LAYER 3 KNOWLEDGE CENTRE
The Internet connection reaches your premises. Wi-Fi is the local wireless link between your device and the router or access point. Either one can limit the experience.
Use three simple comparisons to find out whether the problem is the service, the Wi-Fi coverage or a particular device.
Upgrading the Internet package will not fix weak Wi-Fi coverage. Distance, walls, interference, placement, crowded channels, older devices and local signal quality can limit Wi-Fi even when the service is fast.
Treat the path as two connected but separate parts.
The ISP and network connection from the premises to the wider Internet.
The radio connection between your device and a local router or access point.
Radio signals weaken and compete with other signals.
Greater distance and dense materials reduce usable signal.
Neighbouring networks and household devices can create competition.
A low, enclosed or edge-of-home position can produce uneven coverage.
The same Wi-Fi network can behave differently across devices and locations.
Usually reaches farther but may be more crowded and offer lower practical capacity.
Often offers more capacity nearby but generally loses strength faster through distance and walls.
Device radios, software, background traffic and power-saving behaviour can affect results.
Additional coverage equipment can help when planned correctly, but poor placement or wireless backhaul can also move the bottleneck rather than remove it.
Can provide coordinated coverage when nodes have good placement and a strong connection between them.
May improve reach but can reduce practical throughput or add complexity depending on design.
Use comparisons that change one condition at a time. Record what was tested so the evidence is useful.
Compare a wired device directly at the router when possible.
This shows performance with a strong local signal.
A large drop here points toward coverage, interference or placement.
Move the router into an open, central and elevated position where practical.
Compare devices and remove unnecessary background traffic.
Use the appropriate frequency band for distance and capacity.
Ask for help before buying repeaters or mesh equipment without a placement plan.
Layer 3 should help when coverage remains weak, results differ sharply by room, equipment placement is constrained, or a managed Wi-Fi design is needed for several rooms, users or business areas.
Continue with a closely related explanation.
Continue with another useful route.
Use the Support Centre for account-specific checks, service diagnosis and escalation.