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Play video for How to Optimize your Fido Internet Speed and WiFi Signal

Rule out other issues

  •  All sites are not created equally. Try a few different sites, games or apps. The issue might be coming from their server; not ours.
  • Simply restarting your device might also solve the issue. 

Restart your Fido modem

 If all devices in your home are experiencing slow internet speeds, the easiest fix is to restart your modem. You can complete this by unplugging the power cord from the back of the modem for 10 seconds and then plugging it back in. It may take 2-5 minutes for the modem to restart properly. Once your modem is back up and running, check if there’s any improvement with your connection speed.

Note: All devices connected to your network will stop working while your modem restarts.

Do the same for any optional additional network gear you might have (extra WiFi routers or switches) for 10 seconds, then plug them back in. It may take a few minutes to settle back but this might also do the trick.

Try connecting your device to each of your two WiFi networks

Your Fido modem generates two WiFi networks (or band frequencies): 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. If your modem has band steering enabled (which we do recommend), it’ll automatically connect you to the best frequency for your online activity. However, if do not have band steering enabled, you can optimize your WiFi by selecting the 5 GHz network if it’s supported by your device. 

By default, both networks will share the same name but the 5 GHz network will have “-5G” added to the end. When you check for available WiFi networks on your laptop, tablet or smartphone, try connecting to the 5 GHz network if it appears. Play your video, use your app, or even download your file, then switch to the 2.4 GHz network and do it again to compare performances. 

  • <Your network name>-5G is the 5 GHz network which offers the fastest WiFi speeds — it’s great for streaming, but it has a shorter range than the 2.4 GHz network. This frequency is also less commonly used by household electronics, so there’s typically less signal interference or congestion to slow you down. We recommend connecting devices to this network whenever possible.
  • <Your network name> is the 2.4 GHz network which offers speeds that are ideal for everyday online surfing. Its signal also has a farther reach.

 

Try relocating your device or your modem

This might give better WiFi signal broadcasting. Giving six inches of “breathing room” around the modem, or slightly elevating it, may help.

Also, try to keep modem visible and away from other electronics for the best signal. There can be signal interference from other electronics, appliances and wireless devices in your home or even from your neighbors if you’re in close proximity.

Consider upgrading your device

No matter how fast your modem, internet service or WiFi connectivity can be impacted by the device you’re using. So, if streaming is awesome on the tablet but slow for your old laptop, it could be time to consider a newer device.

Finally, keep in mind…

WiFi performance can depend on many factors, including the building materials and layout of your home, the capabilities of the device or congestion from other electronics, and so on.