Why is My WiFi So Slow?

The Quick Version

Before diving into fixes, you need to know: is the problem your WiFi

WiFi

Wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a network without cables. Uses radio frequencies (2.4GHz and 5GHz) to transmit data.

Full definition → or your internet? These are different things with different solutions.

Step 1: Test Wired vs Wireless

This is the most important diagnostic step:

1. Connect a laptop directly to your router

   router

   A device that creates your home WiFi network and shares your internet connection with multiple devices. Often combined with a modem in one box.

   Full definition → with an ethernet

   ethernet

   A wired networking technology that uses physical cables to connect devices. Faster and more reliable than WiFi, but requires running cables.

   Full definition → cable
2. Close all other programs
3. Run a speed test (speedtest.net or fast.com)
4. Note the result
5. Disconnect, connect to WiFi in the same spot
6. Run the speed test again

If wired is fast but WiFi is slow: Your WiFi is the problem (keep reading)

If both are slow: Your internet service is the problem (contact your ISP

ISP

Internet Service Provider

The company you pay for internet access — like Telstra, Aussie Broadband, or TPG. They provide the connection to your home.

Full definition → )

Step 2: Check Your Location

Distance and obstacles dramatically affect WiFi speed:

• Test speed in the same room as the router
• Test speed in your “problem” location
• If there’s a big difference, it’s a coverage issue

WiFi signals weaken with distance and struggle through walls, especially brick and concrete.

Step 3: Check Which Frequency You’re On

Most routers broadcast two frequencies:

• 2.4GHz

  2.4GHz

  A WiFi radio frequency with longer range but slower speeds. Better at penetrating walls but more prone to interference from other devices.

  Full definition → : Slower but longer range
• 5GHz

  5GHz

  A WiFi radio frequency with faster speeds but shorter range. Less interference but struggles with walls and distance.

  Full definition → : Faster but shorter range

If you’re close to the router, make sure you’re on 5GHz. If far away, 2.4GHz might give you a more stable (if slower) connection.

Check your device’s WiFi settings to see which band you’re connected to.

Step 4: Check for Bandwidth Hogs

Some devices or activities use a lot of bandwidth:

Activity	Bandwidth Used
4K streaming	~25 Mbps per stream
HD streaming	~5 Mbps per stream
Video call (HD)	~3-4 Mbps
Online gaming	~3-6 Mbps
Music streaming	~1 Mbps

Check what’s running on your network when it feels slow. Multiple 4K streams can saturate a typical connection.

Step 5: Count Your Connected Devices

Every connected device shares your WiFi’s capacity:

• Smart TVs
• Phones (everyone’s phone)
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Smart speakers
• Security cameras
• Smart home devices

Older or cheap routers struggle with many simultaneous connections. Count how many devices are connected - you might be surprised.

Step 6: Check Your Router’s Age

WiFi technology has improved dramatically. If your router is more than 5 years old:

• It may not support newer, faster WiFi standards
• It may not handle multiple devices well
• It may have performance limitations you’ve outgrown

WiFi standards matter:

Standard	Also Called	Typical Speed
802.11n	WiFi 4 WiFi 4 WiFi standard from 2009 offering speeds up to 600 Mbps. Still works fine for basic tasks but getting outdated. Full definition →	Up to 150 Mbps
802.11ac	WiFi 5 WiFi 5 WiFi standard from 2014 with speeds up to 3.5 Gbps. The most common standard in routers from 2015-2020. Full definition →	Up to 500+ Mbps
802.11ax	WiFi 6 WiFi 6 Latest mainstream WiFi standard (2019) with speeds up to 9.6 Gbps and better performance with many devices. Look for WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E on new routers. Full definition →	Up to 1000+ Mbps

Step 7: Check Your Internet Plan

Make sure your internet plan can deliver the speeds you expect:

NBN Plan	Typical Speed	Notes
NBN 25	20-25 Mbps	All technologies
NBN 50	40-50 Mbps	All technologies
NBN 100	80-100 Mbps	FTTN FTTN Fibre to the Node NBN technology where fibre runs to a street cabinet, then old copper to your home. Speed varies based on distance from the node. Full definition → /FTTC FTTC Fibre to the Curb NBN technology where fibre runs to a small pit near your home, then short copper run inside. Better than FTTN but not as fast as FTTP. Full definition → only
NBN 100	~500 Mbps	FTTP FTTP Fibre to the Premises The fastest NBN technology — fibre optic cable runs directly to your home. Capable of speeds up to 2000 Mbps or more. Full definition → /HFC HFC Hybrid Fibre Coaxial NBN technology using the old Foxtel/Telstra cable TV network. Fibre to your street, then coaxial cable to your home. Capable of gigabit speeds. Full definition → (upgraded Sept 2025)
NBN 250	~750 Mbps	FTTP/HFC only

Important: Since September 2025, NBN 100 plans on FTTP and HFC now deliver around 500 Mbps - five times faster than before, at no extra cost. FTTN and FTTC customers still get the original speeds.

You can’t get faster WiFi than your internet plan provides. If you’re paying for NBN 50 and getting 45 Mbps, that’s normal.

Common Fixes

Quick wins:

• Move closer to the router (or move the router)
• Switch to 5GHz if you’re close enough
• Restart your router
• Disconnect unused devices
• Update router firmware

Bigger solutions:

• Replace an old router with a modern WiFi 6 model
• Add a mesh WiFi

  mesh WiFi

  A system of multiple WiFi units that work together as one seamless network. Unlike extenders, mesh systems use one network name and automatically hand off devices as you move.

  Full definition → system for better coverage
• Use ethernet for stationary devices (TV, desktop)
• Upgrade your internet plan

When to Seek Help

If your wired speeds are good but WiFi is consistently slow throughout your home, you likely need:

• A better router
• Better router placement
• Mesh or access points for coverage
• A professional assessment to identify the specific issue

Official Resources

• Speedtest by Ookla - Test your current internet and WiFi speeds
• NBN Speed Guide - Understand what speeds your plan should deliver
• ACCC Broadband Performance - Independent ISP speed monitoring data
• Wi-Fi Alliance - WiFi technology standards and capabilities