Gail Eddy, Nederland. I keep having friends ask me what they can do about their internet speed. With everyone working from home, WiFi speed is more important than ever!

First, to fix your slow WiFi, what is your actual internet speed?

Head over to SpeedTest.net and run some tests. 

How bad is my Internet Speed?

If you have slow WiFi sometimes, but the speed is fine at other times, check with other members of your family. If someone is downloading a big file that can skew your results.

Do you know what speed you are paying for? Look at a recent bill or call your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to find out. While you are on the phone with them, also ask what the maximum speed available for you and what the cost would be to upgrade.

For example, the maximum that our ISP can provide us is 12 Mbps. If your computer is connected directly to the router, you should receive the speed you are paying for. Using WiFi, the speed will be degraded somewhat. For me, using WiFi, both my computer and phone averages between 9 and 11 Mbps. (A small decrease in measurable service of 10% or so is acceptable.)

If your speed is below 10% of the rate you are paying for, do the test numerous times. Keep track and write down your results, time of day, distance from the router, etc. If it persists, call your ISP, report your results, and ask them to get it fixed.

What Your Results Mean:

If your WiFi speed is adequate right next to the router, but worse as you move away, you may need to get a new router with a wider range. For a larger home, consider a mesh router.

If your WiFi speed is bad regardless of where you are in your house, you’ll need to call your ISP for help.

If your internet speed is terrible while connected directly to your modem, it’s definitely your ISP.

What to do:

Technology has changed a lot in the past few years, so if your router is more than 4 or 5 years old, it’s probably time to get a new one.  If you’ve determined with the activities above that the problem is your router, then it is definitely time to get a new one! Check out Chris’ recommendations here: www.GeekForHireInc.com/parts. 

If you’ve determined that the problem is with your ISP, get them on the phone. Don’t let them blame your slow WiFi on the router if you know it’s fine! (Yes, they will try that.)

Give your ISP the data you’ve collected. Let them know how long the problem has been going on. Be prepared to wait on hold. If they do need to send someone out, be prepared to wait a week or more for your appointment.

Chris Eddy of Geek For Hire, Inc. has been providing computer service to families and small businesses with Mac’s and PCs for the past eighteen years. Angie’s List and the BBB rate Geek For Hire very highly. You can find more on our website, or give us a call 303-618-0154. Geek For Hire, Inc. provides onsite service (Tier 3 support) to the Denver / Boulder / Front Range area as well as remote service throughout North America.

(Originally published in the July 23, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)