Optimum is an Internet Service Providing company that gives its users various cable and fiber-optic internet plans at affordable prices. A person is free to use his own gateway or the one provided by Optimum to enjoy wireless internet services. The created wireless network can further be extended through a WiFi extender from a renowned brand like Netgear that is an ultimate solution to kill dead zones. These days, a lot of users are complaining their WiFi extender being slow when connected to an Optimum internet gateway. Is your mind also occupied with the same question i.e. why is my WiFi extender extremely slow with Optimum internet? Worry not! The purpose of writing this blog is to help users like you. Proceed with reading!
Is the Internet Really Slow?
Before you jump to any conclusion and get involved in the troubleshooting process, it is recommended to check if you are really experiencing slow internet. Is the issue with just one device or many? To obtain an answer to this question, first of all, run a speed test on the internet device sharing a connection with Optimum gateway. We also suggest you check internet speed on other connected devices (to extender’s WiFi. If the issue is with every device, see if you can ping your router. If you can, the issue is with the WiFi extender.
Reasons: WiFi Extender Slow with Optimum Internet
To make it easy for you to grasp the concept, we are using a Netgear WiFi range extender. You must perform troubleshooting w.r.t. to the parameters of your extender. For example, if we suggest accessing mywifiext.net, you are suggested to use the login URL that corresponds to your extender. However, let’s start with the reasons creating the problem:
| Reason | How It Impacts the Internet Connection? |
|---|---|
| A Damaged LAN Cable | The LAN cable is the primary factor holding a connection between an Optimum gateway and the Netgear extender. You can’t expect a damage cable to facilitate smoother signal transmission. |
| Technical Glitches | Glitches are common entities in the networking world. They are undoubtedly annoying and can make any device work off-track. Here, it is your WiFi range extender. |
| Placement of the Extender | If the extender sits in a room that is filled with devices that create signal interference, then the devices connected to your Netgear extender will experience poor internet for sure. |
| Network Traffic | Yes, it is a well-known fact that you can connect too many devices to the Netgear extender. But, it also has an impact on the WiFi speed delivered to other connected devices. |
So, these were some most common reasons that can impact the Optimum internet experience with a Netgear WiFi range extender. You can get rid of them with the help of the techniques mentioned below. But, know that if these tips fail, you always have an option to kick start the advanced troubleshooting process:
- A Damaged LAN Cable – It should be replaced with a new one (chosen one should be compatible)
- Technical Glitches – Perform a power cycle on the entire home network including switches (if there is any)
- Poor Placement of the Extender – Get the extender’s location changed. You must now place it in an interference-free zone
- Heavy Network Traffic – Disconnect a few devices from the extender’s WiFi i.e. Netgear_ext. It will have a huge impact on the final WiFi speed on connected devices
Note: In case you have established a wireless connection between your Netgear extender and the Optimum gateway, you need to draw your attention to the distance separating them. Keeping them too close will cause a clash of their WiFi signals. On the other hand, if you place them too far, they won’t communicate at all resulting in poor or zero output.
Fixed: WiFi Extender Extremely Slow with Optimum Internet
These are the hacks that should be given a shot when you fail to get the improved internet speed with the help of the basic fixes. Some of the tips mentioned here require you to access the extender’s web-based setup wizard. So, you should be a little careful while following them.
1. Update the Firmware
The firmware version on which your extender is running has a great role to play. So, it recommended that you log in to your extender via 192.168.1.250 address and equip the extender with the latest firmware version as soon as possible. Be very sure about not uploading the incorrect firmware file.
2. Configure FastLane Technology
The FastLane Technology is an amazing feature that allows a user to segregate WiFi connection on devices depending upon their bandwidth requirements. It means those supporting the 2.4 GHz frequency will stay on the dedicated band while the 5 GHz band will take the responsibility of those devices that run on this frequency.
The Final Thoughts
Getting slow speeds through WiFi gadgets is not a biggie. You just have to be careful regarding their placement, cable connections, firmware version, etc. It is expected that after taking the help of the tips mentioned in this post, you will not complain about your WiFi extender being slow with the Optimum internet gateway. So, you can now resume your internet experience. However, if needed, reset the extender and configure it once again.