Why Is My WiFi Slow? Understanding the Causes and Solutions

Common Causes of Slow WiFi

All technology devices have a lifespan, and wireless technology is no different. However, there are ways to future-proof your WiFi network so that you can enjoy many years of seamless networking.

Here are five causes of slow WiFi.
1. 1. Router Age & Technology – Older routers and devices don’t support the latest WiFi 7 standard technology. Upgrading to the latest router technology is often a great quick-fix a number of WiFi issues.
2. 2. ISP Limitations – The rented modem and router combo device (sometimes called a Gateway) supplied by your internet service provider (ISP) is likely an older model with inferior WiFi technology. Bypassing those limitations with your own modern Router can give you a great WiFi speed-boost. Your ISP provisioning speed also puts a hard-limit on your maximum Internet speeds. The fastest WiFi Routers available can be limited by slower data plans.
3. 3. Interference & Obstacles – WiFi signals are significantly diminished when impeded by solid walls and other physical barriers. Competing WiFi signals, channel congestion, and device distance from the router can all impact wireless performance. An upgraded Router or Mesh system can also give you improved performance in tricky environments.
4. 4. Device Overload – Older routers can struggle to manage multiple connected devices at once, leading to slower network performance and disruptions. Unmanaged streaming, or uploads & downloads can also saturate your WiFi performance.
5. 5. Placement & Coverage – Routers function best when positioned in an open and slightly elevated space. Avoid placing your router in a cupboard or closed-in corner of the room. Also – Too many, or poorly optimized placement WiFi Extenders or Mesh Satellites may cause issues. Move your router or improve your coverage with a WiFi upgrade.
6. 6. Software & Hardware Glitches – Like any computer, your router and connected devices can experience software glitches, memory overload, or hardware fatigue over time. Components can overheat, and your WiFi environment may shift. A simple reboot of your router, modem, or devices—or even just toggling the WiFi on and off—can provide a temporary performance boost.

Run a Speed Test to find WiFi issues

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to run internet speed tests. These tests show the internet speed from the ISP to the modem, from the modem to your router, and from the router to your devices. You can use the internal speed test feature of NETGEAR Nighthawk and Orbi routers. There are also lots of free online speed test resources. You can access performance metrics, data rates, latency, and other WiFi system speed specs. System setup and connection with the Nighthawk App or Orbi App takes only a few minutes.

If your speed test shows that you’re getting what you’re paying for, but your WiFi is still slow, the issue likely lies with your home network, not your ISP. In most cases, investing in a high-quality Mesh system or Router will give you much better performance than the gateway your ISP might try to upsell you on.

Understanding Device Compatibility

It has been ten short years since the introduction of WiFi 5, and wireless technology has advanced tremendously. WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E were big leaps forward, and now the latest WiFi 7 standard is again transforming the industry. WiFi 7 is the secret behind the latest virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive devices for work and play.

WiFi 7 is future-proofed internet and NETGEAR WiFi 7 routers are backward compatible with older WiFi 6 and WiFi 5 devices. The full benefit of WiFi 7 will be appreciated as you progressively upgrade your system with WiFi 7-enabled devices.

Device performance can be affected by your router. An older router may suffice in a small space with few connected devices, but it can’t compare to the latest NETGEAR Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 7 Mesh that can cover up to 10,000 sq. ft. with blazing-fast internet.

Optimizing Your WiFi Network Setup

An average WiFi home network can have dozens of devices all simultaneously vying for bandwidth. Knowing how to fix slow internet speeds is a good first step in troubleshooting your network. Newer routers and Mesh Systems generally can handle more devices simultaneously leading to fewer congestion-related slowdowns.

There are several ways to optimize your network setup, including:
1. Router Placement – Position the router in an open, central position to optimize router settings and performance. Keep your router out of the closet.
2. Wired Connections – Use wired connections for devices near the router to save bandwidth for more remote wireless devices.

   Alternatively, connect with a WiFi mesh system that includes router satellites with Ethernet ports for additional wired connection options.

3. Optimal Signal Range – Router capabilities vary by model. The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S offers WiFi 7 coverage up to 3,500 sq. ft., while the RS300 delivers speeds up to 9.3Gbps and covers 2,500 sq. ft. Ensure a strong signal between the router, satellites, and devices for best performance.
Note on Coverage: 2,000-3,500 sq. ft. of coverage equals about 25-33 ft. from the WiFi Router or Mesh Satellite antennas. Greater distances or obstacles may reduce speeds and increase latency. If a single router can’t cover your entire home, consider Mesh WiFi solutions such as NETGEAR Orbi with multi-unit 3-pack, offering up to 10,000 sq. ft. of optimized coverage.

Mesh Systems and Extenders

There are several ways to boost an internet connection and extend a WiFi network to eliminate dead zones and slower speeds. WiFi extenders, wall-plug mesh extenders, and additional routers can all be utilized to reduce outages and buffering that slow down wireless connections. The addition of WiFi mesh systems, such as the NETGEAR Orbi 970 Quad-Band WiFi 7 Mesh, has transformed the capabilities of home internet beyond all expectations.

Orbi 970 can connect with 200+ devices simultaneously for high-speed internet streaming, online gaming, and downloading large files in moments. An Orbi whole-home mesh system can include a home network, a guest network, and a smart home Internet of Things (IoT) WiFi network. All devices under one roof, such as laptops, Apple and Android smartphones, microwaves, gaming consoles, security systems, and more can connect with powerful signal strength, stronger WiFi connections, and faster speeds than ever.

Learn More: What is Mesh WiFi?

Security Considerations

The importance of robust network security with antivirus to mitigate spam, malware, and other malicious intrusions can’t be overstated. NETGEAR security systems for Orbi and Nighthawk devices include NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender, with WPA3 encryption and VPN. NETGEAR systems also include features such as Smart Parental Controls to monitor your kid’s online time and activities, plus Target Wake Time for automatically switching devices on or off at predetermined times. Security firmware is downloaded automatically. Learn more about NETGEAR Armor

Avoiding ISP Upselling

Before getting ahead of yourself on a network upgrade, you should ascertain the wireless speeds and data cap you’re receiving from your ISP. It’s worth purchasing your router rather than being upsold on an outdated service provider model. A new WiFi 7 router or mesh system will open up new possibilities for faster network connections for online work and play.

WiFi Product Recommendations

The need for faster WiFi solutions is more relatable than ever. Our online lives show no signs of slowing down, and the only way to keep ahead of the competition is with faster internet plans without throttling, multiple Ethernet cable connection options, and faster upload speeds to eliminate network congestion.

How to speed up your internet connection at home?

WiFi 7 Routers and Mesh systems are the answer, and NETGEAR has a superior range of WiFi products for every price bracket.

Here are some of the best routers for faster internet in 2024 and beyond.
1. NETGEAR Orbi 970 WiFi 7 Mesh Systems – Blanket your entire property with seamless WiFi connectivity and real-world speeds up to 27Gbps.
2. NETGEAR Orbi 770 WiFi 7 Mesh Systems – The all-new Orbi 770 is a budget-friendly whole-home WiFi 7 alternative that retains all the best WiFi 7 capabilities.
3. NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S WiFi 7 Router – A powerful standalone router with speeds up to 19Gbps and coverage of up to 3,500 sq. ft. RS700S is superfast and super convenient.
4. NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300 WiFi 7 Router – The RS300 has a smaller footprint but the power to broadcast wireless speeds up to 9.3Gbps for 100+ devices in concurrent use.

Why Upgrade to the Latest WiFi Standard?

When you upgrade to the latest WiFi 7 standard, you’re not just getting faster WiFi speeds—you’re investing in a smarter, more reliable network for your home. Modern routers are packed with advanced technology that works behind the scenes to extend WiFi coverage, reduce interference, and ensure all your devices get a strong, stable connection. Upgrading to a new router is about creating a better, more dependable WiFi experience for everyone in your home.

NETGEAR - The Solution to Slow WiFi

NETGEAR has been a world WiFi leader since the 1990s, and the tradition continues with the most advanced WiFi routers on the market. Slow internet connections are unacceptable and unbearable, so if you want to improve download speeds and avoid slowdowns, an upgrade to a NETGEAR WiFi 7 router or mesh system could be a smart choice to future-proof your home network.

Shop Orbi WiFi 7 Mesh Systems Shop Nighthawk WiFi 7 Routers