A better connection at home

Troubleshooting your home Internet and Wi-Fi

Find out where the slowdown happens before paying for a faster plan or replacing equipment.

Internet service and Wi-Fi are different

Your provider brings Internet service to your home. Your router connects your devices, often wirelessly. A fast service plan does not guarantee the same speed in every room, and a newer router cannot increase the speed of the service you purchased.

Start with the problem you actually notice: a video call freezing, a television buffering, or a device losing its connection. Write down which device, which room, and what time it happens.

Make a simple comparison

Compare two devices in the same place. If only one struggles, check that device before replacing the home network.
Try the same device near the router and in the problem room. A large difference points toward wireless coverage or interference rather than automatically proving the service plan is too slow.
Compare wired and wireless results when practical. Use your router's Ethernet connection and compatible equipment. Do not disconnect equipment you do not understand.
Keep a short test log. Note the time, room, device, connection type, and download and upload results. Share it with your provider when asking for help.

A single speed test is a snapshot, not proof that a provider or device is at fault. Ask the provider to check service disruptions and equipment compatibility. The FCC home-network guide covers service plans, speed checks, router placement, and wired connections.

Questions before an upgrade

Is the problem coverage, an unreliable connection, or capacity when several people are online?
Which of my existing devices can use the proposed router's features?
Would repositioning equipment or correcting a fault address the problem first?
What are the full monthly equipment charges and installation costs?
Who helps if the service works at the router but not in the room where I need it?

Wi-Fi generation numbers describe capabilities, not a promise about your particular home. Ask the installer to explain the expected improvement for your devices and rooms instead of relying on a headline maximum speed.

Keep home support and community reporting separate

Contact your own provider for your household connection. For a problem with an Association service, tell the Board which service failed, when it happened, and what error you saw. Never include your password in a public message.

Read community technology and protecting your information for more about using Association services.