Why is the internet sometimes fast when you are far from the router and slow when you are closer to it?
Distance is a factor that can have a big impact when connecting to a Wi-Fi network. However, it’s not the only thing that matters. In this article, we’ll talk about why wireless can perform better in very remote areas, but very poorly in areas that are very close to your router . We’ll explain what can affect it, as well as some tips to make your Wi-Fi connection work as well as possible.
You will see that there are other reasons that can cause a wireless network error. It is not only the distance between you and the router that will affect it, although it is important. Reviewing everything that may affect it will be essential to achieve good speed and great network stability.
Keep in mind that what may work for one user may not work for another. For example, you may have a router, connect at a distance of 10 meters and the connection is perfect, but someone else, with the same router, is having problems connecting their devices to the Internet at the same distance. There may be interference, misconfiguration, saturation...
- Obstacles
The first, and most basic, reason is obstacles. You can have your router in one room, and when you connect from another room that is very far away, the speed is adequate and there are no drops. Instead, when you connect from another place that is closer to the router, you start to notice a drop in speed or no connection at all.
There may be obstacles in the room closest to the router. For example, a thick wall, a wall with a metal plate on it, or objects containing materials that can affect the signal, such as a mirror or various metal objects, etc. Instead, the room further away may receive a cleaner signal.
-There is an overlap.
There may also be interference. Even if you are very close to the router, the connection may be faulty due to interference that may affect it. For example, there are devices that use Bluetooth technology, as they operate on a 2.4 GHz frequency, the same applies to a cordless phone or even a microwave.
Alternatively, you can connect from a distance, but in an area where there is no interference. The signal will reach better and you will not have any connection problems. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep devices that may affect you away from those that you will connect to the network.
- Not using the correct range
Another factor that can affect it, apart from distance, is whether or not the correct frequency is being used. Most routers are dual-band, meaning you can connect to both 2.4 and 5 GHz , with some even supporting 6 GHz. The first frequency, 2.4 GHz, is the one that reaches the farthest, but it also offers slower speeds and is more sensitive to interference.
The 5GHz band, although faster, is more sensitive to obstacles. It is possible that you are close to the router, but you are using this band and there are thick walls that prevent the signal from passing properly. On the other hand, from a farther place, you can connect to the 2.4GHz frequency.
- Saturation
It may happen that you are close to the router, but there is a significant saturation in the network. This can happen for several reasons: there are too many devices connected to one frequency, generally 2.4 GHz, but also your neighbors' devices, which can have a negative impact.
Preventing oversaturation will help you avoid Wi-Fi network problems If you connect near an access point and notice that it is not working well, what you should do is check how many devices are connected and in what way. Changing the Wi-Fi channel on your router or band may be helpful.
In short, connecting next to the router doesn’t always mean the connection will be better. There are factors that can affect and impact speed or stability, so getting it right will be essential.
- Read also: Be careful when getting too close to the router because you will lose a good connection.. Keep this distance at least