The internet connection is slower than expected.
The internet connection is slower than expected.
I recently switched ISPs (they claim better speeds) and my Wi-Fi is still around 30 to 40 Mbps. I pay for 700 Mbps, connect my PC via Ethernet to the modem, and it works fine. I assumed the issue was with the old ISP modem, like the Sercomm fg6122tm, which had weak signal anyway. Now I’m using a TP Link Archer AX53 router, but speeds remain low. My wife also gets similar speeds on 2.4GHz and 5GHz. What might be causing this? Can I replace my ISP’s modem with a device like the TP-Link MC210CS? Is that the problem?
Usually you need to rely on what your ISP provides since you're using fiber. Interference from Wi-Fi devices might be overloading the radio waves. Materials in your house like concrete, bricks, or blocks could affect signal strength. Distance plays a role too—5 GHz offers quicker speeds but shorter range and weaker penetration. If your router is placed poorly, move it to a better location so the signal covers more area.
The interference sounds logical, I received a warning in the TP Link app suggesting I switch the modem to bridge mode. I plan to try that today. My router is definitely in a poor location—cornered in a corner of a room on the first floor—but I’ve checked the speed with my phone right next to the modem and it still doesn’t exceed 40 Mbps.
If speeds exceed cable but lag on wireless, inspect your router’s location. As @Donut417 mentioned, surroundings such as concrete affect performance significantly. This experience can be confirmed—my grandparents’ home was constructed entirely of cinderblock, with thick walls that caused the connection to drop from 100mbps to a weak 6mbps, even if you managed a stable link.
I use an iPhone, a tablet, my Android phone, and my PC. When switching to Wi-Fi, speeds are generally between 30 to 40 Mbps on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
It seems I might have turned off the Wi-Fi on the modem, couldn't locate bridge mode, and then simply switched it off. The speed remained unchanged, but after using a Wi-Fi analyzer app, I shifted the 2.4GHz channel to 2, which appeared available. Now I'm connected to the TP router and receiving a steady 110 Mbps, which is still decent but much improved.
The individual I debated with a couple of weeks ago who wanted to store the device on the fridge raises concerns about potential interference issues. The compressor might emit RFI, while the grounded chassis could be absorbing air signals. Others who installed them behind televisions may notice weak Wi-Fi performance. As mentioned previously, if you can't see the router, you're unlikely to achieve optimal speeds. For high-bandwidth connections, maintaining a clear line of sight is crucial.