The Secret to Fast, Reliable Internet in Every Room of Your Home
Welcome to Slow Internet
Imagine this: You’re streaming your favorite show, on an important Zoom call or you could shopping online or even watching your favorite movie on Netflix, and suddenly—everything, slows to a crawl. You have slow internet.
Your screen freezes every few seconds, the call freezes, and frustration sets in. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Slow internet is a common problem, but the good news is that you can fix it. Whether you’re working from home, managing a smart home, or just trying to enjoy your online activities, here are five expert-backed solutions to speed up your connection.
1. Check Your Slow Internet Speed
The first place to start in diagnosing your slow internet is running a speed test. You can use Speedtest.net or Google’s built-in speed test to check your current download and upload speeds.
What speeds do you need?
- Streaming (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) – 25 Mbps or higher
- Video calls (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.) – At least 10 Mbps upload speed
- Smart home devices (Ring or Nest cameras, Amazon Alexa, etc.) – Varies, but faster is always better
If your speeds are significantly lower than what you’re paying for, you need to find out why
Is Your Modem or Router Causing Your Slow Internet?
Outdated equipment is one of the biggest reasons for slow internet. If your router is more than five years old, it may not handle today’s high-speed connections efficiently.
Look into Upgrading your WIFI Network:
Wi-Fi 6 routers – Offer faster speeds and better performance in homes with multiple devices here are some popular choices to battle Slow Internet
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 tri-band router supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster speeds and reduced congestion by utilizing the 6 GHz band. It’s ideal for high-speed internet connections and large homes.
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The TP-Link Archer AX55 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that delivers solid performance and value. It’s suitable for most home environments, providing reliable coverage and speed for everyday tasks.
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The Asus RT-AX86U Pro is a Wi-Fi 6 gaming router that offers high-speed performance and advanced features, including a 2.5 Gbps port and USB connectivity. It’s designed for users seeking enhanced performance for gaming and streaming.
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Mesh Wi-Fi systems – Ideal for large homes to eliminate dead zones
Eero 6
A user-friendly mesh system that integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and supports Wi-Fi 6. It’s suitable for smart homes and offers reliable performance for everyday tasks. In my opinion, Mesh WiFi systems are your best weapon to use against slow internet. Check out my review of the Eero WiFi 6 in my post Are You Ready for Bulletproof Internet?
Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8
A tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh system that offers robust performance, extensive coverage, and advanced security features. It’s ideal for large homes and supports multiple devices simultaneously.
TP-Link Deco XE75
A tri-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh system that provides high-speed connectivity and is compatible with the latest Wi-Fi 6E devices. It’s suitable for users seeking future-proofing and enhanced performance.
DOCSIS 3.1 modems – Make Sure You Have the Right One
If you have a cable internet provider, this ensures you get the best speed. Make sure that you check with your ISP to find the one that is compatible
ARRIS SURFboard S33
This multi-gigabit modem supports speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, making it ideal for high-speed internet plans. It’s compatible with major ISPs like Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum.
Motorola MB8611
A versatile modem offering speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, the MB8611 is compatible with most cable internet services and pairs well with high-speed internet plans.
Netgear CM2000
Designed for multi-gigabit internet plans, the CM2000 supports speeds up to 2.5 Gbps and is compatible with major ISPs, providing reliable performance for high-speed internet connections.
3. Fix Your Wi-Fi Placement & Reduce Interference
Did you know that walls, furniture, and even household appliances can slow your Wi-Fi? Your router’s location plays a huge role in how well your internet performs.
Tips for better placement:
- Place the router in a central, elevated location in your home
- Keep it away from microwaves, baby monitors, and Bluetooth devices
- Avoid hiding it in a closet or behind furniture
- Use a mesh WiFi system for larger homes
4. Secure Your Network from Wi-Fi Thieves
If your Wi-Fi is slower than expected, it could be that unauthorized devices are stealing your precious bandwidth.
How to check & secure your network:
- Log into your router’s settings and check connected devices
- Change your Wi-Fi password regularly
- Enable WPA3 encryption for maximum security
- Disable guest networks if not in use
- Use the App connected to your Router to see all devices that are connected to your network and how much of your network bandwidth that they using.
5. Call Your Internet Provider
Sometimes, the issue isn’t on your end—your ISP may be throttling your speed, you may be on an outdated plan or you may have a wiring issue that is outside your house and beyond your control.
What to ask your provider:
- Are there any outages or maintenance issues in your area?
- Is your current plan fast enough for your needs?
- Are there promotional offers for faster speeds?
- If issues persist, consider switching to fiber or a different provider
- I’ve found that it’s important to have 2 different ISPs that you can switch between so you can cancel one and wait for the required waiting period to get the newest promotional offer on the other. (Spectrum has a 90 day waiting period before you will qualify for new customer promotions.)
Bonus Tip: Consider Wired Connections
Wi-Fi is convenient, but wired connections are faster and more stable.
When to use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi:
- Work-from-home setups – Ensures a stable connection for Zoom calls
- Gaming or streaming – Reduces lag and buffering
- Smart TVs and desktops – Ideal for the best speeds
- Be sure to use the latest and fastest Ethernet Cabling to guarantee that they don’t add to your slow internet
Powerline adapters can also help extend wired connections if running cables isn’t an option. These are designed to be plugged directly into your home’s AC receptacle in 2 different locations so data can be run over your home’s wiring. The problem is all homes have different levels of electrical wiring so your results can vary.
Conclusion
Slow internet doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. By checking your speed, upgrading outdated equipment, optimizing router placement, securing your network, and working with your provider, you can enjoy fast and reliable Wi-Fi. An expertly placed Eero Mesh WiFi network can overcome 99% of slow internet problems.
Still struggling with slow internet? Contact me today 818-917-9288 for expert help in improving your home network! I’m a certified professional installer of Eero Mesh WiFi Routing Systems to make sure that slow internet becomes a thing of the past!