Wi-Fi test reveals whether your router is too old – and you could be entitled to a free upgrade

TIRED of wrestling with a buffering video and slow Wi-Fi?

Well here’s easy to check whether it’s time to get newer, faster router.

If you’ve tried all the home remedies you can think of, it might be time to reach out to your broadband providerGetty

All you need is your laptop and an ethernet cable, which is usually provided by your service provider.

Simply search ‘broadband speed checker’ and click one you trust, for example, this one from Uswitch.

Run the check in several rooms in your house to help detect any dark spots.

Make a note of exactly what speeds are coming into your home, as this will show if the Wi-Fi isn’t meeting what your provider has promised you.

The next step is to plug one end of the ethernet cable into the back of the router and the other into your PC.

Turn off the Wi-Fi on the computer and run the same test through that wired connection.

If this second test is faster, it’s clear the problem lies in with your router.

Many people are silently putting up with a router that is well past its best, these are what’s known as Wi-Fi 4 and 5 routers.

There are a number of things that could also be slowing down your Wi-Fi, like mirrors for example.

But if you’ve tried all the home remedies you can think of, it might be time to reach out to your broadband provider.

Your provider might offer you a brand new router for free – though it’s best to check their website to see if this is part of their package.

You’ll be looking to trade in an ageing Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5 compatible router for a more powerful Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 device. 

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