Can your router affect internet speed? Understanding the impact

Experiencing slow internet despite paying for fast broadband? Your router might be the culprit. Many people wonder if their router can affect internet speed, and the answer is absolutely yes.

Your router plays a crucial role in determining the actual speeds you experience at home, regardless of what your internet service provider delivers to your property.

How routers influence internet speed

Your router acts as the gateway between your devices and the internet, managing all data traffic in and out of your home network. When your ISP delivers internet to your property, it arrives at your router, which then distributes that connection to all your devices.

Can a router affect internet speed in significant ways? Definitely. An outdated or poorly positioned router can create bottlenecks that prevent you from achieving the speeds you're paying for.

Even with Hey! Broadband's fast fibre connection, an inadequate router can limit your actual experience.

Wireless vs wired connection

The type of connection your devices use significantly impacts speed. Wired Ethernet connections typically provide faster, more stable speeds compared to wireless connections. When you connect directly via Ethernet cable, you bypass potential wireless interference and congestion issues.

Wireless connections face additional challenges that can reduce speeds. WiFi signals can be affected by interference from other devices, physical obstacles like walls, and distance from the router. While modern wireless standards offer impressive speeds, they rarely match the consistency of wired connections.

Key factors that impact internet speed

Several router-related factors determine whether you'll achieve your broadband's full potential speed.

Router hardware and specifications

Router age and specifications have an impact on internet speed. Older routers may only support outdated wireless standards like 802.11n, which limits speeds to around 150 Mbps even if your broadband package offers much faster speeds.

Modern routers support newer standards like WiFi 6 (802.11ax), which can handle gigabit speeds and manage multiple devices more efficiently. The router's processor, memory, and antenna quality also influence performance, particularly when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.

Distance between device and router

Physical distance significantly impacts wireless speeds. The further your device is from the router, the weaker the signal becomes, resulting in slower speeds. Walls, floors, and other obstacles further degrade the signal strength.

For optimal performance, position your router centrally in your home and ensure frequently used devices are within reasonable range. Large homes may benefit from mesh systems or WiFi extenders to maintain strong signals throughout the property.

Network congestion and bandwidth

Can a router affect internet speed when multiple devices are connected? Yes, especially with older routers that struggle to manage bandwidth efficiently. When many devices compete for the same wireless channels, speeds can drop significantly.

Modern routers include Quality of Service (QoS) features that help manage bandwidth allocation, prioritising important activities like video calls over background downloads. However, older routers may lack these capabilities, leading to noticeable slowdowns during peak usage.

How to improve your internet speed by optimising your router

Several steps can help maximise your router's performance and improve internet speeds:

• Optimal placement: Position your router in a central, elevated location away from interference sources like microwaves, baby monitors, and other electronic devices. Avoid placing it in cupboards or behind furniture.

• Regular restarts: Restart your router weekly to clear temporary files and refresh network connections. This simple step often resolves speed issues and improves overall performance.

• Firmware updates: Keep your router's firmware updated to ensure optimal performance and security. Many modern routers update automatically, but older models may require manual updates.

• Channel optimisation: Use WiFi analysis tools to identify the least congested wireless channels in your area. Switching to a less crowded channel can significantly improve speeds.

• Bandwidth management: Configure QoS settings to prioritise important devices and activities. This ensures critical tasks like work video calls receive adequate bandwidth even when other devices are active.

• Password security: Ensure your WiFi network is properly secured with WPA3 encryption and a strong password. Unauthorised users consuming your bandwidth will slow down your connection.

When to upgrade your router for better speed

Several signs indicate it's time for a router upgrade. If your router is more than 5 years old, it likely lacks modern features and wireless standards that could improve your speeds significantly.

Can router affect internet speed so much that upgrading becomes necessary? Yes, particularly if you're not achieving speeds close to what your broadband package promises. Run speed tests both wirelessly and via Ethernet connection to identify whether your router is the limiting factor.

Consider upgrading if you experience frequent dropped connections, dead zones in your home, or significantly slower speeds on wireless devices compared to wired connections. Modern routers also handle multiple device connections much better than older models.

Households with high-speed broadband packages (100 Mbps or faster) should ensure their router can actually handle these speeds. There's no point paying for gigabit broadband if your router can only manage 100 Mbps.

When choosing a new router, consider your broadband speed, home size, and number of connected devices. For Hey! Broadband customers with high-speed packages, investing in a quality router ensures you can fully utilise the fast speeds provided.

Look for routers with WiFi 6 support, multiple antennas, and adequate processing power. Mesh systems work well for larger homes, while single powerful routers may suffice for smaller properties.

Understanding that can router affect internet speed helps you make informed decisions about your home network setup. While your broadband provider delivers the connection to your home, your router determines how effectively that speed reaches your devices.

If you're ready to explore your options and find the perfect broadband deal for your needs, check out our range of packages or give us a call at 0330 822 2878. Our friendly customer service team is here to help make your switch to Hey! Broadband a swift and stress-free experience!