Why does my wireless signal or speed vary?
Using the internet around your house and noticing that speeds or signal strength change from room to room–or from one day to the next? That’s normal for Wi-Fi, and here’s why.
Why wireless performance changes
Several environmental factors can affect how Wi-Fi travels through your home:
- Walls, doors, and even large furniture (like bookshelves or cabinets).
- Physical obstructions-yes, even people.
- Household electronics that operate on similar frequencies (like your microwave).
Wi-Fi bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
Your router can broadcast on different wireless bands, and each has pros and cons:
- 2.4 GHz
- Most common.
- Best range and wall penetration.
- More prone to interference from other devices (like microwaves or neighboring routers).
- 5 GHz
- Faster speeds.
- Less interference.
- Shorter range-walls can block signal more easily.
- 6 GHz
- Newest option with low interference.
- Not all devices support it.
- Also has limited range.
You can check which band your network is using by logging into your router settings. Not sure how? Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website.
Pro tip: use a Wi-Fi analyzer
There are apps available for most smartphones that help you analyze which networks are nearby and what channels they’re using. This can help you optimize your own setup to reduce interference.
Important note about Wi-Fi support
If you rent an eero device from us, Simply Bits can help manage your Wi-Fi connection. If you use your own router or equipment, Wi-Fi support is limited-we’re always happy to help with guidance, but we can’t make changes directly.
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