Why Your Home Wi-Fi is Slow — And What You Can Do About It
Published by Panthera Technologies
You’ve paid for fast internet — but your Zoom calls freeze, videos buffer, and your smart devices seem sluggish. If that sounds familiar, the problem might not be your internet provider. It could be your Wi-Fi setup.
At Panthera Technologies, we often help clients improve their home internet experience by identifying and correcting issues like poor access point placement, outdated firmware, and network congestion.
Let’s explore what really affects your Wi-Fi performance — and how to fix it.
Incorrect Access Point Placement
Wi-Fi routers and access points (APs) are like mini radio stations. If they’re not installed correctly, your signal won’t reach where it’s needed.
Common Mistakes:
- Placing routers in corners or behind TVs
- Mounting access points too low or too high
- Installing them near metal objects or microwaves
Solution:
Access points should be installed centrally, away from physical obstructions, and ideally on the ceiling or high on a wall for better signal distribution. Panthera Technologies can conduct a Wi-Fi heat map survey to identify optimal placement in your home.
Outdated Firmware
Your router is a small computer that runs on software called firmware. If this isn’t updated regularly, it can cause:
- Slower speeds
- Compatibility issues with newer devices
- Security vulnerabilities
Solution:
Always check your router or access point manufacturer's website for firmware updates — or let our techs manage it for you as part of a regular home IT support plan.
Overcrowded Network
In today’s homes, there are often 20+ connected devices — phones, TVs, laptops, smart appliances, cameras, and more. Each of them competes for bandwidth.
Signs of overload:
- Internet slows down when everyone’s online
- Some devices drop off the network
Solution:
Upgrade to a dual-band or tri-band router, or use Wi-Fi 6 access points, which manage multiple devices more efficiently.
Old or Low-Quality Equipment
Not all routers are created equal. Budget routers can’t handle modern streaming, gaming, or smart home demands.
Symptoms:
- Good signal, but poor speed
- Dropouts during HD streaming
Solution:
Invest in high-quality, enterprise-grade routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems. Panthera Technologies supplies and installs commercial-grade gear for home use — delivering rock-solid performance.
Building Materials & Interference
Wi-Fi signals can’t pass through everything. Certain materials weaken or block the signal entirely.
Worst offenders:
- Concrete walls and floors
- Metal reinforcement (rebar)
- Mirrors and large glass surfaces
- Aquariums
Solution:
We can design a multi-access-point or mesh system tailored to your home layout, ensuring coverage in every corner.
Wi-Fi Channel Congestion
In dense neighbourhoods or apartment buildings, your Wi-Fi may be competing with dozens of others on the same frequency.
What happens:
- Frequent disconnections
- Slower performance at night
Solution:
Modern routers can auto-select the best channels, but sometimes manual tuning or a switch to the 5GHz or 6GHz band can dramatically improve speeds.
Unsecured or Shared Networks
If your Wi-Fi is not password-protected or uses outdated security like WEP, others could be freeloading on your network — slowing it down and exposing your data.
Solution:
Ensure your network uses WPA2 or WPA3 encryption and has a strong password. Panthera can audit and secure your home network easily.
How Panthera Technologies Can Help
We offer full Wi-Fi diagnostics, installation, and optimisation for homes and offices. Whether you’re battling dead zones or slow speeds, we’ll:
- Perform a site survey
- Recommend the best access points
- Install and configure your system
- Secure your network
- Monitor performance and updates
📞 Get Faster, Smarter Wi-Fi Today
Stop settling for unreliable internet. Panthera Technologies can design and install a powerful Wi-Fi system tailored to your home’s needs. Contact us today to book a signal test or consultation.