If your broadband speeds are driving you to distraction there could be a very simple reason why. New research from the broadband speed team at Ookla has revealed that the majority of homes are still using Wi-Fi technology that's stuck firmly in the past. When most consumers sign up for a broadband plan they often continue to use the free router supplied by their Internet Service Provider (ISP). That shouldn't be a problem but, with many of us sticking with our providers for years, the router never gets upgraded meaning it's not long before much better technology has taken its place.
Ookla says that the majority of homes still have ageing Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5 compatible routers in their homes rather than much more powerful Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 devices. These latest gadgets are not only faster but much more reliable and can also cope with additional gadgets connected to them at the same time.
So how can you see if your Wi-Fi router isn't up to the job and is slowing you down?
It's pretty easy to check. All you need is your laptop and an ethernet cable which is usually provided by your ISP.
The first thing to do is run a speed test using your Wi-Fi signal. There are plenty of firms such as Google and Ookla that offer free checks, just search "broadband speed test" and you should find plenty of results.
Run the check in a number of rooms around the home and write down the scores.
Next, you need to see exactly what speeds are coming into your property as this will show if the Wi-Fi isn’t up to scratch.
To do this simply plug one end of the ethernet cable into the back of the router and the other directly into your PC.
Turn off Wi-Fi on the computer and run the same test via that wired connection.
If the second test is much faster you know your router is past its sell-by date.
It's then worth speaking to your ISP to see if you can have an upgrade or if they are offering any Wi-Fi 6/7 devices.
Speaking about its latest research Ookla said: “Our data shows Wi-Fi performance continues to lag behind ethernet performance within home networks in many advanced fixed broadband markets, with Wi-Fi speeds typically ranging from between 30-40% of ethernet speeds during Q1 2023.
"It’s clear from the gap between Wi-Fi and ethernet performance that ISPs need to do more to improve the customer experience for Wi-Fi users within the home. Part of the solution lies in rolling out more advanced generations of Wi-Fi technology, given Wi-Fi 4 and 5 remain the dominant technologies deployed globally."
