More Devices, Slow WiFi? Step Up to Wireless AC Technology - NETGEAR Hub (2024)

FAQs

Does adding more devices slow down Wi-Fi? ›

When multiple devices use the same network, overcrowding occurs as they all compete with each other to connect to the same router. This means low quality or buffering during streaming, latency during gaming, and frustratingly slow browsing speeds.

Every device on your network decreases your bandwidth a portion, especially over WiFi. Think of it like traffic on the highway. During rush hour when there's a lot of traffic, the cars travel slower than usual. This is the same for your internet connection.

Your WiFi signal broadcast is weak due to environmental factors. Your NETGEAR router features high-powered amplifiers and antennas to maximize your WiFi coverage. However, router placement, home layout, or wireless interference from other devices can affect your WiFi range.

Theoretical Limits of Wi-Fi Network Scaling

Many individual wireless routers and other access points can support up to approximately 250 connected devices. From a wired perspective, routers can accommodate a small number (usually between one and four) of wired Ethernet clients with the rest connected over wireless.

On the 2.4ghz band, you can connect up to 11 devices depending on the bandwidth usage of the device. However, each device can use different amounts of bandwidth so we don't advise connecting 11 devices at once as speed and performance can suffer. This is the band for speed.

As a result, there will be an increase in traffic on the router's frequency, as each device takes turns sending its data packets across that same frequency. Even though it depends on the type of WiFi router, a slowdown occurs when four or more users are connected to a typical home network.

Network congestion can occur in scenarios where multiple devices are connected to the same WiFi network, leading to slower speeds. Additionally, some devices may have bandwidth limitations that restrict their maximum data transfer rates.

Turn off devices connecting wirelessly that are not in use

iPads, desktop computers, smartphones, gaming consoles often run background applications that are constantly running and using your bandwidth. Turning them off when not using them frees up WiFi bandwidth!

Install a WiFi Range Extender

One way to improve better WiFi coverage throughout your home is to install a range extender. A range extender increases WiFi coverage by connecting to your existing WiFi router and creating a separate WiFi network that has its own name and security credentials.

If the firmware is outdated, it can cause problems with the router, including WiFi connection dropping. Hardware problems: In rare cases, WiFi connection dropping can be caused by a hardware problem with the router itself. This is more likely to happen if the router is old or has been damaged.

How do I know if my Netgear router is bad? ›

If your router frequently overheats, it is a strong indication that you need to replace it. Overheating can cause unstable connections, slow internet speeds, reduced lifespan of the router, and frequent disconnections.

Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi Router, 1.9Gbps

Get blazing-fast WiFi speeds up to 1.9Gbps and a 1GHz dual-core processor for extended range. Keep your family safe from online threats with an automatic shield of protection for all your connected devices from NETGEAR Armor™.

Proximity to the wireless access point or router, as well as physical obstructions, can affect the quality of your Internet connection. To improve your connection speed, move closer to the access point and make sure that there are no physical obstructions between the access point and your computer.

Turn off devices connecting wirelessly that are not in use

iPads, desktop computers, smartphones, gaming consoles often run background applications that are constantly running and using your bandwidth. Turning them off when not using them frees up WiFi bandwidth!

A few tips to improve your WiFi experience: If you have old devices you are no longer using, disconnect them from your WiFi network. If possible, upgrade your old devices (smart phone, laptop, etc.) for a faster, more seamless WiFi experience.

While the slowdown is relatively brief each time it happens, having multiple older devices connected to your router can noticeably slow down your network speeds. The older the Wi-Fi version a device uses, the more apparent any issues it creates will be.