How to measure Wi-Fi speed properly and what the numbers on the box mean
"500 Mbit/s on the plan" and "50 Mbit/s in the bedroom" do not contradict each other: they are different measurements. Here is how to find where the problem is.
Step 1. Test the internet by cable
Connect a computer to the router with a cable and run a speed test. If the result is close to your plan, the provider is fine and the problem is Wi-Fi.
Step 2. Measure Wi-Fi next to the router
A test 1-2 metres away shows the maximum your network and device can give. An old phone or laptop will not show more than its Wi-Fi adapter can do.
Step 3. Measure in the problem rooms
Take several measurements in different places and write them down. A sharp difference points to coverage, obstacles or channel, not to the plan.
What AX3000 and AC1200 mean
It is the sum of theoretical speeds of all bands in ideal conditions, not the speed you will get. Real speed depends on distance, obstacles, the device and network load.
Why speed is shared
Wi-Fi is shared by all devices: while one downloads a large file, others wait their turn. That is why several cameras or 4K streams can drag the network.
Typical test mistakes
- Testing through a repeater or VPN.
- Downloads running on other devices at the same time.
- Testing on 2.4 GHz while expecting 5 GHz speed.
- One measurement instead of several.
Need help with this?
Describe the task and we will suggest where to start. The first conversation is free.