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Slow internet performance is annoying, especially if it interrupts a good movie that’s about to disclose an important character reveal. Or maybe the connection slowed down just when that massive upload was about to get completed. These are probably some of the times when you actually worry about internet speed and actively look for various ways to improve its quality and overall performance.

Although recent internet advancements like the industry’s colossal dive into the latest Wi-Fi 6 tech ensure that lightning-fast internet speed goes up a notch, these super-fast internet speeds are still not available as much as one wants them to be, due to nascent infrastructure. That’s why one needs to make good use of the available speed ranges before jumping on the bandwagon!

However, there are times when the usual WiFi signal does lose its zing and slows down. There are multiple reasons for this, which can instantly be fixed without involving professional support.

We have compiled a short guide that will immediately resolve all your internet-related queries and sort out your confusion within no time:

First, Let’s Understand the Basics of the Internet

What Is a Router?

The router is one of the main devices, which is responsible for provisioning Wi-Fi within all corners of the average household. It generally transfers information from the internet to a user’s devices like PCs, smartphones, laptops, and even tablets and vice versa.

Router vs. Modem – Is There a Difference?

The modem is a device that converts network signals, produced by a PC to send to another, a phone line, for instance, and is then used to receive and send data between laptops or computers via landline phones. Whereas, a router is a networking device that transmits packets of data between various computer networks. However, digital users are often baffled whether they need a router and a modem at the same time or not. Is it necessary or can they connect to the internet with one and not the other?

The simple answer is if one needs to connect multiple internet devices at once, without the WiFi signal falling, then they will need both a router and a modem to connect to the internet. While PCs come with one LAN Ethernet port hence only one device can be connected but with wireless, there’s space for more. That’s why most boxes designed today come with both a built-in modem and router.

Understanding Internet Speeds

This brings us to the next important term – internet speed. People often confuse speeds with performance and that’s why it is often tricky to differentiate between the two terms. Internet speed is the rate of data transfer, which can be affected by various factors like internet type, location, etc. On the other hand, router performance is – how well, how swiftly, or how slowly the router device provisions the internet to all connected devices.

An internet speed of at least 25 Mbps is considered a decent speed for WiFi, which ensures that multiple devices are connected at the same time with all users getting sufficient bandwidth on their Wi-Fi network. However, the internet speed of the device can get affected by the type of router that one may have. Since routers function the same way as other electronic devices do. So a router can maximize the speed of the internet or minimize it/slow down the WIFI signal – it ultimately depends on the router.

How to Improve the Quality of Your Internet Router Performance

There are plenty of times when you found that the WiFi signal has lost its zing and slowed down in the process. While there are multiple reasons why this happened, these can instantly be fixed without involving professional support.

Simply begin by understanding different terminologies and you will be able to understand how the quality of the internet router performance is affected by these factors. To help you out, we have compiled a short guide that will immediately improve internet router performance within no time. Before you upgrade your existing router, it’s important to check if you are getting adequate speeds from your ISP.

WiFi Degradation – Does It Impact Router Devices Over Time?

One strong reason why WiFi routers get slower with time is due to WiFi Degradation, which is natural as it would happen with any internet device. It means that the quality of your WIFI signal and overall internet speed is affected and has been lowered.

While rebooting the router now and then, can help but if a user has been using their WiFi router for more than a year, then they can expect the network to be unable to cover as much surface area as it used to cover previously, eventually slowing down and breaking down in the process.

One thing that all users must check is the frequency of their internet connection – 2.4 GHz or 5GHz. Which one is better? Amongst the two, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, users should select, depending on the use of the internet – 5 GHz frequencies are speedier and considered ideal for shorter distances.

Whereas 2.45 GHz frequencies are considered slower and best for longer distances. However, to find out which frequency is most suited for you, it is best to check your digital activity and your overall daily consumption. There is a common misconception amongst internet users that the router device does not affect the speed of the internet. It does!

Even if a user has one of the fastest internet connections in the world, it will be of no use, if the current router isn't up to speed. To enhance speed, users are advised to reboot their router so often. Or replace it for optimal speeds and improved overall performance.

Why Replacing Your Old Router with a New One Makes All the Difference

Replacing your old router with a new one can make a huge difference to your internet speed and immensely boost your WiFi. However, if a user has subscribed to an internet package or one of those monthly plans that offer a certain speed range, then they cannot exceed the limit that’s laid down for them. For instance, if you have subscribed to a 200 Mbps internet plan, then even your internet router can’t make your current internet speed exceed 200 Mbps or even above and beyond.

However, in many cases, you can even get Ethernet instead of WiFi. An Ethernet connection is generally speedier than its WiFi counterpart for it provides immense reliability and great security. Thus, resulting in optimum router performance.

The Right Way to Select a Router for Your Home

To choose a router for your home, consider how much you are ready to spend on one. It is also important to check if the current router is compatible with the internet provider and supports the internet speed that you are paying for. That’s why it is always better to check if the provider offers internet equipment or not.

If not, then you can look out for newer wireless protocols and utilize extenders or use mesh WiFi to boost WiFi throughout your space. Users are advised to use a router of the same model and brand if they want to increase the speed of the internet. Many users add another router, often a second one to increase the speed of the internet.

Though it may not exactly have the kind of boost that one is aiming for, however for many others, this has successfully worked. It is important to remember that this setup may help you reach the internet speed limit that was advertised by the ISP but nothing more than this.

Does an Increase in Network Speed Help with Internet Router Performance?

A good internet speed connects multiple devices at the same time. But how does one define fast internet? A general rule of thumb is to consider an internet speed fast if its speed crosses 100 Mbps and above. While providing reliable connectivity to several devices at once. That is how one classifies a good internet speed. Although rebooting the router regularly helps to clear any kind of system-based errors and router performance.

This means properly exiting all kinds of streaming apps, once you have watched your video or listened to your favorite music is useful. While turning on auto-updates for mobile apps, gaming consoles, and even laptops/PCs so that they stop running during periods of non-activity. Always update drivers, anti-virus software, firmware, and related device shareware to increase and optimize connection, hence increasing speed.

Check Your Speed Range & Improve Accordingly

Here are the common internet speeds that are provisioned to internet customers across all corners of the country. So in which tier do you fall? Read on to find out!

  • 0 to 5 Mbps – Perfect for checking your daily email, streaming music on a smart device, or surfing the web
  • 5 to 40 Mbps – Ideal for video streaming or video meetings on the device and 1-player online gaming
  • 40 to 100 Mbps – Best for streaming HD videos on multiple devices at the same time, multi-player gaming, and downloading large files
  • 100 to 500 Mbps – Ideal for downloading multiple files at the same time, multi-player online games, and video streaming for multiple screens
  • 500 to 1000+ (and more) Mbps – Best for all kinds of heavy digital activity, which involves doing almost anything on several devices at the same time

Small Steps That Instantly Enhance the Router Performance

You probably fall in any one of the speed tiers mentioned above. However, there are times when you think that the device needs to be shaken up a bit. Try some of these simple hacks and immediately see an improvement in your internet speed:

  • Rebooting a router is quite helpful. Turning the device off and then turning it on again should show a drastic improvement in the performance of your device
  • Place the internet router in another elevated location for improved signals, should also help to adjust the frequency of your WIFI signals
  • Fine-tune the antennas of your device slightly for an instant improvement in router performance
  • Spread your Wi-Fi network to all corners of your home via Extenders & cut back on needless distractions
  • Modify the frequency of your WiFi device, simply by upgrading to a faster monthly internet plan.

Wrapping It Up,

Before we close the discussion, it is important to understand the nitty-gritty of all-things internet – from internet speeds to WiFi signals to router performance and so much more!

We hope that you can identify the best configuration for the device, especially if you find yourself scrambling around for top ways to a faster internet service.

Use the information stated above to learn and understand the various tweaks and improve your router speed while enjoying a reliable WiFi Signal like never before.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How different is a router from a modem?

A router is a device that connects all wireless/wired devices to the internet directly. While a modem is a box that connects the home network to the ISP via an Ethernet wire

Do users need both a router and a modem to connect to the WiFi?

To connect single or numerous devices to the internet, users will need to connect to both a router and a modem. While a modem can only connect one PC at a time as most modems come with only one Ethernet cable wire (LAN connector). However, that’s not the case with the router.

Do new routers improve internet speed?

New routers are useful as these can immediately enhance router performance and maximize internet speeds optimally. While an older device can slow down a connection, it is important to keep in mind that internet speeds are only as fast as the plan a user is paying for, irrespective of the kind of router one may have.