Question:

Could you provide your expert analysis on my home internet connection? I’m experiencing inconsistent speeds with my Optimum 5G service. At times, the Google speed test shows up to 120 Mbps, but it can drop as low as 30 Mbps. This variability affects my competitive gaming experience, causing stutters in games like Valorant, where my download speed occasionally falls below 1 Mbps, sometimes to 0.8 Mbps, before gradually increasing to around 2 Mbps. On average, I observe a download speed of 40 Mbps. My network isn’t heavily loaded, with a maximum of 7 devices connected simultaneously. Since my router is located in another room, using an Ethernet cable might be challenging, but I’m willing to consider it if there are no other solutions. Interestingly, when I run the same test on my mobile device, I get around 300 Mbps. What could be causing these fluctuations, and how can I stabilize my internet speed?

Answer:

Inconsistent internet speeds, especially in a home environment where connectivity is crucial for activities like competitive gaming, can be a source of frustration. Your experience with Optimum 5G service, where speeds fluctuate between 120 Mbps and as low as 0.8 Mbps, warrants a closer look into several potential factors that could be contributing to this issue.

1.

Network Congestion:

Even with a limited number of devices, network congestion can occur, particularly if multiple devices are engaged in bandwidth-intensive activities simultaneously.

2.

Wi-Fi Interference:

Other wireless signals in the vicinity, such as those from neighbors’ Wi-Fi networks or household appliances, can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.

3.

Router Capacity:

The capabilities of your router also play a significant role. If it’s not designed to handle high-speed 5G connections efficiently, it could be a bottleneck.

4.

Distance from Router:

The further you are from the router, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal, leading to slower speeds and increased latency.

Mobile vs. Home Network:

The discrepancy between the speeds on your mobile device and your home network is intriguing. Mobile devices often switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data, potentially accessing faster network paths. Additionally, smartphones are typically optimized for performance on 5G networks.

Solutions to Consider:

1.

Quality of Service (QoS) Settings:

Adjusting these settings in your router can prioritize traffic from gaming applications to ensure they receive more bandwidth.

2.

Wi-Fi Extenders or Mesh Networks:

These can help amplify the signal throughout your home, especially if the router cannot be moved.

3.

Ethernet Connection:

While it may be challenging to set up due to the router’s location, a direct Ethernet connection is the most reliable solution for stable speeds.

Conclusion:

To stabilize your internet speed, start by minimizing Wi-Fi interference and considering the use of QoS settings. If these steps don’t yield the desired improvement, exploring the use of Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks is advisable. Ultimately, an Ethernet connection, despite the initial setup challenge, could provide the consistent speeds necessary for an optimal gaming experience.