Home Wi-Fi

Why is my Wi-Fi slow in some rooms?

The speed test looks great next to the router. Then you take the laptop to the back bedroom and the video call freezes. Your internet connection may well be fine. More often, the problem is how the Wi-Fi signal gets through your home.

Written by Matthew Williams•3 min read•Updated 13 November 2026

Short answer

Wi-Fi weakens as it travels, and walls, floors and furniture weaken it further, so rooms far from the router get a poorer signal. Move the router somewhere central and raised, away from cabinets and TVs. Then run a speed test near the router and in the problem room before you buy anything.

Is distance the problem?

It's part of it. Wi-Fi loses strength as it travels, and walls, floors, cupboards, appliances and building materials all knock it down further. A router at one end of the house may simply have too much to get through before it reaches the other end.

Where should the router go?

Somewhere fairly central, up off the floor and away from big obstructions. A router tucked behind the TV, inside a cabinet or down on the floor is starting at a disadvantage.

Before you buy a new router: try moving the one you've got and see whether the problem changes. A better spot can sometimes beat a more expensive router sitting in the wrong place.

Does 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz make a difference?

Yes, they behave differently. 5 GHz can give excellent speed but usually doesn't get through walls as well. 2.4 GHz travels further but can be slower and more crowded. Modern routers often sort this out for you, but your devices and router settings can still change the result.

Why is it slow when I have full bars?

Interference can make a strong signal feel weak. Neighbouring Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices and other wireless gear all compete for the same airtime. So you can see several bars and still get slow or patchy performance.

When does mesh Wi-Fi help?

In larger or awkwardly shaped homes, a mesh system can be a good fix. That's several units around the house working as one network, so no room is too far from one of them. But it has to be set up properly. Units in poor spots add another weak link instead of fixing the problem.

What should I check before spending money?

Run a speed test next to the router, then again in the problem room.
Check whether one device is affected or all of them.
Restart the router if it hasn't been restarted in a long time.
Look at where the router sits and what's around it.
Check whether an extender or old mesh unit is actually making things worse.

The right fix depends on the layout of the house, where the internet comes in and which devices need good coverage. If you'd like a hand with that, I'm happy to come and have a look as part of Wi-Fi and internet help.

For workplaces and small businesses, see our Wi-Fi and networking for a business.

Need help with this?

If you'd rather have someone diagnose the problem properly, Peninsula IT Solutions provides local, jargon-free support across Frankston and surrounding suburbs.

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