A lot of people pay for fast internet but never actually experience the speeds they’re supposed to be getting. You might have a 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, or even gigabit plan, but your videos still buffer, your Wi-Fi drops, or your devices feel slow. The truth is, your internet provider can only control the speed coming into your house or business. After that, your equipment and network setup determine how fast things really feel.
If you want to get the most out of your internet speeds, here are the main things you should focus on.
Use a Modern Router
Your internet speed is only as good as your router. Old or cheap routers simply can’t handle high-speed plans. If your router is more than four or five years old, it may not support faster Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, or Wi-Fi 6E. Even if your ISP is giving you great speeds, your router becomes a bottleneck.
A strong, modern router or mesh system makes a massive difference in speed and reliability, especially in homes with lots of devices.
Place Your Router Correctly
Where you put your router matters more than people realize. If it's stuck in a corner, stuffed in a closet, buried behind furniture, or sitting next to a thick wall, your Wi-Fi signal will suffer. The closer your devices are to the router, the better the performance.
Place the router in a central, elevated, open location if possible. Avoid putting it near microwaves, cordless phones, or metal objects that can interfere with the signal.
Use Wired Connections Whenever Possible
Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not always the fastest option. If you want the best speeds for streaming, gaming, work-from-home tasks, or security cameras, use an Ethernet cable. Hardwired devices get the full speed your ISP provides without interference.
Use wired for:
• Desktop computers
• Smart TVs
• Game consoles
• Office equipment
• NVRs for camera systems
This frees up Wi-Fi bandwidth for other devices.
Check Your Modem
Sometimes the modem, not the router, is the problem. If your modem is outdated or doesn’t support the speed tier you pay for, you won’t get full performance. Make sure your modem is DOCSIS 3.1 if you have cable internet, or check with your provider to confirm compatibility with your speed plan.
Reduce Interference
Wi-Fi interference can come from neighbors, electronics, thick walls, or overlapping networks. Switching your router to a cleaner channel, enabling band steering, or upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 can help reduce congestion and improve speeds.
Avoid Too Many Devices on One Network
Most homes and small businesses have way more devices than they think. Phones, laptops, TVs, tablets, security cameras, printers, smart home devices, and even appliances all take up bandwidth. If your router isn’t built for heavy device loads, your speeds will drop.
A mesh system or business-grade access points handle multiple devices much better than a basic home router.
Understand That Wi-Fi and ISP Speeds Are Not the Same
If you pay for 400 Mbps from your provider, that doesn’t mean every device will get 400 Mbps on Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi has limitations based on distance, interference, and device capability. Your phone might max out at 150–300 Mbps simply because of its hardware. The goal is not to hit the exact number your ISP advertises on every device, but to make sure your network performs smoothly.
Restart Your Equipment Occasionally
Modems and routers sometimes slow down over time due to memory buildup or minor glitches. Restarting them can restore performance. If you find yourself restarting constantly, that’s a sign you may need better equipment.
Test Your Speed Correctly
Always test using a device that’s hardwired into the router. Wi-Fi speed tests often show lower numbers because of wireless limitations. Testing correctly helps you know whether the issue is the ISP or your equipment.
Final Thoughts
Getting the most out of your internet provider speeds comes down to having the right equipment, the right placement, and a clean, well-designed network. A strong router, wired connections, proper Wi-Fi settings, and smart upgrades can turn a slow, frustrating network into a fast and reliable one.
If you want help improving your network performance or figuring out why your Wi-Fi isn’t as fast as it should be, I can take a look and get everything running the way it should.
Evan Fisher
480-529-2120
evan@arizonatechpros.com
