In September, the whole family actively connects to the home network at the same time again: one participates in a video meeting, another watches a movie or live broadcast, a child downloads learning materials, and a game or program may still be updating in the background.
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When the connection starts to lag, the first thought is often that the chosen internet speed is too low. However, the problem may be caused by an inappropriate router location, outdated equipment, a weak Wi-Fi signal, or even the computer being used. Often, checking just one or two things is enough to make the home connection work more smoothly again.
As notes Arturas Stefanovičius, head of Etanetas, one of the first internet service providers in Lithuania and an internet technology expert, before looking for a new internet plan, it is always worth first figuring out where the problem really lies.
“When a video call starts to lag or internet pages load slowly, many immediately think they lack speed. But first, I would suggest looking at who is using the connection at that time and testing it in different rooms and on different devices. Sometimes the problem can be solved simply by moving the router to a more suitable location or fixing the device that is slowing down the connection,” he says.
Where to start checking?
If the home internet starts to work slowly, first, according to the expert, it is worth finding out what is happening on the home network at that time.
“The simplest way to check this is to temporarily stop large downloads and disconnect unnecessary devices connected to the internet. For example, if a video call or broadcast starts to work more smoothly, the problem may not be the internet connection itself but the load on it at that time,” explains the head of Etanetas.
The next step is an internet speed test, but it is also important to perform it correctly. A common mistake is to check internet speed on a phone in another room and directly compare the result with the speed indicated in the internet plan. The result is influenced by Wi-Fi signal strength, distance from the router, walls, and the device’s capabilities.
To more accurately identify the problem, it is best to perform the first test by connecting a computer to the router with a network cable, then compare the result with a test over Wi-Fi near the router and in the room where the connection usually lags. If the internet works well with a cable but the speed drops sharply as you move away from the router, it is likely that the problem is wireless coverage.
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The router’s location is also important. Walls and other physical barriers obstruct the Wi-Fi signal, so a router placed in a cabinet, near the floor, or at one end of the home may not cover all rooms well.
“The router should be kept in as open and, if possible, central a location in the home as possible. If the internet works smoothly near it but starts to lag a few rooms away, it is a sign that the problem may not be internet speed but Wi-Fi signal coverage,” advises A. Stefanovičius.
It is also worth checking the Wi-Fi password and the list of devices connected to the network. If the password is easy to guess, outsiders may use the internet, and additional devices can overload the connection. A. Stefanovičius advises choosing a long, unique password and creating a separate network for guests.
It is worth checking the devices themselves
If the internet lags only on one computer or phone, it is worth looking for the cause of the problem in the device itself. According to A. Stefanovičius, even with a fast fiber optic connection, its capabilities may not be fully utilized due to an older computer, outdated software, or the router.
“A simple way to check this is to connect another device to the Wi-Fi in the same place. If the internet works slowly on one computer but smoothly on another, it is likely that the problem is not the connection itself. An older router may also not keep up with the number of devices used at home today and their needs,” explains the expert.
Moreover, according to him, with the start of the school year, it is worth checking not only the child’s computer connection but also security: install operating system and browser updates, perform a malware check, and remove unknown or unused browser extensions. Age-appropriate parental control measures can also be set on younger children’s devices.
“Technical measures are only one part of security. Before September, it is worth discussing with the child, reminding them of simple rules: not to click on suspicious links online, not to download programs or games from untrusted sites, and to be cautious about sites asking for login details. The internet is full of attempts to steal login or other personal data, so it is always important to care not only about connection quality but also safe usage,” says the head of the internet provider Etanetas.
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