Internet Issues
Why Your Internet is so Slow
San Diego, tired of dealing with internet issues like slow WiFi speed? There is nothing more annoying than dealing with slow internet speeds especially during a video call. In fact, the only thing worse than no internet is slow internet. Judging by the amount of searches done for the term “internet speed test” there seems to be a bit of an obsession with what is causing it. The reality is, the wireless spectrum is a very busy place, especially now that many are working from home. The problem is, working from home is more complicated than it sounds. That’s because most homes are not set up to double as a home and a workplace. So, you could be paying faster speeds, but your home network equipment may not be able to handle it.
The network is one of the most important systems in a home, yet many people still use the equipment supplied by their Internet Service Provider. The thing is, on the list of what causes internet issues this one is high. In fact, you’d be surprised at how frequently a poor internet connection is caused by your router. And, moving it won’t help. Especially if your home is larger than 1,500 feet, and especially if there is a ton of interference. What most people don’t realize, is that something as simple as outdated equipment or being on the same channel as everyone else in your neighborhood can have a negative impact on your WiFi signal performance. With this in mind, we offer some insight on why your internet might be slow and how to fix it.
Internet Issues: Common Sources of Wi-Fi Interference
Metal Studs
Concrete/Brick Walls
Kitchen Area
Cordless Phone
Nanny Cam
Microwave
Wireless Audio
Internet Issues: How Building Materials Affect Wi-Fi Signal
Most common building materials reduce Wi-Fi signal strength:
3dB loss = 1/2 of original strength
6dB loss = 1/4 of original strength
10dB loss = 1/9 of original strength
Radio Interference
How Channels Impact Performance
Many wireless routers will automatically select the channel for you upon initial setup, where depending on your wireless environment, it could lead to slow Wi-Fi speeds and interference. As an example, most home networks utilize routers that by default, run on channel 6 (2.4 GHz). And, when neighboring home Wi-Fi networks run over the same channel, they generate radio interference. This can cause significant network performance slowdowns for everyone running on that channel.
If all of this is confusing to you, just imagine a high-speed train. It enters your home through your (modem), travels to the train station (router) at full speed, and is redirected (via the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands) to a destination (connected devices). If the destination is a wired connection, then it moves at full speeds. If the destination is wireless, the speed is based on how many tracks (streams) it can use at once. Thus, the amount of congestion these tracks must penetrate, and the distance between the train station and the destination. Will equate to the train loosing speed the further it travels away from the station.
Put simply, you are not going to get Gigabit speed (1,000Mbps) if you are only paying for a 300Mbps connection. Likewise, you are also not going to get the 300Mbps you are paying for if you do not have the right router! Which is why avoiding issues like blind spots and interference by setting your home network up correctly in the first place is so important!
2.4 vs 5 GHz Performance vs Reliability
| 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Distance | Travels farther | Less range |
| Speed | Slower | Much Faster |
| Interference | Very high | Low |
| Barriers | Less signal loss | More signal loss |
Home Networking Equipment
The Basics
From the wireless router to the wireless access point, and networking switches, understanding the different types of home networking equipment is important. Especially if you want to get the best performance out of your home network. Whether you are dealing with slow Internet speeds or dead zones, or both, the right equipment can significantly improve your experience. For this reason, we offer some insight on home networking equipment that everyone should be aware of.
Wireless Router
Despite how important a Wi-Fi router is to your home, it probably doesn’t get much attention. In fact, most people have Wi-Fi routers that are at least a few years old, if not older. This is especially true if you are using the one that was provided to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The wireless router is perhaps the single most important piece of technology in our homes. And, there’s no question that the Internet is the foundation of our lives.
Access Points
When it comes to networking, you probably don’t want to run network cables all over your house, making Wi-Fi a great alternative. Unfortunately there are some places, such as the guest house or backyard, that a Wi-Fi signal won’t reach. Because it’s too far away or because there are thick concrete walls in between them. In this case, the best solution is adding wireless access points.
Networking Switches
Think of your home network like a highway. A wired network is just like a multilane highway. Each car has it’s own lane and can travel at any speed without impacting others. But a wireless system is like a two lane highway, unless you have a router that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz (giving you two more lanes). To help lighten the load of your wireless network and enable it to function more reliably, you need some of your connections to be wired. And, the only way to do this right, is by using networking switches.
San Diego Home Network Design & Installation
Let’s face it, you’re already paying for faster internet speed. So, it only makes sense to have home network equipment that can deliver it. And, a team to design, install and configure it. Our San Diego home network installation services are comprehensive in that we will come out free of charge to assess your current home network. Once we do, we will evaluate the home network solutions that are right for your needs and budget. We’ll even get you up and running quickly! Contact us at (760) 505-7461 to book your appointment or simply fill out the contact form below.
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