I've been struggling with WiFi issues on my computers, even though my phones and tablets are connecting perfectly. Both computers I've owned this year experience terrible connections and frequently drop to under 1Mbps upload speed, which makes the network practically unusable for them. I tested my current computer on a friend's WiFi and it performed well there, but at home, the performance spikes and drops are consistent. We've had Xfinity technicians check and replace some wiring outside, but nothing changed. The 2.4 GHz band, which the computers prefer, is especially bad. Is it possible that our router is throttling or deprioritizing the computers? What settings or changes should I consider?
3 Answers
WiFi performance can significantly drop due to physical barriers like walls, especially if they contain steel. If you haven't yet, consider upgrading to a WiFi 6 router, as it improves speeds dramatically. Also, using a mesh network with two routers could help if you set it up correctly. This way, devices will connect to the strongest signal available without issue.
Newer phones often come with better Wi-Fi technology. How old are your computers? If they’re significantly older or have outdated Wi-Fi hardware, that could impact performance compared to newer devices.
Are your phones connecting on a 5G network? This could be a key difference, as the computers may be stuck on the slower 2.4 GHz band. Make sure the devices are on the same network type if possible. Also, check if WiFi is set to prioritize certain types of devices on your router.
All devices are indeed on the same WiFi, and I've tested them multiple times. It's just the computers that have connectivity issues.
I just got the current computer this year, and it can handle modern games at high settings.