Why Is My Internet So Slow?
Most “slow Wi‑Fi” reports mix several layers: the access point, the device radio, the ISP path, and the site you are using. A speed test tells you throughput to one node. It cannot name a single root cause.
Split Wi‑Fi from the plan
Repeat the test near the router and, if possible, on Ethernet. If Ethernet is fine, the bottleneck is local radio, interference, or a weak client—not necessarily the WAN.
Check competing traffic
Cloud backups, OS updates, smart TVs, and other people on the same SSID share airtime. Pause heavy uploads and test again.
VPN and DNS
A VPN adds a detour. It can cut throughput and raise HTTP ping. Test once with it off, on a network you trust.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Wi‑Fi slower than the plan?
Plans describe the WAN. Wi‑Fi adds shared airtime, walls, and client limits.
Can a speed test fix slowness?
No. It only measures. Use Ethernet, reboot the AP, and compare peak vs busy hours.