Why Your New Router Isn't Faster

What matters in practice:

• A wired speed test beside the router tells you what your plan really delivers — if that number is 15 Mbps, no router can give you 100.
• Check your device, your band and your placement before you blame the router.
• Cables and ports cap you too — 100 Mbps ports and old Ethernet cables limit you regardless of the Wi-Fi standard.

You bought a new router and nothing changed. This is extremely common, and the router is often not the cause. Work through this checklist from top to bottom.

1. Your plan is the limit

Run a speed test with a laptop connected by Ethernet cable to the router. That number is the most your plan delivers. If it is 15 Mbps, no router can give you 100.

2. The ISP side may be slow

Congestion at the provider, a weak mobile signal or a poor fibre link can all limit speed. Test at different times of day. If speeds drop in the evening, the provider is likely the problem.

3. Your device may be old

A Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5 device cannot use Wi-Fi 6 or 7 speeds. Check which Wi-Fi standard your phone or laptop supports in its specifications.

4. You are connected to the wrong band

If your phone is on 2.4 GHz, it will be slower than on 5 GHz. Name the bands separately for testing, and connect to 5 GHz when you are in the same room or one room away.

5. Placement

Routers hidden in cupboards, behind TVs or on the floor lose a large amount of signal. Move it to a central, raised, open position.

6. Cables and ports

Old Ethernet cables and 100 Mbps ports cap you at 100 Mbps. Use Cat5e or Cat6 cable and gigabit ports.

7. Interference

In crowded estates, neighbouring networks overlap yours. Use a Wi-Fi analyser app to pick a clearer channel.

8. Too many background devices

CCTV uploading to the cloud, automatic updates and streaming boxes can use bandwidth quietly. Check your router's device list.

The wired test

Test in this order: laptop on cable next to the router, then Wi-Fi next to the router, then Wi-Fi in your usual spot. The first gap tells you about your plan, the second about your router, the third about your coverage.

When the router really is the problem

Signs include frequent reboots, speeds far below your cable test even at close range, and overheating. Then a replacement makes sense.

Next Steps

Backspace Business Solutions diagnoses slow networks across Uganda — plan, ISP, cabling, coverage and equipment, checked in that order as part of our Networks & Infrastructure service.

Request a Free Site Survey if you have worked through the checklist and the connection still disappoints.