The age of your device and type maybe slowing your internet speed
The age of your device and type maybe slowing your internet speed | Telecocabler

Device Age and Type

The age of your device and type maybe slowing your internet speed

Device age

Different devices (such as mobile phones, laptops, desktops, PCs, tablets, Apple Macbooks etc.) have different WiFi cellular radio capabilities (WiFi chipsets/cards), which allows them to connect to the local frequency bands. This means that the WiFi speed running on one device maybe different to another, even if connected to the same network. It may even be that the full speed of your internet connection is not fully utilized or measurable on some of the devices depending on its compatibility and its cellular radio capability (see WiFi Chipset Types below). It could also be that your WiFi router is not compatible with your internet service, which is resulting in slow WiFi speeds. Have your devices compatibility checked with your service speeds to optimise performance. The WiFi modem/router maybe impeding the full speed potential of your internet service, if it does not support transmitting the frequency bands you opted for with your internet service provider (ISP). The age of the router and the type of WiFi chipset/card it is equipped with, will also impact the WiFi speeds. Older devices were built to support older WiFi standards and with fewer antenna’s, which results in slower speeds. Modems made prior to 2009 may not support higher speeds. The WiFi modem you need depends on how and where you use your WiFi connection most.

2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz WiFi Modem/Routers

A 2.4 GHz frequency has longer wave bands which allows it to travel farther, and through solid objects and walls, but does so with lower speeds. The 2.4 GHz bandwidth is also shared with most WiFi enabled devices and radio signals such as printer, tv remotes, cordless phones, space monitors, garage openers etc. due to its durability and range, making it a congested place. This congestion results in connection drops and slower than normal speeds. On the other hand, the shorter 5 GHz frequency wave is much less congested, which provides faster internet speeds. However, the shorter waves do not penetrate solid walls and objects as well as the longer waves, therefore cover a shorter range.

Note: Differences in modems do exist, a standard modem can impact the quality of your WiFi signal and will start to experience connectivity issues when more than 8 devices are connected at once. A high powered modem is capable of handling more devices at any onetime and providing a stronger WiFi transmitting signal, stability and strength.

Modem Selection-Features to consider

Antennas: Modems with additional antenna’s commonly referred to as “4x4”, signifying four WiFi antennas transmitting the signal, offer a faster and more reliable connection.
Band Steering: Devices with band steering ability will work to automatically push and select your device to the best band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
Device management: some providers offer actively monitoring and managing the performance of your device.
VDSL2: NBN Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Building (FTTB) connections need a VDSL2 type modem.
WAN: NBN fibre to the Premises (FTTP), HFC, Fixed Wireless or Sky Muster satellite connections, require a Gigabit Wide Area Netowrk (WAN) type modem.
Beam forming: devices are able to direct the WiFi signal directly to your modem, which results in stronger signal, speed and stability.
Additional Access points: Access points such as WiFi mesh or WiFi extenders, can connect wirelessly to your modem, to extend the signal to reach dead spots in your space.

WiFi Chipset/Card Standard Types in Devices

802.11b: First available for use in 1999 operating only on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, with top speeds of 11 Mbps. It is now out of date and its production is discontinued.
Recommendation: Consider upgrading devices with this type of chipset if they struggle to reach higher speeds or turn them off if not in use so that your speeds are not drained by this device.
802.11a: Made available in 1999 like that of the 802.11b, however, it offers higher top speeds of 54 Mbps, but only on the 5 GHz frequency wave. It is now out of date and its production is discontinued. Recommendation: Consider upgrading devices with this type of chipset if they struggle to reach higher speeds or turn them off if not in use so that your speeds are not drained by this device.
802.11g: Made available in 2003 with top speeds of 54 Mbps, but operates on the 2.4 GHz band which offers farther range than the 802.11a. This type of card is used in older mobile devices such as the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 3Gs.
Recommendation: Consider upgrading devices with this type of chipset if they struggle to reach higher speeds or turn them off if not in use so that your speeds are not drained by this device.
802.11n: This chipset or Wireless-N has been available since 2009 and is the most popular in use. The 5 GHz band range has been improved and comparable to that of the 2.4 GHz. This chipset operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands and introduced as a dual-band router that offer a point of access for each band.
802.11ac: Chipset commonly known as the 5G WiFi, as it operates on the 5 GHz frequency only, achieving speeds as high as 6933 Mbps as a total for all devices connected.
802.11ax: This is the latest wireless chipset, released in 2019 and commonly known as the 6G WiFi, operating on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency. It can achieve speeds as high as 9806 Mbps.

Troubleshooting Slow WiFi Speeds

  • Check that the internet service you opted for with your provider includes adequate speeds and transmitting frequency for your intended use
  • Check that your device’s wireless technology chipset/ card adapter is compatible with connecting to the 5 GHz frequency. If not, then consider upgrading the card to one that is capable for connecting to the 5 GHz signal

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