Why Does My Wi-fi Speed Fluctuate So Much?
There is no single reason why your Wi-Fi speed fluctuates so much. Numerous factors like outdated router firmware, infected firmware, multiple connected users, and poor weather conditions could be responsible.
Some Reasons Why Your Wi-Fi Speed Fluctuates
An unstable WiFi speed could affect all of your internet activities. So, it is important to have a fast internet connection that remains that way while you do your activities. Here are some possible reasons why your WiFi speed fluctuates so much.
Internet Service Provider Issues: Sometimes, your internet providers could be experiencing some network issues. These issues could arise from poor weather conditions, maintenance checks, or a slight downtime. So, it may be difficult to get stable WiFi speeds during these periods.
Many Connected Users: When many clients are connected to your router, you may experience internet speed fluctuations. This happens because there is limited bandwidth for all the connected users, especially if they are doing high internet-consuming activities.
Malware/Viruses: Your firmware could have been infected by malware affecting your speeds. It is uncertain how these viruses come in, but it usually comes from connecting and sharing information with public devices that are not trusted. You can use antivirus software to check if you suspect your router has been infected.
Outdated Firmware: Your WiFi router’s firmware provides the foundation for all its network connections. So, it is necessary to keep it updated to the latest version if you come across any update prompts from your internet service provider.
Poor router placement: You may be experiencing unstable speeds because you placed your router in an unfavorable location. You naturally experience weaker connections when you move further away from your devices. So, some spots in your home or office could have weaker speeds.
Some Solutions To Wi-Fi Speed Fluctuations
Using the internet can be very frustrating when speeds are unstable, but it is possible to resolve these issues with certain steps. Here are some ways to solve these problems:
Use a Wired connection: A cable(Ethernet) connection gives much faster and more stable speeds than a WiFi connection. Even though it may not be easy to stop using WiFi networks because of the convenience it gives, it is better to use wired connections for faster and more stable upload speeds.
Restart your WiFi router/internet connection: There are a few ways you could refresh your WiFi speeds:
You can restart your WiFi router by turning it off and switching it on after a few moments. You could also leave the network and reconnect to it after a few moments. You could switch network channels/bands to find the one with better network speeds.
Improve your router positioning: Another way to improve your WiFi speeds is to find an optimal location to position your router. This may be difficult to do. So, as an alternative, you can get a WiFi extender. WiFi extenders improve your router’s reach and internet quality and help eliminate dead zones in your home or office.
Improve your network security: Security is extremely important when working on the internet. It would help if you used all the necessary security measures to prevent suspicious devices from leeching off your internet or sending malware to your devices. A feature like AP isolation could be very helpful.
Contact your ISP Customer Support: This is no doubt the best way to go, especially when you’ve run out of options. It would help if you reached out to your internet service providers like Cox, Verizon, etc. , and asked for explanations. Their support staff will offer the best advice and next steps for you.
Conclusion
Now we have learnt “Why Does My Wi-fi Speed Fluctuate So Much?”, It is difficult to completely rule out WiFi fluctuations; because these things can happen unexpectedly. So, one can only manage and prevent these issues with some steps and solutions. However, these stability issues should not prevent you from easily carrying out your internet activities. Your experience will surely be improved when you follow these solutions and use a trustworthy internet provider.
How can I permanently prevent WiFi speed fluctuation?
There is no ideal way to end all your internet issues. However, you can greatly improve your experience by using a reputable internet service provider and efficient WiFi routers/modems or extenders. You only need good equipment and proper working practices to enjoy your internet experience.
How will customer support help me with my WiFi issues?
There will help you based on the issues you have. But, most times, all you need to do is explain your issues as best as possible, and they will suggest the best moves. Support Engineers/Workers can even help you repair or even replace whatever the faulty equipment in your router is.
Can a new router help improve my WiFi speeds?
Yes, it’s possible. There have been many improvements in routers, gateways, and modems that offer much more efficient speeds. These devices could even offer better area coverage and multiple connectivity bands to improve your internet speeds. But, they could be pricey, and you should ensure you buy what suits your needs.
