Slow home internet is often caused by the router itself rather than the internet plan, experts say, citing a report by Engadget. Several straightforward adjustments to router settings and placement can noticeably improve connection speeds.
Experts advise placing the router at the centre of the home, well away from microwave ovens and other electronics that can cause interference. On models with external antennas, pointing them in different directions can improve coverage.
Band selection also matters. Many modern routers broadcast on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Experts say the 5 GHz band delivers higher throughput and is better suited to streaming, gaming and large file transfers.
A feature called Smart Queue Management, or SQM, is worth enabling if the router supports it. Experts say it combats bufferbloat, a condition in which the router becomes overwhelmed by queued data packets when several devices are downloading or streaming simultaneously, causing lag and higher latency. The setting is typically found under Quality of Service, or QoS, in the router’s web interface or manufacturer app.
Regular reboots, which require only unplugging the router for 30 seconds, clear the device’s memory and resolve minor faults. Keeping firmware up to date fixes bugs and closes security vulnerabilities. If none of these steps help and the router is several years old, replacement may be the only solution, experts said.
