What Wi-Fi do you have at home: How to check the network version, speed, and capabilities

Have you ever wondered, What Wi-Fi does your home have?? Not just the name of the network, but its real characteristics: the version of the standard (Wi-Fi 4/5/6/6E), frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), channel width, and signal strength. These parameters determine why your smartphone lags when watching 4K video, or why your laptop loses connection in a distant room.

In this article we will figure out how diagnose your Wi-Fi network without complex programs - using built-in tools Windows, Android, iOS and even a router. You'll learn how the standards differ. 802.11n/ac/ax, Why 5 GHz It's faster, but it's worse at passing through walls, and what to do if the speed is lower than what the provider claims. And also, how to choose optimal settings for gaming, streaming and work.

Spoiler: If your router is older than 5 years, it's likely running an outdated standard. Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which limits the speed to 300–450 Mbps even at the tariff 1 GbpsBut this can be fixed!

1. How to find out the Wi-Fi version on your router

The first thing you need to find out is - What Wi-Fi standard does your router support?This affects the maximum speed, the number of connected devices, and even the energy consumption of gadgets. Here's a brief breakdown:

• 📡 Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) — to 450 Mbps, works only on 2.4 GHz. It's outdated, but can still be found in budget models.
• ⚡ Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) — to 1.3 Gbps, supports 5 GHz and technology MU-MIMO, Beamforming.
• 🚀 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) — to 9.6 Gbps, works on 2.4/5/6 GHz, optimized for multiple devices (ideal for smart home).
• 🆕 Wi-Fi 6E - extension Wi-Fi 6 with range support 6 GHz (less interference, higher speed).

You can find out the version in three ways:

1. By router model: Find the sticker on the case (e.g. TP-Link Archer C6 or ASUS RT-AX88U) and check the specifications on the manufacturer's website. If the model name contains "AX" - it is Wi-Fi 6, "AC" - Wi-Fi 5, "N" - Wi-Fi 4.
2. Via the web interface: Log into your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and find the section Wireless or Wireless network. The standard will be indicated there (for example, 802.11ac).
3. At maximum speed: if specified in the settings up to 300 Mbit/s - This Wi-Fi 4, 867–1300 Mbps — Wi-Fi 5, 2400+ Mbps — Wi-Fi 6.

⚠️ Attention: If your router supports Wi-Fi 6, but devices (smartphone, laptop) - only Wi-Fi 5, the network will operate at the speed of a weaker standard. You can check support in the gadget's specifications.

2. 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz: Which Band Is Best for Your Needs?

Modern routers (starting from Wi-Fi 5) support two frequency ranges: 2.4 GHz And 5 GHzThey differ not only in speed, but also in range, interference resistance, and compatibility. Here are the key differences:

Which range should I choose?

• 📱 For smartphones and tablets: 5 GHz - if you are in the same room as the router. 2.4 GHz - if the signal is weak or the device is old.
• 🎮 For gaming and streaming: only 5 GHz (less delays, higher stability).
• 🖥️ For PCs and laptops: 5 GHz, if the adapter supports Wi-Fi 5/6. Otherwise - 2.4 GHz.
• 🏠 For a smart home: 2.4 GHz (most sensors and lights work only on it).

Many routers allow divide the networks by ranges (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G). If you have the same network, check the settings to see which range is used by default.

3. How to check your actual Wi-Fi speed (not your provider's rate)

Many people are confused Internet speed (which is provided by the provider) and Wi-Fi speed (which the router provides). For example, you have a tariff 500 Mbps, but over the air, data is transmitted at speeds 150 Mbps due to an outdated standard Wi-Fi 4.

To find out real Wi-Fi speed, do the following:

1. Connect your laptop or PC to the router via cable and check the speed on Speedtest or Fast.comThis is the provider's speed.
2. Disconnect the cable and connect via Wi-Fi. Run the test again. The difference in results is the loss of wireless transmission.
3. Repeat the test in different rooms. If the speed drops by more than 50% - the problem is in the coverage or interference.

Normal values:

• 🟢 Wi-Fi 4 (2.4 GHz): 100–200 Mbps near the router, 20–50 Mbps in the far room.
• 🟡 Wi-Fi 5 (5 GHz): 300–600 Mbps nearby, 100–200 Mbps through 1–2 walls.
• 🟢 Wi-Fi 6 (5/6 GHz): 700–1500 Mbps under ideal conditions.

⚠️ Attention: If the speed of the cable and Wi-Fi differs by more than 3-5 times, the problem lies with your router settings or interference. Try changing the channel (more on that in the next section).

4. Optimal Wi-Fi settings: channel, width, mode

Even if you have a modern router, incorrect settings may reduce speed by 30–70%Here are the key parameters to check:

4.1. Channel selection

In the range 2.4 GHz only 1, 6, 11 channels do not overlap. If your router is on Channel 3, it conflicts with neighboring networks 1 And 6. IN 5 GHz There are more channels, but some may be occupied by radars (prohibited in Russia) 52–64 And 100–140).

How to choose a free channel:

1. Install the application on your smartphone Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (iOS).
2. Check which channels are occupied by your neighbors. Choose the freest one.
3. Enter your router settings (192.168.0.1) and change the channel in the section Wireless → Channel.

4.2. Channel width

The wider the channel, the higher the speed, but the more interference. Optimal values:

• 📶 2.4 GHz: 20 MHz (more stable), 40 MHz (faster, but may lag).
• 🚀 5 GHz: 40 MHz or 80 MHz (if there is no interference). 160 MHz — only for Wi-Fi 6 and in pure ether.

4.3. Operating mode (Mode)

There may be an option in your router settings. Wireless Mode or Network Mode. Recommended values:

• 🔄 802.11n/ac/ax mixed - if you have different devices.
• ⚡ 802.11ac or 802.11ax - if all gadgets are modern.
• ❌ 802.11b/g - deprecated, reduces speed for everyone.

After the changes reboot the router and check the speed again.

What are DFS channels in 5 GHz?

DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) is a channel in the 5 GHz band that can be used by radars (for example, military or weather services). If a router detects a radar, it automatically switches to a different channel. DFS channels are permitted in Russia, but some routers avoid them due to potential disruptions. If your router supports DFS and neighboring networks don't, you have a chance to get a clear channel with minimal interference.

5. Checking the signal level and coverage

A weak Wi-Fi signal is one of the main reasons for slow speeds and connection drops. Signal strength is measured in dBm (decibel-milliwatt):

• 🟢 -30 dBm - excellent signal (near the router).
• 🟡 -50 dBm - good (in the next room).
• 🟠 -70 dBm - weak (breaks are possible).
• 🔴 -90 dBm - there is almost no connection.

How to check signal strength:

• 🖥️ Windows: click Win + X, select Network connections, then Wi-Fi → Properties. See the meaning Signal level.
• 📱 Android: install Wi-Fi Analyzer and look at the signal graph.
• 🍎 iOS: in the appendix AirPort Utility turn on the mode Wi-Fi Scanner.

If the signal is weak:

• 📍 Move the router to the center of the apartment (preferably at a height 1.5–2 m).
• 🔄 Use repeater (repeater) or Mesh system for large spaces.
• 📶 Replace the antennas on your router with more powerful ones (if they are removable).
• 🛠️ Update your router firmware - new versions often improve coverage.

⚠️ Attention: If you have a dual-band router, but devices automatically connect to 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz, try it disable the Smart Connect feature (it sometimes doesn't work correctly).

6. Troubleshooting: Why Wi-Fi is slow or disconnecting

If your Wi-Fi is unstable, there could be a number of reasons. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the problem is not resolved:

• 🔧 Reset your router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel).
• 🔄 Update the firmware via the web interface.
• 📡 Check compatibility: if the router Wi-Fi 6, and the device Wi-Fi 4, the speed will be limited.

7. How to improve Wi-Fi: from simple methods to hardware upgrades

If your network isn't as fast as you'd like, here's step-by-step improvement plan — from free to radical:

7.1 Free Methods (5 minutes)

• 🔄 Reboot your router (unplug from the outlet 30 seconds).
• 📵 Disable unnecessary devices (each connection eats up some of the bandwidth).
• 🔍 Check for viruses devices that can consume traffic.

7.2. Router settings (10–15 minutes)

• 📶 Change the channel to free (see section 4).
• 🔒 Enable WPA3 (if supported) for better security and speed.
• 🎯 Activate Beamforming (directional transmission of signals to devices).

7.3. Equipment upgrade (from 1,000 ₽)

• 📡 Buy a repeater (from 1 500 ₽) to enhance the signal in distant rooms.
• 🖧 Replace the antennas on the router to more powerful ones (from 500 ₽).
• 🚀 Update your router to Wi-Fi 6 (from 3 000 ₽), if the current one is older than 5 years.
• 🌐 Switch to a Mesh system (from 10 000 ₽) for a big house.

If you are playing an online game or watching 4K video, pay attention to QoS (Quality of Service) in your router settings. This feature allows you to prioritize traffic for specific devices or applications.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

🔍 How do I find out what Wi-Fi my phone has?

On Android: go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → Speed (For example, 540 Mbps means Wi-Fi 5). On iPhone This information is hidden, but can be viewed in the app. AirPort Utility (turn on Wi-Fi Scanner in the settings).

⚡ Why is the speed so different between cable and Wi-Fi?

This is normal: wireless transmission is always slower due to interference, distance, and standard limitations. For example, Wi-Fi 5 loses up to 50% speed in practice. If the difference is greater 70% - Check your router settings or interference.

📶 Is it possible to use 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz at the same time?

Yes, most modern routers support it. simultaneous work in both ranges. It is possible to create two separate networks (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G) or turn on Smart Connect (automatic range selection).

🔄 How often should I reboot my router?

If the network is stable - once a 1–2 weeks to clear the cache. If the router is overheating or slowing down, do it daily. You can automate the reboot via Settings → System Tools → Restart (set a schedule, for example, to 3:00).

🛡️ Which security standard should I choose: WPA2 or WPA3?

WPA3 It's safer and faster, but not all devices support it (especially older smartphones and TVs). If your network includes devices older than 2018, leave it WPA2-PSKIf all devices are modern, switch to WPA3.