Wifi Speed suddenly drops from normal 35- 40+ Mbytes to approx 1.5 Mbytes.

[JMX12]

For some years now I am occasionally finding WiFi speed suddenly drops from a normal + 35mbtyes down to around 1.5 mbytes. Check with ethernet from router and shows normal "full" speed.  

Disconnecting master socket/router adsl cable and reconnecting does nothing to improve WiFi speed. (note - not on full fibre)

THE QUICK FIX to get speed back up is "rebooting" router - switch off and back on.

This will last a week or so, before another drop off occurance.

Numerous calls to Support over time, end up not really getting anywhere. I do have a number of devices connected to WiFi but this issue occurs suddenly and I am not aware of having added or switched on additional WiFi connected equipment between time of good signal & the drop off.

"Suggestion use WiFi booster" (I am getting 57dbm at laptop position with a TT booster - although booster has not altered the "fault" from its inclusion)

Its annoying when they see laptop suffering with poor WiFi during diagnostics - BUT this is when I am using it well away from its normal location, so expected  - as mentioned when I suddenly see this drop off, the lap top is in good signal position and has not changed position.

NB. Moving laptop into same room as router when "fault" occurs - speed is at normal speed 35+.  

As mentioned the laptop STAYS in the normal operating position, basically 24/7 , but still drops off when not having been moved.

Is this an issue with congestion within router and "rebooting" clears the build up.

It seems to be associated with WiFI signal power output as WiFi speed is ok in same room as router during "fault" 

Have yet to try switching off a few of the WiFi devices that MIGHT be active, when fault occurs - although this will be very few. Printer/TV/Soundbar - perhaps this might show something but I have my doubts.

Just received a replacement Router due to a diagnosed fault - "complete failure of unit"  -  "TT WiFI Hub" the same as previous router, also with a much older TT router (different spec) - all giving similar major drop off's in WiFi and all clearable by switching off/on router. 

Help Please

[JMX12]

Hi Keith

Regarding the router -  Trying to find name on unit!  I believe its  a Sagemcom - FAST 5364 (their is a device version number if you require) . The recent new replacement unit looks the same - with Ser No. N7203224N006578

(tried looking on TT web site and that does not specify exact name of device - unless I'm looking in the wrong place!

When fault occurs - nothing unusual on router indications  - lamp solid white.

As for ethernet connections -

One cable going to an ethernet switch TP Link and then feeds to a number of devices - NOTE no power to this switch or to devices (only used occasionally and believe WiFi speed fault not co-incident with its switch/device use.

Other cable feeding a TT TV Box - but this remains off most of the time (not powered) Used tonight for short period and for information WiFi speed ok.

I basically cannot specify a particular piece of equipment that triggers this fault (ie. using something and repeating the fault directly after - this would have made things simple) 

As for WiFi -  TT Booster in sitting room - laptop use (as mentioned this has not altered the speed fault)

                     - additional TP Link Booster in dining room (after powering down router - I re boot both this and the TT Booster. So that the                          TP link booster picks up on the TT Booster channels (rather than the router channel, which is upstairs and has a slightly                                lower wifi power level at the TP link Booster position)

Originally the TP Link booster was the only booster in use - WiFi speed fault has been going on for years.

Yes by all means send me the check list.

MANY THANKS for your help and interest.

[KeithFrench]

Hi @JMX12 

Just to correct you a tiny bit speed is measured in bits per sec, not Bytes. However, that is no help to you. Which make/model of TalkTalk router do you have?

Slow speed, intermittent dropouts, breaks in the signal or no signal on some or all devices or no internet access might be caused by Wi-Fi interference from other local networks, which can also lead to a permanent reduction in speed. No ISP can be responsible for your local environment, this is mainly a byproduct of the popularity of Wi-Fi.

However, other factors should be investigated first. When this happens, what are the lights showing on the front of the router? Do you have any wired connections & if so, how do they perform?

Generally speaking, the 2.4GHz band suffers a lot more from interference than the much faster 5GHz band, but the 2.4GHz one can sometimes have a better range, but this all depends on your local area.

In other words, I try to help you optimise your Wi-Fi connection. The next stage involves sending out a guide to you to help you get me some important diagnostic results so that I can analyse them for you and recommend changes to your router configuration to solve them.

I only send this out to people who request it.

The information below is provided by TalkTalk, for confirmation please contact @Debbie-TalkTalk or@Michelle-TalkTalk.

KeithFrench is one of our valued Community Stars and can help with a range of issues related to wireless and networking. At times he may ask you to send him test results via a Private Message to help analyse/diagnose an issue. Although Keith does not work for TalkTalk, he very kindly shares his time and knowledge to help with others.

If you need further help or, if we need to take any details such as personal information about your account like phone numbers, account numbers etc. one of the TalkTalk team will jump in and help out.