Two routers can boost bandwidth by distributing traffic more efficiently.
Two routers can boost bandwidth by distributing traffic more efficiently.
Hey everyone, I currently use a Netgear nighthawk x4s with around 25 devices connected. My brother and I have our PCs linked too. We’re considering adding more home gadgets like a Xbox, PS4, and smart TVs. As we add more connections, our Internet speed drops because of the limited bandwidth. I’m thinking about installing another Netgear nighthawk x4s router on the opposite side of the house to boost capacity. Would this improve the overall bandwidth and stabilize our connection? My wired PC used to run at 350 Mbps before we started adding devices, now it’s down to about 100 Mbps. You can find more info here: https://www.amazon.com/Netgear-R7800-100...B0192911RA
Starting with a clear mind, another router won’t boost your ISP connection speed. It might just add extra NAT layers. To really speed up WiFi, consider using an Ethernet cable and adding an access point like the Ubiquiti AC-Lite or AC-Pro to widen coverage. A high number of devices doesn’t automatically drain bandwidth unless they’re all streaming or downloading at once. Make sure you weren’t testing when the ISP was slow—perhaps during peak hours like dinner time. The Netgear X4S is a powerful router and should handle 25 devices easily. For best results, connect all devices and avoid simultaneous downloads while running tests. You might also want to activate QoS settings to prioritize bandwidth where needed.
What ISP plan are you using? The solution depends on the specific issue. If your Wi-Fi is crowded, switching to another access point might help. If it's due to ISP congestion, upgrading your plan would be beneficial. For interference from other devices on the 2.4G band, moving to the 5G band or adjusting channels could resolve the problem. You may need some extra research unless you can afford a full upgrade.
They mentioned a drop in wired performance, indicating it's not related to Wi-Fi.