Many factors can affect the performance of your router, mesh WiFi system, or extender. If your WiFi performance seems inconsistent, your wireless network might be affected by one of the following factors.
Broadcast device placement
A clear line of sight from your broadcast device (like a router, mesh node, or extender) to your client devices provides the best WiFi signal. The signal strength decreases as it passes through walls and other objects. Some objects, like metal cabinets, might block the signal entirely.
Interference from other devices
Many WiFi-enabled technologies and other household devices use the 2.4 GHz band, including microwaves, garage door openers, and baby monitors. Some WiFi devices like smart speakers also use the 2.4 GHz band to transfer real-time audio. When multiple devices attempt to use the same radio space, overcrowding occurs.
Bandwidth sharing
If you and your neighbors have the same Internet service provider (ISP), you might share bandwidth with them. If you share bandwidth with your neighbors, you might experience slower Internet speeds after work hours when your neighbors are more likely to be accessing the Internet.
Network loops
A network loop occurs when a network has more than one active path carrying information from the same source to the same destination. You can create a network loop by connecting over Ethernet and WiFi at the same time or connecting two Ethernet cables to the same device. For more information, see What is a network loop?
Cable modems
While uncommon, some cable modems can interfere with other WiFi devices. To prevent interference, make sure that other devices are at least three feet away from your cable modem.
For more information about troubleshooting WiFi performance problems, see the following articles:
- How do I resolve poor wireless range or a weak WiFi signal from my NETGEAR router?
- Why am I not getting the maximum speed that my router is capable of?
- Where should I place my Orbi satellite?
- Where should I place my NETGEAR Wi-Fi range extender?