We’re all grown used to fast and dependable internet connections, but occasionally even the greatest technology isn’t enough, and you’re left wondering why your router or modem isn’t working properly.
Netgear is one of the top networking equipment manufacturers, and its routers are considered to be quick and dependable, although some customers have experienced a few problems.
One of these issues is the Netgear router not getting full speed, and we will investigate why this occurs and how to quickly resolve it.
Why is my Netgear Router Not Getting Full Speed?
Routers are critical components of your internet connection, yet they occasionally fail to upload and download at full speed. Several elements impact the router’s speed, and we will investigate why you are not getting full internet speed through your router.
Before we can figure out what’s wrong with our router, we need to do a Netgear router speed test. This will provide us with information regarding upload and download speeds, allowing us to find the optimal solution for it.
Once you’ve determined your router’s internet speed, you should think about the connection you established with the router to see if the problem is with the Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
There are a number of reasons that might create speed issues depending on the connection to the router, such as:
- Bad wire connection – Damaged or bent cables, loose connections, and faulty connectors.
- Drivers that have not been updated – Software problems on the device or the router.
- Router positioning issues – Poor positioning of the device and slow Wi-Fi connection as a result.
Whatever is causing the issue, we will identify the best remedy that you can perform on your own before contacting the internet service provider.
How to optimize Netgear router speed?
There are a few things you can do to enhance the speed and fix your internet connection to ensure that your router is working optimally.
Before we begin with the solutions, keep in mind that there are many sorts of connections, such as Wi-Fi or via the Ethernet cable, so make sure you are using the proper solution for your problem.
1. Check the internet subscription package
Before we go to more sophisticated solutions, we must first examine our internet subscription plan and compare it to our router. It is not uncommon for the internet plan to be larger than the router’s processing capacity.
Internet service providers often provide users with a modem that has a built-in router, and if you decide to purchase one separately this can cause many problems.
Even if you pay for 200 Mbps, you won’t be able to reach those speeds with a router that only supports 100 Mbps.
The initial step should be to contact your internet service provider to see whether your router is compatible with their service and whether you should update your equipment or package.
2. Check all of the wires
Because of issues with some of the wires, your internet connection may be sluggish. Even if you’re connected through Wi-Fi, you’ll still need some cables involved.
Check all connections, including the power cord, coaxial cable, and any connectors and splitters. If any pieces of the equipment are not operating correctly or are broken, make sure to replace them with new ones.
3. Reboot the router
If contacting the internet service provider does not resolve the issue and the router supports higher data transfers and internet speeds, the next best option is to reset the device.
This is generally accomplished in one of two ways: remove it from the power supply or then push the power button until the gadget is entirely turned off.
After your router has had a few minutes to complete the shutdown and resolve all connection issues, you can try to connect to the internet again.
A quick restart can do wonders for your connection and will most likely repair Netgear router speed issues.
4. Check Ethernet connection
As previously stated, an internet connection may be created via an ethernet cable, and this connection generally provides the fastest and most dependable internet.
However, occasionally the Ethernet connection itself is causing issues with your router.
One of the most typical issues with an ethernet connection is a defective Ethernet card that does not provide the internet speeds you expect.
There are three internet speeds that you may expect from your ethernet cable: 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps. Even if you have paid your internet service provider for optimal speed limitations, your ethernet connection or ethernet card may not support such speeds.
In addition to inspecting your connection for any damage or bent components, you should think about upgrading your ethernet card and buying a supporting USB card to get the greatest potential performance.
5. Network Drivers Should Be Updated
If the Netgear router speed difficulties are not the result of a damaged ethernet cable, we may examine upgrading network drivers, which might slow down the internet connection.
To run efficiently and enable a high-quality internet connection, network drivers should be updated on a regular basis. This software, like any other, works best with the most recent version.
Network drivers can be updated automatically or manually by downloading and installing the file on your device. This will just take a few minutes, and you will be left with faster internet speeds and a better overall connection.
It’s worth noting that some people have a better experience deleting and reinstalling drivers rather than just upgrading them, so that’s an option as well.
6. Reposition the router
If you are not connected by Ethernet cable and are utilizing a Wi-Fi connection, your slow Wi-Fi speed issues may be caused by the router’s improper location.
While many people prefer to conceal such gadgets, placing them near the TV and other equipment is not the best location for your Wi-Fi connection.
The router should be put in a higher location so that it can broadcast the signal across your workplace or house without issue.
Consider additional devices that should be positioned away from the router to avoid interference and slow internet speeds.
7. Alter the channel
In addition to improved device placement, you should consider switching to a less crowded channel.
Given the abundance of available channels and the fact that most gadgets utilize comparable channels to function and communicate, they can quickly become congested.
You may utilize third-party software to identify the channels and see which ones have the least traffic. You may enhance the speed of your internet and the devices you use by changing the channel.
Furthermore, some of your neighbors and gadgets may interfere with your Wi-Fi signals; thus, it is critical to know whether there are devices connected to the router that you have not allowed.
8. Alter the frequency
Aside from the numerous channels available to you, you should also keep in mind that routers work on two frequencies. One operates at 2.4GHz, while the other operates at 5GHz.
2.4GHz connection is ideal for longer distances since it can penetrate walls more easily, but you won’t get much faster than 40 Mbps with this band.
If you want your internet to be as fast as possible, select a higher frequency, such as 5GHz, which will allow you to have a faster connection if you are closer to the router.
If you are far away from the router, select a lower frequency because it has a greater range.
These frequencies may be adjusted independently by each device, and some newer devices even do so automatically. Check the settings of the device you’re using to verify if it’s linked to the chosen band.
9. Contact your internet service provider (ISP) or customer support
If everything else fails, you should always consider phoning your internet service provider and asking an agent if there are any network difficulties, and requesting an explanation for why your internet is not operating correctly.
If the representative on the phone is unable to assist you, a technician will most likely be dispatched to your home to evaluate the source of your Internet speed issue.
Because you are already aware of all of the possibilities that may be creating the problem, and you tried most of the solutions yourself, the specialists will be able to fix it more quickly.
If you purchased the router independently from your internet service provider, you may need to contact Netgear customer care. They will be able to explain why your router is underperforming and what you can do to improve it.
If the gadget is more than 5 years old, it is sometimes advised that you replace it with a new one. Because technology is advancing so quickly, even devices now have an expiration date.
If your Netgear router slows down internet speed, you should be aware that there are several causes for this issue, as well as some remedies that will allow you to improve your internet speed and resume browsing in no time.
