I am experiencing a slow internet connection. What could the problem be?
A slow internet connection may be caused by various factors. Here is an overview of the most common causes:
• Interference from other devices.
• Interfering factors in the vicinity of the range extender, such as certain floors, walls, large metal objects, etc.
• Positioning of the router or range extender, such that the signal cannot easily reach the connected devices.
• Positioning of the external antennas (if the range extender is equipped with them), such that the signal cannot easily reach the connected devices.
• The channel on which the range extender is transmitting is not sufficiently stable.
• The connected devices are not processing the transmitted signal adequately.
Interference from other devices
The standard 2.4 GHz frequency is also used by many other devices. Examples include microwave ovens and baby monitors. Keep your router, range extender and any devices that you wish to connect to wirelessly away from devices that may cause interference.
Interfering factors
Since a wireless signal travels through the air, it may be impeded by obstacles between the transmitters (the router and range extender) and the receiver (e.g. a computer). These might include walls and ceilings. In particular, concrete with steel reinforcement may have an adverse effect on the range and quality of the signal. Metal objects (e.g. filing cabinets) may interfere with a signal in the same way. Bear this in mind when positioning your router or range extender. Pay attention to the distance and obstacles between your router and range extender. Click here for more info on the positioning of your range extender.
Placement of router and range extender
It is advisable to position the router as centrally as possible in your home, office or home office. This is because most routers transmit signals in a spherical pattern around themselves. If a router is located in a basement, attic or meter cupboard, the signal has to pass through several walls and/or floors, which will adversely affect wireless performance.
Do not place the router too close to the floor. It is advisable to position the router high on a bookcase or to mount it on the wall. Furthermore, on account of interfering equipment, it is not a good idea to place the router in a meter cupboard. It is best to place the range extender at a distance of 5 metres from the router. The distance may be greater, but check whether the range of the router is still sufficient at the selected location. You can do this by checking the range of your router with your laptop. Click here for more info on the positioning of your range extender.
Routers and range extenders with external antennas
Some Sitecom routers and range extenders are equipped with external antennas that you can position yourself. It is important to position the antennas in different directions.
(Sitecom WL-330 Range Extender with external antennas)
Viewed from above, each antenna transmits the signal in a circle, with the antenna being the centre point of this circle. If the two antennas are pointing at each other, the internet signal will not be optimally distributed.
The channel on which the range extender is transmitting is not sufficiently stable
Most Sitecom routers and range extenders communicate on the standard 2.4 GHz frequency, which is divided into 13 different channels. Each wireless channel works on a different band, so the range varies.
It is not just devices such as routers, computers and tablets that use the 2.4 GHz frequency but also other household appliances. Examples include microwave ovens, baby monitors, etc. It is possible that these devices in your home are all using the same channel, which will have an adverse effect on your wireless range.
The range extender sends, after installation, automatically on the same channel as the (modem) router. In the event of a poor wireless range, it is advisable to change the channel used by the router and range extender. Please note: Both devices must always be set to the same channel! The range may then improve. It is impossible to say in advance which channel will provide the best performance in any given situation. It is therefore advisable to try out all the channels one by one.
If you want to change the channel, we advise you to adjust the channel in the settings menu of your (modem) router and then reinstall the range extender. Do you have a Sitecom (modem) router and you want instructions for changing the channel? Click here for the router instructions and here for the modem router instructions.
Do you have a (modem) router from another brand we recommend you to check the supplied documentation.
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The receiving device is not processing the transmitted internet signal correctly
It is possible that your router and range extender are working properly (i.e. the optimum channel has been set, the router is located in a central position in your home and interfering factors such as metal cabinets are not an issue), yet your Wi-Fi connection is not stable (or not stable enough). In this situation, the problem is often related to the connected device (your laptop, PC, tablet, smartphone, etc.).
To determine whether the problem is with the router, the range extender or individual devices, connect multiple devices to your router or range extender, one at a time. Does one device have a good connection while another does not? In that case, your router and range extender are probably working fine and the problem is associated with the device with the poor reception.
Make sure your computer has at least the same wireless technology as your (modem) router and range extender. Example: If the wireless receiver into your computer is equipped with 150N technology and your (modem) router and range extender with 300N technology; you will never be able to use the full speed. If the built-in Wi-Fi technology in your desktop PC or notebook is outdated, you can easily upgrade it by means of a wireless network adapter.
