How to Reduce Wi-Fi Internet Speed: A Complete Guide

Is your internet speed too fast? It's a strange question for most users, but in practice, reducing Wi-Fi speed is necessary more often than you might think. For example, when you need limit traffic for guest devices so that they don’t “eat up” the entire channel, or when required artificially slow down the connection For app testing. Perhaps you want to allocate a minimum speed for smart devices (cameras, sensors) so they don't interfere with your main devices. Or you simply want to save data on a limited plan.

In this article we will analyze all working methods Reduce your Wi-Fi internet speed—from standard router features to advanced methods using additional software. We'll provide step-by-step instructions for popular router models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik) and explain which methods are suitable for different scenarios. We will also warn you about possible pitfalls — for example, why MAC address restrictions may not work, or how to avoid blocking your access to router settings.

Important: If you plan to limit the speed of other people's devices (for example, neighbors connected to your network), make sure that this does not violate your internet provider's terms and conditions or local network access laws. Some tariffs prohibit artificial traffic throttling.

1. Limiting the speed through router settings (Qos/Bandwidth Control)

The most reliable and versatile method is to use your router's built-in bandwidth control features. Most modern models support QoS (Quality of Service) or Bandwidth Control, which allow you to set limits both for the entire network and for individual devices.

Let's look at the process using a router as an example. TP-Link Archer C6 (there are similar settings ASUS RT-AX58U, Keenetic Giga and others):

1. Open your router's control panel by entering into your browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (default logins are usually admin/admin or indicated on the device sticker).
2. Go to the section Additional settings → QoS (or Bandwidth Control).
3. Enable the feature and specify maximum outgoing (Upload) and incoming (Download) speed for the device. For example, to limit the speed to 5 Mbps, enter 5120 kbps (1 Mbit = 1024 Kbit).
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

On routers ASUS the path may look like this: Administration → Local Network → QoSHere you can create a rule for a specific IP addresses or MAC addresses devices. For example, to limit the speed for a smartphone with a MAC 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E, select it from the list and set the limit.

Find out your current plan speed (check via speedtest.net)

Write down the MAC addresses of the devices for which you want to restrict

Make sure DHCP is enabled on your router (automatic IP distribution)

Check if your model supports QoS or Bandwidth Control-->

⚠️ Attention: If it is enabled in the router DHCPDevice IP addresses may change. For stable restrictions, bind the MAC address to a fixed IP in the settings. LAN → DHCP server.

2. Using a guest network with limited speed

Many routers allow you to create guest network With separate security and bandwidth settings. This is convenient if you want to limit the speed for temporary users (guests, neighbors) without affecting the main network.

Instructions for Keenetic:

1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.1.1).
2. Go to Home Network → Segments → Guest Wi-Fi.
3. Turn on the guest network in the section Speed ​​Limit Specify values ​​for Incoming And Outgoing traffic.
4. Save the changes and distribute the guest network password.

On routers MikroTik (For example, hAP ac²) the process is more complex, but more flexible:

1. Open Winbox and connect to the router.
2. Go to IP → Hotspot and create a new profile.
3. In your profile settings, specify Rate Limit (For example, 5M/5M for limitation up to 5 Mbps in both directions).
4. Link the profile to the guest network in Wireless → Security Profiles.

⚠️ Attention: Guest networks often have a separate SSID (network name) and password. Make sure the primary network doesn't use the same settings, otherwise restrictions will apply to all devices.

3. Setting up MAC address restrictions

If you need to reduce the speed for specific device (for example, a child's smartphone or a smart speaker), you can use the link MAC addressThis method works even if the device receives an IP via DHCP.

Example for a router ASUS RT-AC68U:

1. Go to Local Network → DHCP Server.
2. Find the device in the list and copy it MAC address (For example, 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).
3. Go to Administration → Local Network → Route and add a static route with rate limiting for this MAC.
4. Or use QoS → Bandwidth Rules, where you specify the MAC address and limits.

On routers MikroTik this is done through Queue Tree:

/queue simple add name="Limit_Child_Phone" target=00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E max-limit=2M/2M

Where 2M/2M — limitation of up to 2 Mbps for download and upload.

4. Using third-party software (for advanced users)

If the router's built-in functions are not enough, you can use specialized programs. For example, NetBalancer (Windows) or WonderShaper (Linux) allow flexible traffic management at the operating system level.

NetBalancer (paid, but there is a trial period):

• 📥 Download and install the program from the official website.
• 🖥️ Run it as administrator.
• 📊 In the list of processes, find the required device (by IP or name) and set limits on Download And Upload.
• 🔄 Apply the rules and check your speed via speedtest.net.

WonderShaper (free, for Linux):

sudo apt install wondershaper
sudo wondershaper eth0 1024 1024

Where eth0 — the name of the network interface, and 1024 — speed in Kbps (here the limit is up to 1 Mbps).

⚠️ Attention: Software speed limiters only work on the device they're installed on. Limiting your PC's speed won't affect other devices on the network.

5. Throttling via provider (if supported)

Some internet service providers (eg. Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS) allow change the tariff speed in your personal account. This can be useful if you want to temporarily reduce the speed for the entire network (for example, during a vacation).

How to do it:

1. Go to personal account your provider.
2. Find the section Tariff management or Additional services.
3. Select an option Change speed or Time limit.
4. Specify a new speed (for example, reduce from 100 Mbps to 10 Mbps).

Important: Not all providers support this feature. Some providers only allow speed adjustments by upgrading their plan, which may incur additional charges.

⚠️ Attention: Before changing your plan, check your contract terms. Some providers charge a fee to restore your previous speed.

6. Physical methods: reducing the Wi-Fi signal strength

If you don't need to limit the speed so much as degrade the quality of the connection For certain devices (for example, to connect to a different network), you can reduce the Wi-Fi transmission power. This will result in a decrease in speed due to a poor signal.

Setting up the router TP-Link:

1. Go to Wireless → Wireless Settings.
2. Find the parameter Transmit Power.
3. Decrease the value from 100% to 50% or 25%.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

On ASUS the path may look like this: Wireless Network → Professional → TX Power.

This method is suitable if you want:

• 📶 Force devices to connect to a different access point (for example, a repeater with limited speed).
• 🔋 Reduce router power consumption (relevant for autonomous systems).
• 🚫 Limit your Wi-Fi coverage area (for example, so that your neighbors can't connect).

What happens if you reduce the power too much?

When the power drops below 20%, some devices may lose connection or constantly disconnect. Newer devices may also have trouble connecting (especially on the 5 GHz band).

7. Alternative methods: VPN and proxy

If none of the above methods are suitable, you can use VPN or proxy server with limited speedThis method is more difficult to set up, but it allows for flexible traffic management for individual devices.

Example using OpenVPN:

1. Install the VPN server on a separate device (e.g. Raspberry Pi or an old PC).
2. Set up a server with speed limitation via settings rate-limit.
3. On the target device (e.g. smartphone), connect to this VPN.

For a proxy server (eg. Squid on Linux):

acl limited_user src 192.168.1.100
delay_pools 1
delay_class 1 1
delay_parameters 1 10000/10000
delay_access 1 allow limited_user

Here 192.168.1.100 — IP devices, and 10000/10000 — limitation up to ~10 Mbit/s.

⚠️ Attention: Using a VPN or proxy can increase ping and latency, which is critical for online gaming or video calls.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about slow Wi-Fi

Is it possible to limit the speed only for certain websites (like YouTube)?

Yes, but you need a router with support for this. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) or additional software like OpenDNSMost home routers lack this feature. An alternative is to use parental controls to block websites.

Why are some devices still fast after speed limiting via QoS?

Possible reasons:

• QoS is not enabled or configured incorrectly (check traffic priorities).
• The device is connected via cable (Ethernet), and the limitation is set only for Wi-Fi.
• The device's IP or MAC address has changed (use static binding).

How can I check if the speed limit has worked?

Connect the target device to the network and run a speed test on speedtest.net or fast.comCompare the results with the base speed of your plan. You can also use the utility ping to check for delays.

Will speed limiting work if the router reboots?

Yes, if the settings are saved in the router's non-volatile memory (NVRAM). However, after a factory reset, all restrictions will be lost. It is recommended to back up the configuration in the System Tools → Backup.

Is it possible to limit the speed for devices connected to a Wi-Fi repeater?

Yes, but the settings need to be applied on main router, not on the repeater. Most repeaters do not support QoS or rate limiting. If the repeater has its own web interface (e.g. TP-Link RE605X), check the availability of the function Bandwidth Control.