Getting the most out of your Wi-Fi

Even if your router is well-equipped to support your internet plan, your device could still be the bottleneck. Older Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 4 or 5, or even limited hardware on newer standards can cap your speeds.
That’s why it’s worth checking your device manufacturer’s specs to see what maximum Wi-Fi speed it supports.

Tip: To accurately test your speed, use a device that supports your internet plan’s speeds on Wi-Fi or connect directly via a wired Ethernet connection.

Most routers support 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands (or “channels”), while newer Tri-Band routers may also offer 6GHz support. These are the frequencies your Wi-Fi signal uses. 

Here’s how they impact your performance:

• 5GHz or 6GHz is ideal for high-performance use cases, but only if you’re within a shorter range.
• 2.4GHz has broader coverage but is more prone to interference from other devices (microwaves, baby monitors, etc.). This interference could actually impact the coverage, so it’s worth testing each frequency band to see what works best for you.

Tip: If your device or router allows it, manually choosing the right band can improve your range or Wi-Fi speed and stability depending on the frequency you select.

A dual-band router has two frequencies (2.4GHz and 5GHz), while a tri-band router adds an additional 5GHz or 6GHz band.  

• Tri-band routers can split traffic more efficiently across multiple devices.
• In busy households, this can prevent slowdowns from too many devices competing for bandwidth.
• In mesh setups, the extra band is often used as a dedicated “backhaul” — keeping node-to-node traffic separate from your devices.

Tip: If you live in a large household, with many heavy internet users and connected devices, a tri-band router such as the eero Pro 7 may be worth the upgrade.

Wi-Fi is great for flexibility, but if you’re gaming, working, or streaming in 4K, connecting your device to your router via an Ethernet cable will give you the fastest, most reliable experience possible.

Different types of Ethernet cables exist, but it’s recommended to use at least CAT 6 cables to ensure you achieve the full speeds of your internet plan, particularly if you have a multi-gig connection.

If you’re using a mesh Wi-Fi system, connecting your mesh units together via Ethernet can also significantly improve performance and stability, especially in larger homes.