MEPX
Chapter 7 of 10All chapters
  1. 1Layers
  2. 2Addresses
  3. 3DNS
  4. 4TCP and UDP
  5. 5Routing
  6. 6HTTP
  7. 7Wifi and local networks
  8. 8Latency and bandwidth
  9. 9Diagnosing problems
  10. 10How the internet fits together

Chapter 7 of 10

Wifi and local networks

The last few metres.

Why it is slower than the number

Wifi is a shared radio medium, so devices take turns and interference costs retries. The advertised speed is a ceiling under perfect conditions, never a promise.

  • 2.4 GHz travels further through walls; 5 GHz is faster over shorter distances.
  • Distance, walls and neighbouring networks matter more than the router's price.

Securing it

Use WPA3 or WPA2 with a long passphrase, change the router's admin password, and keep its firmware updated. Hiding the network name adds inconvenience rather than security.