How to fix slow-ass inconsistent 5ghz wi-fi from my laptop?

[bingbongbangbung]

I do know for a fact that when my mom is streaming her Asian shows from literally halfway across the world that the internet will lag a lot. But I noticed even when she stops doing that, my internet from my laptop can randomly sometimes continue to slow down. When the internet gets slow, I can't even watch QHD videos without constant buffering but when it's fast, I can easily watch up to 5K with little problems. Now in the past few days it's gotten so bad that sometimes even FHD videos are sort of lagging on me!

For context, the wi-fi is 5GHZ, I'm using the 2019 model of the Acer Nitro 5, the modem is all the way downstairs in the lounge while I'm upstairs in the bedroom above the garage, and internet speeds are 30-50mbps down and 7-10mbps up at its best but when my mom lags the internet it goes as low as 750kbps-5mbps down and 2-5mbps up! I've tried restarting my browser, restarting Windows itself, disconnecting/reconnecting the wi-fi, turning the modem off/on, but they don't do shit or it's only temporary. I think my laptop might also be a semi-culprit because it's been fucking up this past half year.

Besides not doing more demanding tasks online when my mom is streaming her bandwith hogging shows, what else can I do? I have considered un/reinstalling the network drivers in device manager, but that's probably just a workaround. I will consider reinstalling Windows at a later date though not right now so I don't know. Don't tell me to buy a new computer because aside from a few quirks, my Nitro 5 laptop is working perfectly fine (it also has some battery and cooling issues in the past few months). I think I might consider using ethernet but I don't know if I can just plug in a cable to the wall and expect that to work somehow.

[MrOracle]

Your signal simply isn't good enough, and that's because of the distance from the router (and the orientation of the antennas, and because of the objects between). WiFi can run on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. 2.4 GHz uses longer wavelengths which can travel farther and penetrate objects better - BUT the channels are narrow and the maximum speed is fairly low. 5 GHz has a much higher possible speed, BUT its higher frequencies are more directional, don't travel as far, and are more susceptible to being blocked because higher frequencies don't penetrate objects as well.

You could TRY forcing your WiFi card to only connect via 2.4 GHz, and that might actually be faster than the weak 5 GHz signal can give you. Now, if you have an Ethernet outlet in your room, and if your router is (or can be) patched into a distribution panel somewhere in the house (generally, the other end of the wire that goes to your room), then you can either connect your laptop via Ethernet cable (very fast but less convenient), OR you could buy a WiFi access point and wire THAT to your Ethernet in your room, which would give your room it's own WiFi radio and excellent speeds. That costs more, but it's definitely more convenient.

[bingbongbangbung]

yeah i already know about the differences between 2.4ghz and 5ghz frequencies, and even if i didn't, you don't need to tell me because i can just search it online.

i tried connecting to 2.4ghz wi-fi but often times it makes no difference or it's worse.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

For starters it’s time for an equipment update starting with your cable modem if you have one. My cable company supplied me with one & it was junk to be honest & I went out & bought my own with more up & down channels & that made a difference. In addition after I replaced my cable modem I replaced my wifi router & also ran Ethernet cables to my tv’s & other equipment. Also update your software on all your equipment & don’t forget to renew your lease on your router from time to time. In addition if you are paying for internet speed make sure you are getting that speed or above guaranteed by your service provider. In addition you can always call your cable company & have them come out & check or replace the cable line coming in.

Say NO To The Circle Of Death!

[bingbongbangbung]

i still live with my parents and they'd refuse

[scentoflavender]

I would say start by going hardwired. If you're still having issues from here, it may be time to contact your isp and seeing what options they can provide.

[bingbongbangbung]

my ISP is some shitty local one that essentially borrows internet from Rogers

[Smashingdoozy]

Your laptop isn't the problem, it's your internet 50mb/PS is SLOW. if you want to stream online with multiple people you should have minimum 100mb down

[Smashingdoozy]

It also may be useful to get a wifi extender if you're not hitting full bars of wifi from your room, otherwise run an ethernet cable.

Either way you just need to up your internet plan. 100mb down minimum, upload doesn't really matter (unless you of course upload) .

[bingbongbangbung]

except that only when my mom streams her foreign shows that the speed drops to 5mbps and lower; at 50mbps i can watch up to 5K 30fps normal speed just fine.

[bingbongbangbung]

i have an ethernet port in my bedroom, but I don't know if plugging a cable into it will allow me access to the modem from downstairs; do i need to plug in an ethernet cable to downstairs?

[Smashingdoozy]

50mbps is enough for one device to stream shows not multiple at the same time. Plugging an ethernet Into the port entirely depends on what kind it is or if the port even works at all.

[slatyb]

Go to fast. com. What speed does it report?

[bingbongbangbung]

i use Ookla and Task Manager to measure my internet speeds

[jimmy2]

You are a modern girl

[bingbongbangbung]

i'm a guy and the person in the pic is Emma Camp from Reason Magazine