5 reasons your router could be affecting your broadband speed

A painfully slow internet connection is really frustrating, especially when it's constantly interrupting whatever you're trying to do. 

The source can be difficult to diagnose and while a bad connection is often the culprit, it could also be down to your router. 

A recent viral online tip suggested placing tin foil behind or around your router to better amplify its signal and improve your broadband connection. Although it's a tempting and low-cost solution, this could actually make the issue worse as it can block the signal from your router.

Ignore tips on social media and instead follow our expert advice to get your broadband signal back up to full strength.

1. Is your broadband speed too slow?

The first port of call in diagnosing a broadband problem is checking your broadband speed. Our broadband speed test is free to use and will tell you if you’re getting the speed you're paying for. 

To make sure you're getting an accurate measure, ensure the device you're running the speed test from (such as a home computer or laptop) is connected directly to your router via an ethernet cable. If you're seeing speeds significantly below what your provider has promised, contact them to flag the issue and insist they help you to resolve it. 

No matter how good your router, your broadband speed is restricted by your broadband contract. Speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps), and whether it's fast enough for you will depend on what you're doing online. 

Below are some scenarios for reference:

• 5Mbps - very slow speed suitable for basic online activities such as reading or sending emails and watching low resolution videos.
• 16Mbps - slow speed that's able to stream content reliably and consistently in HD on a small number of devices.
• 60Mbps - fast speed that's good for streaming on several devices, online gaming and supporting a limited number of smart devices in the home. 
• 100Mbps and above - very fast speed ideal for streaming 4K (Ultra HD) content on multiple devices and generally supporting a good number of smart devices around the home.

Check out the best broadband deals picked by our experts to see if you should switch provider

2. Pick a good spot for your router

Devices connected to your router via wi-fi are likely to experience slower speeds, particularly if they're far away from the router. So the location of your router, especially in relation to where you want the wi-fi to extend to, is an important factor. 

If your router is set up in your living room but you have a home office upstairs, the distance and objects between your living room and your office may be too great for the router to overcome. If you can set up your router in or closer to the room that requires the best wi-fi speed and coverage, it will likely make a huge difference. 

Furniture, walls, ceilings, and materials such as concrete, metal and plaster can also weaken your wi-fi signal. In addition, devices like microwaves and cordless phones can act as obstacles to your coverage. 

While you might be tempted to tuck a router in a corner out of sight, bear in mind the potential effect on coverage and speed if the signal is restricted. Tighter and more confined spaces such as the foyer and staircase, which are surrounded more closely by walls, can see weaker coverage when compared to more open and spaced out rooms.

3. Check how many devices are connecting at once

Each router we review is challenged with dozens of wi-fi devices. We use a wide range, from computers and TVs to tablets, smartphones, game consoles and other smart tech, including app-controlled thermostats and lights. One thing is clear – the number of devices vying for an internet connection can seriously affect speed.

You'll need to weigh this up if your router or your broadband speed isn't up to the task at hand. Consider which connected smart devices you really need and use, and how many devices are streaming music or video at the same time in the home.

A better solution is to opt for a router (whether from your internet service provider or third party) that can handle many devices simultaneously. Any router that scores at least three stars in our stress tests would be a solid choice for handling demanding use and or multiple devices trying to connect at the same time. 

Each model we test gets a stress test rating, along with other performance ratings such as coverage and real-home testing.

See the best wi-fi routers and compare free internet service provider routers with third-party routers from TP-Link, Asus and Eero

4. Is your router too old?

If you're using the same router your internet service provider (ISP) sent you years ago, it may be time for an upgrade. 

Older routers can have a serious impact on internet speed, especially if they only support outdated wireless standards such as 802.11 B, A and G. 

Even if your ISP router is up to date, we've found many third-party routers can seriously outperform them – check our third-party router reviews to compare models. 

Consider the following features when upgrading your router to help ensure it won't hold you back:

Dual-band and tri-band routers

Single-band routers are basic devices that only operate on the 2.4GHz band. This frequency is fine for simple tasks such as browsing online, but can struggle with gaming or streaming 4K video.

Dual-band routers add a 5GHz band. 5GHz is better for more taxing tasks such as watching HD and 4K video, though it is a shorter range. Many dual-band routers can transmit simultaneously on both bands to deliver flexibility and bandwidth.

Some newer routers are tri-band. These include a second 5GHz frequency or the even faster 6GHz frequency. Tri-band routers are even more efficient at divvying up connected devices and providing a smoother wi-fi performance. 

Gigabit ethernet cable support

Some newer routers include one or more 1GB ethernet ports. This is a great feature for those who enjoy online gaming. 

Via this connection, your router can send and receive a signal to and from servers faster, making your online experience seamless and interruption-free. 

You're still restricted by the native speed of your broadband package, however. 

App support

Many routers have an accompanying app with features and settings you can tinker with. 

These include parental controls, in which you can assign internet access to certain devices and block access to dodgy URLs. 

You can also monitor internet speeds, display your network map (showing any mesh systems and or extenders connected to your router) and monitor what wi-fi devices are connected in real time, so it's a useful diagnostic tool. 

Wi-fi 6 capable routers

Wi-fi 6 is now the most common wi-fi standard. It’s designed to handle heavy loads and is capable of dealing with multiple devices trying to access broadband at once. This makes wi-fi 6 an excellent option for large or busy households with many devices.

We're also gradually seeing more advanced Wi-Fi 6E and 7 routers being introduced. These include unique features (such as the 6GHz band) to further improve performance in tech-heavy households. 

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5. Consider an extender or mesh network

If you've tried the above recommendations, are limited by where you can set up and position your router, or live in a large household that requires network access in multiple locations, you may benefit from an amplifier for your router. 

This is where wi-fi extenders and mesh systems come in. 

Extenders

The cheaper of the two, an extender is designed to give your router more reach in a specific location. It will broadcast the network signal from your router to an area in your home that has weak signal or no signal at all. 

If the connection is rebroadcast via an extender, you may find that your network speed is slower than what's possible through just the router. Although this is not a universal problem when using extenders, it can be an issue.

Our wi-fi extender reviews reveal the models that are best at filling those signal gaps.

Mesh systems

A mesh network consists of a number of nodes (a series of identical devices) that effectively act as extra routers. They can be positioned around your home to create a chain of devices, emanating from your router (the start and source of the chain) and providing an extension of your broadband signal. 

They don’t create additional networks, instead boosting the range of your router network seamlessly throughout your home. With a well-positioned chain of mesh nodes, you can greatly expand your broadband coverage, even into your front or back garden, driveway or garage.

Our mesh system reviews rate the most effective at providing whole-home wi-fi coverage.

If you feel you should invest in an extender or mesh, check if your ISP offers these for free as a solution to slow or weak broadband.