- Slow or unreliable Wi-Fi is often caused by poor router placement, outdated hardware, or too many connected devices.
- The first step is to run a speed test using services like Fast.com or Speedtest.net to compare your actual performance against your contracted plan.
- If speeds drop significantly away from the router, consider moving it to an open, central location.
- Older routers with Fast Ethernet ports (100 Mbps) can bottleneck faster internet plans; upgrading to Gigabit Ethernet hardware is recommended.
Quick Summary
Slow or unreliable Wi-Fi is often caused by poor router placement, outdated hardware, or too many connected devices. The first step is to run a speed test using services like Fast.com or Speedtest.net to compare your actual performance against your contracted plan. If speeds drop significantly away from the router, consider moving it to an open, central location.
Older routers with Fast Ethernet ports (100 Mbps) can bottleneck faster internet plans; upgrading to Gigabit Ethernet hardware is recommended. For persistent issues, migrating to newer technologies like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 can offer higher speeds and lower latency, which is crucial for gaming. Mesh networks are also an effective solution for large homes, using multiple modules to eliminate dead zones and support over 100 devices simultaneously.
These systems provide seamless coverage as you move through the house, unlike traditional routers. Ultimately, diagnosing the specific bottleneck—whether it is placement, hardware limits, or network congestion—is key to restoring a stable connection.
Diagnosing Connection Issues
When streaming buffers or the cellular signal drops inside the home, the Wi-Fi router is often the culprit. Problems can stem from a poorly positioned device or technology that requires replacement. The initial step in troubleshooting is to perform a network speed test to understand the connection's performance.
Online services such as Fast.com and Speedtest.net measure the download and upload speeds of the contracted plan. Download speed refers to data received from the internet, such as browsing and streaming, while upload speed involves sending data, like photo backups. The measured quality should be compared to the plan provided by the operator. For instance, if the contracted speed is 300 Mbps of download, the Wi-Fi reading should be close to that value.
If the speed is high near the router but low in distant locations, it may be necessary to change the router's location or opt for a more modern model. Additionally, older routers can limit the number of connected devices, causing slowness for all users. Newer models usually have management applications that show how many devices are connected. Applications like Wi-Fi Analyzer, available for Android and iOS, also provide this information. Disabling Wi-Fi on devices not in use can help improve the connection.
As people usually hide the router. Unobstructing the location already helps a lot.— Eduardo Lima, Network Specialist
Hardware and Placement Optimization
Wi-Fi performance can be severely hampered if the router is stored in cabinets or hidden behind furniture. The location significantly influences signal quality. As explained by network specialist Eduardo Lima, "As people usually hide the router. Unobstructing the location already helps a lot."
Furthermore, with internet plans becoming increasingly faster, the router can become a performance bottleneck, even the one provided by the operator with the modem. Cheaper models use Fast Ethernet ports, with speeds of up to 100 megabits per second. If the internet is faster, the connection will be limited. Ideally, a router compatible with the Gigabit Ethernet standard is required, which allows speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. This information is available in the product manual.
Modern Technologies: Mesh and Wi-Fi Standards
Migrating to more recent technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7, and mesh, can resolve crashes and prepare the network for the future.
Understanding Mesh Networks
Mesh networks utilize one or more modules that distribute the Wi-Fi signal better throughout the house. They are sold in packages with different quantities of modules, and it is possible to acquire more units from the same manufacturer if necessary. The modules work together to maintain signal quality in all environments, guaranteeing stable speed even with many devices connected. These modules eliminate blind spots inside the house. Depending on the equipment, more than 100 devices can be connected to a mesh network.
The smartphone recognizes the same network in different environments of the house without losing the signal, unlike what occurs with traditional routers. These routers also facilitate network management, allowing the creation of a guest Wi-Fi and control over children's access. Regarding coverage, the more modules, the greater the coverage. An area of more than 100 square meters can be covered by one module, but walls and objects interfere with signal quality. The installation application shows the connection level and indicates if modules need to be brought closer.
Wi-Fi 5, 6, and 7 Explained
Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 are dual-band wireless network standards operating at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is more recent than Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), offering higher speeds and lower latency. Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from a device to the server and back with the response. It is the interval between pressing a button in a game or clicking a link and the action occurring. This time is measured in milliseconds, and the lower it is, the better.
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is the newest generation, featuring tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz). Smartphones compatible with Wi-Fi 6 or 7 can consume less battery and connect more devices simultaneously, ideal for connected homes. Old devices can connect to Wi-Fi 6 or 7, but to enjoy all benefits, compatible devices are required. Some manufacturers offer routers specific to gamers, with higher speeds and lower latency thanks to the Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 standards.
Equipment Examples and Pricing
Prices for routers vary based on technology and features. Traditional models typically range from R$ 180 to R$ 1,700, while mesh technology models range from R$ 530 to R$ 1,600. Examples of specific equipment mentioned include:
Mesh Routers:
- Intelbras Twibi Force AX 1500
- TP-Link Deco X50 AX3000 (2 units)
- Huawei Mesh X1 Pro
Traditional Routers:
- Huawei AX2S
- Intelbras Wi-Force W6-1500
- TP-Link Archer AX72
- Acer Predator Connect T7 BE11000
- Huawei BE3
- TP-Link BE9300
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I diagnose why my Wi-Fi is slow?
Run a speed test using services like Fast.com or Speedtest.net to compare your actual speeds with your plan. If speeds are high near the router but low elsewhere, it indicates a placement or signal strength issue.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 6 offers dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with higher speeds and lower latency than Wi-Fi 5. Wi-Fi 7 is the newest generation, adding a 6 GHz band (tri-band) for even faster performance and capacity.
When should I consider a mesh network?
A mesh network is ideal for large homes with dead zones or when connecting many devices (over 100). It uses multiple modules to provide seamless coverage throughout the house.
