This article covers common causes of slow Wi-Fi and the steps you can take to improve your connection speed.
Check your current speed
Before making any changes, run a speed test so you have a baseline to compare against. Use a tool such as fast.com to measure your current Wi-Fi speed.
Reboot your router
A power cycle can resolve temporary connection issues and improve speed:
Standard broadband: switch your router off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
Fibre broadband: switch your router off and leave it off for 20 minutes before turning it back on.
Position your router correctly
Location and height: place your router in a central, open space, ideally on a shelf or table. Avoid the floor or a cupboard.
Clear the path: keep the area around your router free from large objects such as books, furniture or filing cabinets that can block the signal.
Avoid interference: keep your router away from microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors and Bluetooth devices, which operate on similar frequencies and can interfere with your signal.
Reduce the number of connected devices
Too many devices connected at once can slow your Wi-Fi down. Disconnect any devices you are not actively using, such as phones, tablets or laptops running in the background.
Check your router is connected to the master socket
Make sure your router is connected to your master socket, not an extension socket. For the best speeds, always keep your router on the master socket.
If your master socket is a standard socket, you will need a microfilter in every phone socket that is in use.
If your master socket is a fibre socket or a pre-filtered socket, you do not need microfilters.
Update your software
Make sure your browser and operating system are up to date. Outdated software can affect browsing speed and overall performance.
Switch to a less congested Wi-Fi channel
If you can see many nearby Wi-Fi networks, your router's wireless channel may be congested. Rebooting your router can help it select a less crowded channel, reducing interference and improving speed.
Run a final speed test
After working through the steps above, run the speed test again to see if your speed has improved.
Consider upgrading your broadband package
If your current plan is not providing the speeds you need, other packages may be available depending on your location. Contact the bOnline loyalty team via live chat to discuss the best solution for your business.