Troubleshooting slow internet speed with Linksys Mesh Routers
Experiencing slow internet speeds with your Linksys mesh routers can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to identify and resolve the issue. This article provides a guide to troubleshooting and improving the performance of your Linksys mesh network.
Troubleshooting steps
1. Check the current internet speed
Prior to troubleshooting, utilize an online speed test tool to determine your current internet speed. Compare these results with your subscribed internet plan to discern whether the issue lies with your internet service provider (ISP) or your Linksys mesh network.
- Connect a device directly to the modem using a CAT5e or CAT6 ethernet cable. Ensure that the computer has a gigabit port, especially if the subscribed internet speed exceeds 100 Mbps.
The simplest method to identify whether a cable is CAT5 or CAT6 is by checking for printed markings along the cable sheath.
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If there is a network switch, isolate it to determine if the problem is related to that switch.
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Check the internet speed using fast.com or speedtest.net and compare it with the subscribed internet speed.
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Power cycle (reboot the modem) if the speed remains slow compared to the subscribed internet speed.
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Contact the ISP if the speed continues to be slow after power cycling.
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If the connection speed is fast, the issue may lie within the Linksys mesh network.
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Reconnect the modem to the internet/WAN port of the parent node and proceed to the next step.
2. Update the firmware
Confirm that your Linksys mesh routers are running on the latest firmware version. Outdated firmware can cause performance issues. Visit the Linksys support website to download and install any available updates.
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To access instructions on upgrading the firmware of your Linksys mesh system, these are the things you need to do.
3. Optimize Linksys mesh network placement
Maximize coverage and minimize signal interference by repositioning the Linksys mesh nodes. Experiment with various locations and heights to determine the best placement for each node. Use the node Signal Strength as a reference to assess the quality of signal reception between nodes.
Relocate the nodes if you are encountering poor signal strength.
4. Check for bandwidth-hungry devices
Recognize devices that might consume a substantial part of your bandwidth. Simultaneous streaming, downloads, or data-intensive activities across multiple devices can affect your network speed. Disconnect any devices engaged in downloading, streaming, or establishing peer-to-peer connections.
5. Properly utilize Quality of Service (QoS)/ media prioritization
If your router supports QoS settings, configure them to prioritize specific types of traffic (e.g., gaming, streaming). This can help optimize bandwidth allocation.
However, configuring QoS requires a comprehensive understanding of network dynamics, and improper settings could potentially lead to unintended consequences, such as misallocation of bandwidth or performance degradation for certain applications. It's crucial to set QoS parameters accurately to achieve the desired results.
When unsure about the appropriate QoS settings for your network, it may be advisable to exercise caution and consider temporarily disabling QoS. In such cases, it is prudent to seek expert guidance or conduct thorough research before re-enabling QoS features. Ensuring accurate QoS configurations is crucial to optimizing network performance and minimizing the risk of disruptions.
To learn how to utilize the QoS or Media Prioritization feature of your Linksys router, these are the things you need to do.
6. Restart your Linksys mesh network
If you're still experiencing intermittent or dropping connections after trying the previous steps, a simple power cycle can sometimes resolve underlying issues. Follow these steps:
Maximize coverage and minimize signal interference by repositioning the Linksys mesh nodes. Experiment with various locations and heights to determine the best placement for each node. Use the node Signal Strength as a reference to assess the quality of signal reception between nodes.
Relocate the nodes if you are encountering poor signal strength.
4. Check for bandwidth-hungry devices
Recognize devices that might consume a substantial part of your bandwidth. Simultaneous streaming, downloads, or data-intensive activities across multiple devices can affect your network speed. Disconnect any devices engaged in downloading, streaming, or establishing peer-to-peer connections.
5. Properly utilize Quality of Service (QoS)/ media prioritization
If your router supports QoS settings, configure them to prioritize specific types of traffic (e.g., gaming, streaming). This can help optimize bandwidth allocation.
However, configuring QoS requires a comprehensive understanding of network dynamics, and improper settings could potentially lead to unintended consequences, such as misallocation of bandwidth or performance degradation for certain applications. It's crucial to set QoS parameters accurately to achieve the desired results.
When unsure about the appropriate QoS settings for your network, it may be advisable to exercise caution and consider temporarily disabling QoS. In such cases, it is prudent to seek expert guidance or conduct thorough research before re-enabling QoS features. Ensuring accurate QoS configurations is crucial to optimizing network performance and minimizing the risk of disruptions.
To learn how to utilize the QoS or Media Prioritization feature of your Linksys router, these are the things you need to do.
6. Restart your Linksys mesh network
If you're still experiencing intermittent or dropping connections after trying the previous steps, a simple power cycle can sometimes resolve underlying issues. Follow these steps:
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Turn OFF all devices: Power OFF your Linksys mesh nodes, including the main router and any additional nodes in the network.
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Unplug power sources: Disconnect the power cables from each Linksys mesh node. Wait for about 10-15 seconds.
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Reconnect power sources: Plug the power cables back into each Linksys mesh node.
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Turn ON devices: Power ON your Linksys mesh nodes, starting with the main router and then any additional nodes.
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Wait for the network to stabilize: Allow a few minutes for the network to fully initialize and stabilize.
7. Check for malware or unwanted connections
Run security scans on your network to check for malware or unauthorized devices that may be consuming bandwidth. Secure your WiFi network with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.
If the slow internet speed issue persists, and your concern is only regarding a wired connection, proceed to step 12. If you have slow WiFi connection issues, proceed to step 7.
8. Check the WiFi security
Make sure your WiFi security is configured to either WPA2™ Personal or WPA3™, based on your client device's compatibility. In the Linksys app, navigate to the menu icon and tap on Wi-Fi Settings > Advanced Wi-Fi Settings.
9. Check the WiFi channels
Interference from neighboring networks can affect the performance of your Linksys mesh network. To address this issue, you can utilize the Channel Finder feature available in the Linksys app.
10. Reduce interference
WiFi signals can be disrupted by other electronic devices and neighboring networks. Reduce interference by relocating Linksys mesh nodes away from electronics and adjusting WiFi channels on your routers. Solid walls or enclosed spaces can also impede WiFi transmission. Optimal placement for WiFi routers or Linksys mesh nodes is in open areas with minimal to no interference.
11. Consider adding more nodes
To strengthen weak WiFi signals in specific areas of your home or office, contemplate adding nodes to extend coverage and enhance speed. You can skip this step if all child nodes and client devices are already receiving satisfactory signal strength.
12. Reset and reconfigure
If all other troubleshooting attempts fail, try resetting your Linksys mesh system to factory defaults and reconfiguring it using the Linksys app. This can often resolve configuration issues that might be causing connection problems.
13. Contact support
If the slow internet speed issue persists after trying these steps, it's recommended to contact Linksys support for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about your network setup and the troubleshooting steps you've taken.
