Why is my WiFi super slow on my computer?

Answer 1

Could be many things. and how slow is slow?

First check is it slow if you are connected to the router using a network cable. Use any popular speedtest site and this would give you an idea of your maximum internet speed.

If its slow here then you have an internet problem or a router problem. Try restarting it a few times, and if possible log in to the router and see what the link speed is. If its lower than what you are paying for then you need to diagnose the internet connection.

If the cabled method provides a fast signal, then next step is to run the test on WiFi directly next to the Wifi router. If you have an older router or older laptop with only 2.4Ghz signal, expect speeds to be around 20Mbps. a 5GHz should get you around 70Mbps, an AC router combined with an AC compatible computer should get you extremely fast speeds of at least over 200Mbps in practice when next to the router.

If its slower here than it should be then you have either a problem with the wireless router or the computer. Try another computer or your phone to test the internet speed. If the other computer is fast, then the issue is with your computer. If drivers did not fix the issue, you may need to replace the wireless card or fix the antennas. If its also slow, then your routers wireless is the issue. Try upgrading the firmware, or you may need to replace the router.

the above rule out any issues with the router and the computer. If you are having slow speeds at a distance from the router, but its fine close up, then you need to extend your wireless network.

Easiest way to do this is using WiFi Homeplugs. Best way to do this is to run ethernet cables fromt he router to areas of weak signal and add an additional Wireless access point.

There are free network analyzers and diagnostic tools to assess signal speeds such as acrylic wifi, which may be helpful to diagnose the issue.