WiFi connection is not always able to provide the same speed as cable connection. Among the main reasons are incorrect router settings, conflicts with neighbors' access points, and the wrong choice of the location of the router. Speed ​​is also cut when using outdated hardware or older firmware versions.

How to determine that WiFi speed is being cut

Internet providers indicate in the contract the maximum possible access speed. The actual width of the throughput channel is usually lower than the declared one. At home, it is easy to check whether this is due to restrictions on the provider's side or using WiFi. To do this, connect an Ethernet cable directly to the device from which you access the Internet.

Open the Speedtest online service in any browser and click "Begin Test". The site will automatically determine the nearest server through which the speed test will be performed. The computer will exchange data with the selected server to find out current speed Internet. Wait until the end of the operation, then remember or write down its result.

Then connect an internet cable to your router, turn it on and connect to WiFi from the same device you tested the speed on. Open the site again and repeat the measurement. If the results of the first and second tests differ significantly, the speed is cut precisely because of the use of wireless Internet.

Interference from neighbors' wireless equipment

Most often, this reason is apartment buildings With large quantity installed WiFi access points. The wireless network can operate in one of two bands: 2.4 or 5 GHz. The first option is more common. In this case, the actual frequency can be from 2.412 to 2.484 GHz in 0.005 GHz steps, depending on the selected channel.

The 2.4 GHz band is divided into 14 segments, but not all of them may be available for legal use in a particular country. For example, in the USA only channels 1-11 are used, in Russia: 1-13, in Japan: 1-14. Selecting an incorrect value may violate the laws of the state in which the equipment is operated.

If your neighbors' access points use the same channel as your router, interference (radio wave overlay) occurs. As a result, the speed of the Internet over WiFi is cut. It is recommended to analyze the current frequency congestion. The most popular software tool used for this purpose is the inSSIDer utility developed by MetaGeek.

Install the program, run the executable file and click the "Start Scan" button in the upper left corner of the program window. The graph on the right will display the found WiFi networks and the channels on which they work. Find the range that contains the least number of networks with a high level of reception, and then select it in the control panel of the router.

Note! The width of each channel can be 20 or 40 MHz. Only channels 1, 6, and 11 do not overlap. Use one of these values ​​for the best network setup. You can also choose to automatically detect the least loaded frequencies in the router settings.

High band occupancy

AT big cities the number of 2.4 GHz networks available can be so high that changing the WiFi channel does not have the desired effect. The data rate is cut even after selecting the freest segment of the frequency range. The optimal solution to this problem is the transition to the 5 GHz band, which has not yet received sufficient distribution.

Its use is possible on dual-band routers. Such routers create two networks at once, which have different names, encryption and authorization parameters. Client devices whose radio module supports 5 GHz operation will be able to connect to WiFi in this range. Legacy models will connect to the second network. With this scheme of work, a number of disadvantages should be taken into account, the main of which are:

  1. Smaller coverage area in the presence of obstacles due to physical properties radio waves of this length.
  2. Lack of compatibility with older devices.
  3. The high cost of dual-band equipment.

Router Issues

The main mistake made by users when organizing a home WiFi network is the wrong choice of the location of the router. It leads to poor signal reception on client devices, due to which the Internet speed is cut. You can specify the signal level by the number of marks on the WiFi icon located in the tray (lower right corner) operating system Windows. On mobile devices, the Internet connection status and signal strength can be checked at the top of the screen, in the notification bar.

It is recommended to install the router in the central room of the room where it will be used. This arrangement provides high level WiFi reception in all rooms of the apartment or office. When installed in the corner of a room, remote rooms will not be able to connect to the wireless network or will receive Internet at low speed.

Important! The quality of communication with the router is also affected by the transmitter power, the number of installed antennas and the distance from working sources. electromagnetic radiation. To prevent the Internet speed from being cut, try to install the router away from microwave ovens, refrigerators and other household appliances.

Also check the correctness of the WiFi mode selection in the router settings. It is responsible for the maximum data transfer rate and backward compatibility with older devices. For example, if "11b only" is selected, the WiFi speed will be cut to 11Mbps, while "11g only" will limit the bandwidth to 54Mbps.

You can enter the web interface of the router at the address indicated on its bottom panel. For TP-Link models, the desired parameters are selected in the “Wireless Mode -> Wireless Settings” section. The recommended values ​​if there are older models on the network are "11bgn mixed" and "11bg mixed". If all home or office devices support the 802.11n standard, check the "11n only" box.

In the Wireless Security menu, set the security type to WPA/WPA2, as using the legacy WEP method cuts WiFi speed. Change the automatic encryption type selection to Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). It provides greater network security with less impact on data transfer rates.

Click the tab with advanced wireless network settings. On TP-Link it is "Wireless Mode -> Advanced Settings". Find and activate the "WiFi Multimedia" (WMM) setting. This protocol allows you to set a high priority for multimedia traffic, thereby speeding up its transmission.

In the settings of the connected devices, you must also activate this function. Open Device Manager in the Control Panel of your Windows operating system. Find your network adapter and go to its properties. On the "Advanced" tab, select the line "WMM" in the list on the left. On the right, specify the value "Enabled" or "Enabled". Save the configuration by clicking the "OK" button.

Another parameter that you should pay attention to when configuring the router is the transmitter power or "Tx Power". This value is indicated as a percentage of the maximum power of the equipment. If the hotspot is far away, set it to "100%" to improve WiFi reception.

Outdated device firmware

Manufacturers of routers and other wireless devices regularly optimize their software for maximum performance. Download new version Firmware can be found on the Internet, on the developer's website. The update is performed by downloading the file to the device through the admin panel. The path in the menu of routers of different brands is different:

  • TP-Link: "System Tools -> Firmware Update";
  • D-Link: "System -> Software Update";
  • ASUS: "Administration -> Firmware Update";
  • Zyxel: "System Information -> Updates";

Advice! When installing software consider the hardware version of the router. It is indicated on the sticker or in the documentation for the device.

On client equipment (laptops, computers and other equipment connected to WiFi), you should check the versions of network drivers. Windows OS allows you to update the firmware through the control panel, in the "Device Manager" section. Open the "Network adapters" tab and select the radio module you are using. In the "Driver" section, click "Update" and choose to automatically search for software on the Internet. After that, restart your computer and connect to the wireless Internet again.

Tutorial video: How and why Internet speed is cut over WiFi

Using optional equipment

If, after fixing all problems, the Internet speed in remote rooms continues to cut, use additional equipment to amplify the signal. It includes: external antennas for routers, high-powered wireless adapters for computers, WiFi repeaters.

When choosing an antenna, consider the gain and type of connector with which it connects to the access point. Typically, manufacturers indicate a list of equipment recommended for use with certain device models. When connecting third-party antennas that have not been tested for compatibility, difficulties may arise with further warranty service.

The repeater allows you to increase coverage and get high speed Internet even at a considerable distance from the router. Due to the use of a built-in power supply, such devices have a compact size. To use them, just plug the device into a power outlet and press the “WiFi Protected Setup” (WPS) button on the case. After that, the same button must be pressed on the router itself or a quick connection must be activated via the web interface.

The speed of wired Internet access depends on the quality of communications and network equipment. The speed may decrease due to poor cable connection and specifications equipment (computer network adapter, router, switch).

Wireless speed is affected

  • The Wi-Fi standard used by the router and the receiving adapter (802.11b/g/n/ac). For example, an outdated router or an 802.11g laptop receiving adapter apartment building reduces the speed to 15-20 Mbps.
  • The data rate used by the router and the receiving adapter (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz). Support for the frequency of 5 GHz allows you to significantly increase the speed of Wi-Fi in the home.
  • The area and configuration of the apartment, the material and thickness of the internal walls. For coverage wireless network apartments with an area of ​​​​more than 50-70 square meters. m or "piercing" thick walls often require more powerful Wi-Fi equipment, sometimes a combination of several devices.
  • The location of the router. Installing the router metal door, in a shield or in a cabinet, especially a metal one, negatively affects the quality of Wi-Fi reception in the apartment.
  • Interference from other Wi-Fi networks operating in the same band (2.4 GHz). The problem of reducing Wi-Fi speed due to interference from neighboring networks is solved by choosing the least loaded channel in the router settings, changing the router to a more powerful one or supporting 2 bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

Responsibility of the provider for the quality of communication at different stages

1. Parameters that depend only on the provider:

The congestion of the provider's channels;

The quality of the provider's equipment at the nodes and in your home;

The quality of the cable and its connections from the attic / basement to the apartment;

The quality of network equipment provided by the provider for rent.

2. Parameters that depend only on the subscriber himself:

The quality of home network equipment owned by the subscriber (router, network adapters in devices);

The quality of communications carried out by the subscriber during the repair of the apartment (cable, Internet sockets, cable connections);

The parameters of the computer (laptop, tablet, smartphone) of the subscriber - for example, support for the Wi-Fi laptop adapter of the Wi-Fi 802.11n standard;

The presence of software that actively affects the speed of the Internet - for example, an antivirus or a working torrent client;

The presence of hidden malware (viruses, trojans) on the computer.

3. Parameters that do not depend on either the subscriber or the provider:

Power and workload of servers on the Internet;

The quality of communication lines outside the provider's network (for example, an intercontinental cable at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean);

In the case of Wi-Fi, interference from other Wi-Fi networks and household appliances, walls, doors, the power of the router's transmitters and receivers on the client's device, the location of the router in the room and its remoteness from the area where the Wi-Fi network is used.

What is the maximum speed Netts can provide?

The maximum bandwidth of the channel to the apartment is 100 Mbps. This is much more than is necessary for the real tasks of the home user. The channel can be expanded up to 200 Mbps - 1 Gbps upon individual request.

How to check the speed of Internet access?

If you want to understand what speed your ISP provides you, measure the speed of a direct wired connection. Wi-Fi connection speed is affected external factors, which do not depend on the provider (see above - Parameters that do not depend on either the subscriber or the provider), and such a test will not give reliable information.

The easiest way to check the speed of a wired connection is to plug an internet cable into your computer or laptop. If the results correspond to the tariff speed (deviations in the test readings within 5 Mbps are permissible - this is due to the peculiarities of the operation of Internet services for measuring speed), then if there is a problem, it is not related to the quality of the provider's services, but to the operation of the Wi-Fi network.

There are websites on the Internet where you can measure the speed of communication between your computer and servers on the Internet. A popular example is http://speedtest.net.

Questions and answers

– My router supports 150 Mbps (300 Mbps). Why is my Wi-Fi speed only 20 Mbps?

– When connected to an 802.11g network, the maximum throughput is up to 54 Mbps. When connected to a network using the 802.11n standard, up to 150 Mbps. But this speed is not the actual speed of downloading or uploading, since part of the traffic goes to the technical needs of the network. In practice, the download speed when connected via the 802.11g standard is up to 23 Mbps, via 802.11n - up to 50-90 Mbps (depending on the model of the router and adapter on the client device). Some expensive router models are able to support real speed about 100 Mbps or even more.

– When you move the cursor over the “Connect via local network” I see the inscription “Speed ​​​​100 Mbps”. Does this figure mean real speed?

– No, it only shows the maximum possible connection speed of your network adapter with network equipment(switch, router). With the speed of the Internet at your rate this indicator not connected.

- I heard that for maximum speed, instead of twisted pair, you need to run an optical cable directly to the apartment, is this true?

– The maximum throughput of a conventional 4-core copper cable (twisted pair) is 100 Mbps. This speed is real, and more than enough for home use. However, using all 8 cores and connecting the cable to the provider's gigabit port, you can get 200-1000 Mbps. These speeds are achievable with a copper cable length of up to 100m. For distances over 100m, an optical cable is used. Inside an apartment building, the distance from the provider's equipment to the apartment is much less than 100m, so it is advisable to use an optical cable for laying lines between houses.

Using an optical cable to connect apartments is unjustified and very risky. Its main disadvantages:

Optical cable is easily damaged and difficult to repair. It is brittle, and complex welding work is required to restore it.

Unprotected from interference, a faulty receiver at one subscriber makes it impossible for other subscribers to work on this line (in the same entrance).

There is a tangible threat to the security of the personal data of a subscriber connected together with neighbors to the same fiber-optic line. Due to the nature of modems and the structure of the network, it is easy to get access to someone else's equipment and someone else's information, for example, to make long-distance phone calls through the sip-account of a neighbor, at his expense.

Operators, as a rule, do not allow any modems to be connected to the optical cable, except for those provided by the operators themselves. There are situations when the subscriber needs non-standard equipment(coating large area Wi-Fi network, using the 5GHz frequency to increase speed, connecting Apple routers), and the capabilities of a standard modem are not enough.

If you notice that web pages start to open more slowly than usual, or downloads take forever, then this may not necessarily be the fault of your colleague who suddenly decided to play online games.

Computer hardware

The Internet connection largely depends on the equipment of your network, whether it is a router or a cable. For example, an Ethernet connection is generally more stable and faster than Wi-Fi. If you are using Wi-Fi, your Internet connection speed may slow down as more devices connect to the same network. Equally important factors that can negatively affect the speed of the network are the components of your computer, for example, a weak processor.

WiFi connection

If your Wi-Fi router is located far from the device, then the Internet speed will not be optimal. To solve this problem, you can install a wireless amplifier. This device that amplifies the Wi-Fi signal can be placed between the router and the computer. Physical obstacles between the router and the computer, especially water and metal, can also negatively affect the connection speed. So if necessary, move to the side of large metal objects and an aquarium.

Viruses

Once a virus or malware enters your computer, it becomes able to run in the background, connecting to the Internet without your permission and thereby consuming your computer's resources. Protect yourself from this by installing an antivirus and downloading programs and extensions only from trusted resources, such as the Opera catalog.

Software

If you have too many applications running that require an Internet connection, then naturally everything will run slower. Some applications may be active in the background without you noticing. Check auto-update, sync or backup settings, for example in the file sharing app you are using.

Also make sure that only the extensions and toolbars you need are installed in your browser. After all, they also consume resources.

Number of users

The drop in Internet speed occurs in the case of a one-time connection to the network a large number users. This often happens during peak hours, such as in the evening when everyone gets home and goes online. A similar problem is typical for public Wi-Fi networks in crowded places.

Want to speed up your networking? Opera won't speed up your internet connection, but we know how to make your browsing experience faster. Try Opera and see how Opera Turbo compresses all data and makes web pages load faster on networks with slower connections.

By the way, if you want to check the speed of your internet, then this will help you

What determines the speed of the Internet?

Many users who do not have sufficient experience with a PC often cannot understand why the operating system freezes or the Internet “slows down”. Most tend to blame their computer, seek to change it, improve it, in the hope that the problems will disappear. Unfortunately, often such actions do not bring the desired result. Let's try to figure out what interruptions in the speed of information transfer may depend on.

Not surprisingly, there are a lot of factors that affect connection stability. If we talk about mobile Internet, then you should pay attention to the operator providing this service. Favorable MTS tariffs for calls, for example, do not always mean high quality the Internet. However, since the connection via mobile phone a priori slower than that through a PC, users rarely expect much from it. It is much more offensive when there are serious failures on the Internet on a computer or laptop. After all, without a connection to the global network, the most expensive and functional computer turns into just a convenient hybrid of a TV, a music center and a typewriter. Well, a calculator, if you like. To prevent such a shameful downgrading of a PC in rank, you need to know the most common causes of network disruptions.

One of these problems, imperceptible to an inexperienced user, are computer viruses. Many of them are set up to establish shady connections with so-called botnets. They are a collection of personal computers connected by a virus into a single network. As a rule, it is controlled by the hackers who wrote the malicious program. Such networks can be used in different ways, from making money to massive information attacks, regarded as network terrorism. All these actions, one way or another, consume part of the Internet traffic of a negligent user, taking away speed from beneficial processes. Less dangerous viruses may simply be engaged in sending spam to various addresses via mail or social networks. external effect- all the same decrease in apparent connection speed.

However, this problem has a solution, and, moreover, a very simple one. Well-known firewalls perform the functions of controlling connections personal computer to the global network. With their help, you can at any time get acquainted with all the Internet processes in which your PC takes part. There are also back side medals. Incorrect firewall settings can by themselves take a significant portion of the machine's power, reducing traffic speed. The use of these programs requires a preliminary acquaintance with them and some work skills. No software can protect your computer if you do not learn how to use it correctly. After all, the defining link in the chain of any processes is the user.

The connection speed may be deliberately limited by the provider. Unlimited rates on the Internet are somewhat different from those in the mobile industry. And, if in the latter case you can use your MTS numbers or other operators for an unlimited time for a fixed fee, then with an Internet provider, things are a little different. Here you are guaranteed a permanent connection and unlimited traffic. But the information transfer rate can deliberately drop to certain level, if the amount of information you transmitted is very high, or the provider does not have enough Internet channels. Of course, here it is a matter of choosing a more profitable service provider.

Another one important characteristic your connection to the global network - the quality of the communication line with the provider. As a rule, the main links work properly, but in case of damage, blockage or problems with the primary routers, the connection is redirected to the backup lines. Their bandwidth is an order of magnitude lower, and, accordingly, the connection speed drops. You can find out about such accidents on highways by contacting the center of subscriber services of your provider. But the speed of their elimination and restoration of a normal connection in this case does not depend on you. You should rely only on the speed of the fitters.

By the way, in order to objectively evaluate the speed provided by your provider, you can find special sites on the Internet that evaluate it. Information on them is provided in an accessible form, and allows you to compare the actual amount of information transmitted with the minimum that is prescribed in the contract when connecting to the Internet.

Problems with connection speed can also have a local cause. First of all, these are incorrect operating system settings. Often the problem can be solved simply by installing new drivers for the network card. Sometimes it's a matter of inept handling of the programs for setting hidden system parameters. These include, in particular, the tweak series.

In the end, the speed may be limited by the program or site used. Many of them specifically limit the possibilities of users, relying on the implementation of gold packages. They provide a more comfortable use of the site resources or increase the functionality of the program.

As we can see, problems with connection speed are not always purely technical in nature. For an adequate assessment of the situation and elimination possible problems on their own, the user must simply raise general level literacy with a personal computer.

This is the amount of information that we receive per unit of time. And the time at modern man worth its weight in gold. We are constantly nervous in lines, traffic jams, and slow Internet makes the picture even more aggravated, brings us to a boil. Can we influence the connection speed? When choosing a provider and equipment, you need to understand whether the Internet speed depends on the modem, or whether a slow connection to the World Wide Web is caused by some other reason.

Of course, the speed of the Internet is determined by many factors:

  • type of network connection (fiber-optic or telephone line, 3G, satellite communications);
  • technical capabilities of the provider (availability of a sufficient amount of equipment, its modernity, quality of communication lines, frequency of coverage);
  • tariff plan(provider can artificially limit access speed);
  • software on the computer, the correct settings for working on the network, the presence of viruses, software errors, etc.;
  • the parameters of the sites themselves that you visit (there may be server problems, congestion, etc.);
  • weather conditions (rain, hurricane, snow, thunderstorms can create trouble on the line, equipment failure, lack of communication with towers and servers).

To figure out if the modem affects the speed of the Internet, let's analyze different types connections.

Connection via fiber optic line

The fiber optic cable has a high throughput and provides the fastest data exchange. It often happens that the fiber is simply brought to the building, and then a twisted pair goes through the premises (apartments), which significantly limits the speed (up to 100 Mbps). In this case, a modem is not required - the cable can be connected directly to the computer's network card, but a router may be required. This is a more complex device that allows you to create local and Wi-Fi networks indoors, connect various mobile and stationary devices to them. Max speed in such a network is determined by the capabilities of the router.

If the provider offers to bring a fiber optic cable directly into the apartment (or office space), then you will need a special modem. As a rule, the operator provides it himself and includes a fee for it in the tariff plan. In this case, the Internet speed depends on the modem and, perhaps, the company will offer you different options for cost and functionality.

At the time of the advent of the Internet, access was made through the telephone network using Dial-up technology with a very low connection quality (up to 56 Kbps). However, when working on a network telephone line I was busy. Now this outdated communication method has been replaced by ADSL technology, which allows you to simultaneously use the Internet and telephone. However, in this case, the connection speed technically cannot be higher than 24 Mbps. In practice, due to the poor condition of the lines, the figure is much lower, and this is precisely the determining factor. But with the right ADSL modem settings, connection speed can be increased.

At the same time, the modem model affects the speed of the Internet - on the same line, a more modern, expensive device will achieve better performance. The difference can reach up to 2-3 times. In addition, slowness is due to frequent freezing, communication instability.

To improve internet speed, please note the following:

  • Do not allow the device to overheat, provide adequate ventilation, and do not stack things on top. Overheating causes braking in work, freezing, failures.
  • Contact your ISP for advice on setting up hardware and software. Some operators offer a file with parameters for a particular model.
  • Update the device firmware. Outdated software may limit communications.

Connection via 3G/LTE /4G network

3G/LTE/4G connectivity is gaining popularity because it allows you to literally carry the Internet with you. A small device that looks like a USB flash drive, easily fits in your pocket, allows you to connect your laptop to the World Wide Web anywhere where a mobile operator works. It is for this type of connection that there is no doubt whether an increase in the speed of an Internet connection depends on right choice modem models.

First of all, the communication standard itself determines the speed of data exchange. 3G gives up to 2 Mbps, LTE already up to 299.6 Mbps, and 4G can theoretically reach 1 Gbps. Naturally, the higher the technical capabilities, the more expensive the equipment.