want the wi-fi to extend to, is an important factor in the speed you may be achieving.
If your router is set up in your living room but you have a home office upstairs, the distance and objects between your living room and your office may be too great for the router to overcome. If you can set up your router in or closer to the room that requires the best wi-fi speed and coverage, it will likely help greatly.
Things such as furniture, walls, ceilings, and materials such as concrete, metal and plaster can weaken a wi-fi signal. In addition, devices like microwaves and cordless phones will all act as obstacles to your coverage. While you might be tempted to tuck a router in a corner out of sight, bear in mind the potential affect on coverage and speed if the signal is restricted. Tighter and more confined spaces such as the foyer and staircase, which are surrounded more closely by walls, can see weaker coverage when compared to more open and spaced out rooms.
3. Check how many devices are connecting at once
Each router we review is challenged against dozens of wi-fi devices. We use a wide range, from computers and TVs to tablets, smartphones, game consoles and other smart tech, including app-controlled thermostats and lights. One thing is clear – the number of devices vying for an internet connection can seriously affect speed.
You'll need to weigh this up if your router or your broadband speed isn't up to the task at hand. Consider which connected smart devices you really need and use, and how many devices are streaming music or video at the same time in the home.
A better solution is to opt for a router (whether ISP or third party) that can handle many devices simultaneously. Any router that scores at least 3 stars in our stress tests would be a solid choice for handling demanding and or multiple devices trying to connect. Each model we test gets a stress test rating, along with other performance ratings such as coverage and real-home testing.
For a better idea of the difference in the levels you can expect, here are some examples:
Browse our to weigh up the performance of different models. 4. Is y
Consider the following features when upgrading a router to help ensure it won't hold you back:
Dual-band wi-fi capable routers
Single-band routers are basic devices that only operate on the 2.4GHz band. This frequency is fine for tasks such as browsing online, but can struggle with gaming or streaming 4K video.
Dual-band routers add a second 5GHz band. 5GHz is better for taxing tasks such as watching HD and 4K video, though it is shorter range. Some dual-band routers can transmit simultaneously on both bands to deliver both flexibility and bandwidth.
Gigabit ethernet cable support
Some newer routers include one or more 1GB ethernet port(s). This is a great feature for those who enjoy online gaming. Via this connection, your router can send and receive a signal to and from servers faster, making your online experience seamless and interruption free. You are still restricted by the native speed of your broadband package, however.
App support
Some routers have an accompanying app with features and settings you can tinker with. These include parental controls, in which you can administer internet access to certain devices and block access to dodgy URLs. You can also monitor internet speeds, display your network map (showing any mesh systems and or extenders connected to your router) and monitor what wi-fi devices are connected in real time – a useful diagnostic tool.
Wi-fi 6 capable routers
5. Consider an extender or mesh network
If you've tried the above solutions, are limited by where you can set up and position your router, or live in a large household that requires network access in multiple locations, you may benefit from an amplifier for your router. Two solutions are extenders and mesh systems. If you feel you should invest in an extender or mesh, check that your internet provider doesn’t offer these for free as a solution to slow or weak broadband.
Extenders
The cheaper of the two, an extender is designed to give your router more reach in a specific location. It will broadcast the network signal from your router to an area in your home that has no or weak signal. If the connection is rebroadcast via an extender, you may find that your network speed is slower than what's possible through just the router. Although this is not a universal problem when using extenders, it can be an issue.
Our reveal the models that are best at filling those signal gaps.Mesh systems
A mesh network consists of a number of nodes (a series of identical devices) that effectively act as extra routers. They can be positioned around your home to create a chain of devices, emanating from your router (the start and source of the chain) and providing an extension of your broadband signal. They don’t create additional networks, instead boosting the range of your router network seamlessly throughout your home.
With a well positioned chain of mesh nodes, you can greatly expand your broadband coverage, even into your front or back garden, driveway or garage.
Our rate the most effective at whole-home wi-fi coverage.News, deals and stuff the manuals don't tell you.source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/5-reasons-your-router-could-be-affecting-your-broadband-speed-aLbbm5w2uroe