Getting the Best Wi-Fi Performance
What can I do to improve my Wi-Fi Performance?
Overview
Wi-Fi is the easiest way to connect your devices to the internet, but many factors can affect the speed and reliability of your wireless connection.
This guide explains how Wi-Fi works, why speeds vary around your home and the simple steps you can take to get the very best performance from your NuFibre broadband.
Understanding Broadband vs Wi-Fi
It's important to understand the difference between your broadband connection and your Wi-Fi connection.
Broadband
Your broadband is the fibre connection delivered to your home through the NuFibre network.
This is the speed you purchase as part of your package.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is the wireless connection between your device and your router or Mesh system.
Because Wi-Fi uses radio signals, speeds can vary depending on where you are in your home and the device you're using.
What Affects Wi-Fi Speed?
Many things can influence wireless performance, including:
The distance from your router.
Thick brick or stone walls.
Floors and ceilings.
Large mirrors.
Metal appliances.
Fish tanks and water pipes.
Other nearby Wi-Fi networks.
Older devices with slower Wi-Fi technology.
The number of devices connected at the same time.
This is perfectly normal and affects all Wi-Fi networks.
Where Should I Place My Router?
The location of your router has the biggest impact on Wi-Fi coverage.
For the best performance:
Place your router as close to the centre of your home as possible.
Position it on a shelf or table.
Keep it in an open space.
Allow space around the router for ventilation.
Avoid placing it:
Inside cupboards.
Behind televisions.
Under furniture.
On the floor.
Next to microwaves or cordless phone base stations.
Behind large mirrors or metal cabinets.
Using Mesh Wi-Fi
If your home has areas with poor Wi-Fi coverage, NuFibre Mesh Wi-Fi can help.
A Mesh system extends your Wi-Fi using additional CX30 units.
Your devices will automatically connect to the strongest signal as you move around your home without changing Wi-Fi networks.
For the best results:
Place the Mesh unit roughly halfway between the router and the area with weak coverage.
Don't place a Mesh unit in a location where there is already no signal.
Keep each Mesh unit in an open area.
Wired Connections Are Always Faster
For devices that don't move, we recommend using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.
Ideal devices include:
Desktop computers
Games consoles
Smart TVs
Home office PCs
Network storage devices (NAS)
Benefits include:
Faster speeds
Lower latency
More reliable performance
Reduced Wi-Fi congestion
Running an Accurate Speed Test
To get the most accurate results:
Step 1
Stop any downloads or streaming on other devices.
Step 2
Connect a computer directly to your Nufibre router using an Ethernet cable if possible.
Step 3
Close unnecessary applications.
Step 4
Run a speed test HERE.
Testing over Wi-Fi may produce lower results than testing with a wired connection.
Why Doesn't My Phone Reach Full Speed?
Not all devices support the latest Wi-Fi standards.
Factors that can affect your device's speed include:
The age of the device.
The Wi-Fi technology it supports.
Signal strength.
Battery-saving features.
Background applications using the internet.
Older devices may never achieve the maximum speeds available on your broadband package.
Gaming Tips
For the best gaming experience:
Use a wired Ethernet connection whenever possible.
Avoid large downloads while gaming.
Keep your console updated.
Position your router away from electrical interference.
Use Mesh Wi-Fi if gaming in another room.
Streaming Tips
For smooth streaming:
Ensure your streaming device has a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Reduce the number of active downloads.
Restart your router if streaming becomes unstable.
Use Ethernet for 4K or 8K streaming where possible.
Video Calls
For the best video conferencing experience:
Sit close to your router or Mesh unit.
Close unnecessary applications.
Pause large downloads.
Use Ethernet for home office computers whenever possible.
Smart Home Devices
Devices such as:
Smart speakers
Doorbells
Security cameras
Smart plugs
Lighting systems
generally use very little bandwidth but benefit from a reliable Wi-Fi signal.
If a device regularly disconnects, consider installing a Mesh unit closer to its location.
Common Wi-Fi Problems
Wi-Fi Is Slow Upstairs
Possible causes:
Distance from the router.
Thick walls or floors.
Router located in one corner of the house.
Solution:
Move the router to a more central location or add a CX30 Mesh unit.
Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting
Try:
Restarting your router.
Restarting your device.
Moving closer to the router.
Updating your device's software.
Some Rooms Have No Signal
Large homes, extensions and thick walls can block wireless signals.
Adding one or more Mesh units usually provides the best solution.
My Internet Is Fast But Wi-Fi Is Slow
This often means:
Your broadband connection is working correctly.
The issue is between your router and your device.
Try testing with a wired Ethernet connection to compare performance.
Restarting Your Equipment
If you're experiencing slow or unreliable Wi-Fi:
Turn off your router.
Wait 30 seconds.
Turn it back on.
Allow up to five minutes for it to reconnect.
If you have Mesh units, restart the main router first, then restart each Mesh unit one at a time once the router is fully online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Wi-Fi slower than my broadband package?
Wireless speeds are affected by your environment, device capabilities and the distance from your router. A wired connection usually provides the highest and most consistent speeds.
How many devices can I connect?
Your router is designed to support many connected devices at the same time. The exact number depends on the type of devices and how they are being used.
Do I need Mesh Wi-Fi?
Not every home needs Mesh Wi-Fi.
Smaller properties are often well served by a single router.
Larger homes, homes with thick walls or multi-storey properties may benefit from one or more Mesh units.
Can I improve my Wi-Fi without buying extra equipment?
Yes. Start by:
Moving your router to a more central location.
Keeping it in an open space.
Using Ethernet for stationary devices.
Reducing interference from nearby electrical equipment.
These simple changes can often make a noticeable difference.
When to Contact Nufibre
If you've followed the steps in this guide and you're still experiencing poor performance, our Technical Support team is here to help.
Please contact us if:
Your broadband speed is consistently much lower than expected.
Your router frequently disconnects.
Your Wi-Fi disappears completely.
You think your router or Mesh unit may be faulty.
📧 Technical Support: support@nufibre.co.uk
When contacting us, please include:
Your full name
Service address
A description of the issue
Whether the problem occurs on Wi-Fi, Ethernet or both
The make and model of the device you're using (if known)
Any troubleshooting steps you've already tried
Still Need Help?
Our friendly UK-based support team is always happy to help.
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