I'm having issues with my internet connection, especially when someone is gaming on a device that's directly connected to the router with an Ethernet cable. I thought that having a wired connection wouldn't slow down others on Wi-Fi, but it seems like my connection becomes unreliable when the wired device is in use. The router is pretty cheap and located on the top floor, connected to an Xbox. Whenever they're playing multiplayer games, I get kicked off my Wi-Fi, and it's incredibly frustrating. I'm trying to figure out why this is happening and how to possibly resolve it.
3 Answers
Cheap routers typically struggle with sharing bandwidth among multiple devices. If someone is directly connected, they might be hogging the connection, causing issues for everyone else on Wi-Fi.
It sounds like your router might be prioritizing any devices that are physically connected, especially if it's an older or budget model. This could lead to others experiencing slower speeds. You could try getting a new router to see if that resolves the issue, and if it doesn’t, you can always return it after testing.
Your internet speed and what other users are doing can greatly affect your overall connection. If the wired device is downloading large files, it could be consuming most of the bandwidth, which would leave little for everyone else. Although the router doesn't prioritize Ethernet over Wi-Fi, wired connections are generally more efficient. Look into QoS settings on your router to manage bandwidth distribution; that might help you keep a stable connection while others are online.
How do I check the internet speed on my T-Mobile router? Also, I like that QoS idea for managing bandwidth!
That makes sense, but I’ve heard that wired connections shouldn't affect Wi-Fi speeds. Can you clarify if that's really the case?