Load-shedding and fibre problems get blamed for a lot, but nine times out of ten, slow home Wi-Fi is caused by the router itself or where it's placed. Here are the fixes that make a real difference.
1. Move your router (this alone often doubles speed)
Wi-Fi signal drops fast through walls, TV cabinets, and metal. Put your router in the open, high up, in the middle of the house — not stuffed behind the TV or in a corner cupboard.
2. Switch to the 5GHz band for close-up devices
Most modern routers broadcast two networks: 2.4GHz (longer range, slower) and 5GHz (shorter range, much faster). Devices in the same room as your router should use 5GHz.
3. Add a mesh system for larger homes
If you have a double-storey house or thick walls, a single router will never cover everything. A mesh Wi-Fi system uses two or three units that hand devices between them seamlessly. It's the fix we recommend most often in Pretoria.
4. Update your router's firmware
Router manufacturers release firmware updates that patch security holes and improve speed. Log into your router's admin page every few months and check for updates.
5. Change your Wi-Fi channel
In apartments and suburbs, your neighbours' Wi-Fi networks can jam yours. A quick channel scan and change to a less-crowded channel often removes lag spikes and disconnects.
6. Replace old hardware
If your router is more than 5 years old — or was the free one from your ISP — it's almost certainly holding you back. A modern Wi-Fi 6 router with proper placement makes fibre feel like a different service.