My internet is awful!
I hear this many times. And then there is usually a tirade about how awful the local internet service provider is.
But here’s the thing. There’s usually nothing wrong with your internet. Your ISP isn’t lying when they say everything looks ok. The bit that is under their control is working just fine.
The problem, invariably, is with the wifi signal, not the internet connection. It is important to understand that they are not the same thing!
The internet connection is provided by your ISP and basically stops at a device such as an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) or an EDD (Ethernet Demarcation Device). If you’re on an old ADSL connection, it’s usually the box where your signal is split into a phone line and a data signal. Either way, there some entry point into your premises at which your ISP’s obligation ceases
Every thing after that, including you router, even it was provided for “free” by your ISP, is your responsibility. That includes your WiFi. This is normally provided by your router and even though it might have come from your ISP, you are free to do with that as you want. You can, in most instances, even replace the router, which a lot of people, such as myself do.
So if you’re having WiFi issues, your router is likely the culprit. Not your ISP. The thing is, it was provided for free, so it stands to reason that it is not going to be the best performing router in the world. In a small modern house or flat, with hollow walls and only a few users or devices connecting, it will probably provide a strong enough signal. But the chances are you have a bigger house, or solid walls, or a need to use Zoom, watch Netflix and have several demanding teenagers wanting to play online games simultaneously!
I had a family relative who switched from KCOM because he was sick of WiFi issues. I kept trying to tell him the issue wasn’t them, but the equipment he was using. He wouldn’t listen and he changed provider. It solved his issue, but not because the provider was different, but the equipment in his home had changed.
So if you are having WiFi issues the chances are you need to upgrade your equipment. This could involve
The questions is always, which should you choose? Well, it all depends on what you need the internet to do, what your property is like and how many users need to access it. My advice is to seek advice from a professional, who can recommend the correct solution for you
By the way, If you are running a business, you certainly SHOULD be replacing the router the ISP gave you as it probably wont be up to the task of providing a fast, stable connection. It may seem obvious but I have seen serious businesses with a full on server room connected to the internet with a BT Home Hub router! Needless to say they kept complaining that everything ran so slowly!
So, if your internet is bad, don’t pick up the phone to your ISP – seek advice from a company that can check your network over, whether that is in the home, in the office, or in the workshop. We can help, so give us a call!
