The Asked

Chapter 02 — Technology & Internet

Why is my Wi-Fi so slow?

Almost always one of three things: the router is too far from you, too many devices are on the same band, or your ISP is throttling at peak hours. A reboot fixes more than people admit.

Follow-up questions

What's the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz?

2.4 GHz reaches further but is slower and crowded. 5 GHz is fast but doesn't punch through walls. Use 5 GHz when close, 2.4 GHz from another room.

Does a mesh system actually help?

Yes if your home is over 150 m² or has thick walls. Otherwise a single good router placed centrally beats a cheap mesh.

How fast does my internet need to be?

Streaming 4K needs ~25 Mbps. A household of four with calls and games is comfortable at 200 Mbps. Above that is mostly marketing.

Where should I place my router?

Central, elevated, out in the open, and away from microwaves, thick walls, and metal. Placement often beats buying faster hardware.

What's the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz?

2.4GHz travels further through walls; 5GHz is faster but shorter range. Modern routers pick automatically via band steering.

Where should I put my router?

Central, elevated, out in the open — not in a closet or behind a TV.

Do I need mesh Wi-Fi?

If your home is over ~200 m² or has thick walls, yes. Otherwise a good single router is enough.

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