What kind of Wi-Fi connection do you have? Determine your network type, speed, and capabilities.

Have you ever wondered what kind of Wi-Fi your router is broadcasting? Why is the internet speed lightning fast on one device, but sluggish on another? Or why does your neighbor's Wi-Fi signal perform better than yours, even though you have a more expensive plan? The answers lie in your wireless network settings—and today we'll explore how to check them, what they mean, and how to optimize them.

This article is not about abstract "megabits" or "gigahertz", but about specific actions: how to find out in 5 minutes Wi-Fi standard (802.11n, ac, ax), channel width, frequency of operation (2.4 or 5 GHz) and even maximum speed, which your router can provide. We won't delve into theory—only practical examples and useful life hacks for users of all levels.

1. How to find out the name and password of your Wi-Fi network

The first thing you should start with is basic information about your network. Even if you haven't changed the name (SSID) and password since setting up the router, it's worth checking them, especially if you have guests or smart devices (such as cameras or speakers) connecting to your network.

The easiest way:

• 📱 On Android: open Settings → Wi-Fi, find your network in the list of connected ones. Click on it - a window with the name will open (SSID) and connection status. The password won't be shown here, but you can find it in the router settings.
• 🍎 On iPhone/iPad: go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap the ⓘ icon next to your network. It will be there SSID, but the password is hidden (you need to log into the router).
• 💻 On Windows: Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray → Network properties → Scroll down to the "Properties" section. This is where it will be SSID and the type of security (eg WPA2-Personal).

⚠️ Attention: If you have not changed the default password for your router (like admin/admin or 1234), do this immediately! Details are in the security section.

To view your Wi-Fi password:

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
2. Enter the address in the browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the exact address is indicated on the router sticker).
3. Log in (default logins/passwords are also on the sticker).
4. Find the section Wi-Fi or Wireless network — there will be SSID and password.

2. Determine the Wi-Fi standard: 802.11n, ac or ax?

It depends on the standard maximum speed your network. For example, outdated 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) delivers up to 600 Mbps, and modern 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) – up to 9.6 Gbps. How do I know which standard my router supports?

Method 1: Look on the router box or sticker. Look for something like:

• 🔄 Wi-Fi 4 = 802.11n (up to 600 Mbps)
• ⚡ Wi-Fi 5 = 802.11ac (up to 3.5 Gbps)
• 🚀 Wi-Fi 6/6E = 802.11ax (up to 9.6 Gbps, supports 6 GHz)

Method 2: Go to the router settings (as in the previous section) and find the section Wireless Network → Standard or Wireless ModeThere you can choose one of the options:

802.11 b/g/n (mixed mode)
802.11n/ac/ax (mixed mode)
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 only)

⚠️ Attention: If the router settings are set to 802.11 b/g/n, and do your devices support Wi-Fi 5/6, you're losing speed! Switch the mode to 802.11n/ac or 802.11ax (if the router supports it).

Method 3: Check on the connected device. For example, on Windows:

1. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter.
2. Enter the command:

   netsh wlan show interfaces

3. Find the line Radio type - the standard will be indicated there (for example, 802.11ac).

What to do if your router doesn't support Wi-Fi 6?

If your router is older than 2019, it most likely uses 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5). To upgrade to Wi-Fi 6, you'll need to buy a new router with 802.11ax support. However, for most home tasks (video streaming, gaming), Wi-Fi 5 is sufficient—the difference is only noticeable when connecting 10+ devices simultaneously or transferring large files over the local network.

3. Operating frequency: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz – which is better?

Your Wi-Fi can operate on one of two frequencies:

• 📡 2.4 GHz — long-range signal, but low speed and a lot of interference (neighbors, microwaves, Bluetooth devices).
• 🚀 5 GHz - high speed, little interference, but the signal passes weaker through walls.

How do you know what frequency your network operates on?

On Android:

1. Install the application Wi-Fi Analyzer (free on Google Play).
2. Open it and go to the tab Channel Graph.
3. Grids with channel numbers 1-14 are 2.4 GHz, and 36-165 are 5 GHz.

On Windows:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click Managing known networks → select your network → Properties.
3. Look at the line Network frequency.

In the router settings: There are usually separate settings for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (may be called Wireless 2.4G And Wireless 5G). If both networks are enabled, they may have the same name (SSID) or different (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).

4. Channel width: 20 MHz, 40 MHz or 80 MHz?

Channel width affects connection speed and stability. The wider the channel, the higher the potential speed, but the more interference from other networks.

How to check channel width:

• 🖥️ On Windows: V Command line execute:

  netsh wlan show interfaces

  Look for the line Channel width (For example, 40 MHz).

• 📱 On Android: in the appendix Wi-Fi Analyzer Look at the width of the peaks in the channel graph.
• 🌐 In the router settings: section Wireless → Channel Width (May be 20/40 MHz or Auto).

Recommendations for setting up:

• 🏠 For 2.4 GHz better to choose 20 MHz - there is less interference from neighbors.
• 🚀 For 5 GHz can be installed 40 MHz or 80 MHz (if your devices support it).
• ⚠️ Mode Auto often selects non-optimal settings - it is better to set them manually.

⚠️ Attention: If the channel width is set in the router settings 40 MHz, but the actual speed is low, check if your channel is overlapping with neighboring networks. Use an app Wi-Fi Analyzerto select the freest channel.

5. Wi-Fi speed: how to measure it and what affects it?

Are you paying your ISP for 100 Mbps, but only getting 30 Mbps on Wi-Fi? That's normal—and here's why.

The actual speed is affected by:

• 📶 Distance to the router - every meter and wall reduces the signal.
• 🔄 Number of connected devices — the more, the slower.
• 🛠️ Wi-Fi standard — 802.11n will give a maximum of 150 Mbps, and 802.11ac — up to 866 Mbit/s.
• 📡 Interference — neighboring networks, microwave ovens, Bluetooth headsets.

How to measure speed correctly:

1. Connect your laptop or phone to the router via cable (if possible) and check the speed on Speedtest.netThis will show how much the provider actually provides.
2. Disconnect all devices except one from Wi-Fi and run the test again. The difference will show how much bandwidth the wireless network is using.
3. Repeat the test in different rooms to find any dead zones.

Critical information: If the speed difference between cable and Wi-Fi is more than 2 times (e.g., 100 Mbps vs. 40 Mbps), the problem lies with the router settings or interference. A smaller difference is normal for a wireless network.

6. Security: What type of encryption is used?

Just because your Wi-Fi is password protected doesn't mean it's secure. Outdated encryption types (e.g., WEP or WPA) are hacked in minutes. The modern standard is WPA3, but for most users it will be enough WPA2-PSK.

How to check the encryption type:

• 🖥️ On Windows: V Network properties (as in section 1) look at the line Security type.
• 📱 On AndroidThere's no encryption information in the Wi-Fi settings—you need to go to the router.
• 🌐 In the router settings: section Wireless Security or Wireless Network Security.

What to do if encryption is out of date:

1. Go to your router settings.
2. Find the section Wireless → Security.
3. Select WPA2-PSK (or WPA3, if supported).
4. Set a complex password (at least 12 characters, with numbers and letters).

⚠️ Attention: If the router settings are set to WEP or WPA, your network can be hacked in minutes using free software. Update your router firmware and switch to WPA2!

7. How to improve Wi-Fi: 5 practical tips

If your Wi-Fi is slow or unstable, try these methods (from easy to difficult):

1. Reboot your router — Unplug it from the outlet for 30 seconds. This solves 50% of connection problems.
2. Change the channel — If there are a lot of neighbors on your channel, the router will "compete" with them for airtime. Use Wi-Fi Analyzerto find a free channel.
3. Update your router firmware New versions fix bugs and improve stability. Instructions are usually available on the manufacturer's website.
4. Buy a repeater or mesh system - if the signal does not reach some rooms, a repeater (repeater) or Mesh network (for example, TP-Link Deco) will help expand coverage.
5. Change your router - if it is more than 5 years old, it is obsolete. Modern models (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or Xiaomi AX6000) support Wi-Fi 6 and work more stably.

If all else fails, the problem may be with your provider. Call support and ask them to check your line—sometimes speed drops are caused by issues with your provider.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi

Is it possible to find out who is connected to my Wi-Fi?

Yes. Go to your router settings (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and find the section DHCP Clients List, Connected Devices or List of devices. It will show the IP and MAC addresses of all connected devices. To block other people's devices, use the MAC Filtering.

Why is Wi-Fi slower than cable internet?

This is normal. Wireless networks always lose some speed due to:

• Interference from other networks and household appliances.
• Limitations of the Wi-Fi standard (for example, 802.11n maximum gives 300 Mbit/s).
• Distances to the router and obstacles (walls, furniture).

If the difference is more than 2 times (for example, 100 Mbps via cable vs. 20 Mbps via Wi-Fi), check your router settings or change the channel.

Which router should I buy for my apartment in 2026?

The choice depends on the tasks:

• 🏡 For a small apartment (1–2 rooms): TP-Link Archer AX21 (Wi-Fi 6, up to 1.8 Gbps, ~3,000 ₽).
• 🏢 For a large apartment or house: ASUS RT-AX86U (Wi-Fi 6, Mesh support, ~15,000 ₽).
• 💰 Budget option: Xiaomi Router 4A (Wi-Fi 5, up to 1.2 Gbps, ~2,000 ₽).

Please note the support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is the future, and new devices (smartphones, laptops) already support this standard.

Is it possible to use one router for two providers?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

• If you have two cable connections (for example, from MGTS and Rostelecom), you need a router with two WAN ports (for example, Keenetic Ultra).
• If one provider is via cable and the other via USB modem (4G/5G), check if the router supports it. USB modems (For example, ASUS 4G-AC68U).
• It can be customized channel reservation — if the first provider goes down, the router will automatically switch to the second one.

What is guest Wi-Fi and why is it needed?

Guest Wi-Fi is a separate network with limited access to your local network (for example, to printers or network drives). This is useful if you frequently have guests or rent out a room.

How to set up:

1. Go to your router settings.
2. Find the section Guest access or Guest Network.
3. Turn on the guest network, give it a name (SSID) and password.
4. Limit the speed (optional) and save the settings.

Guests will be able to use the Internet, but will not see your devices on the local network.