The situation when the provider ByFly (Beltelecom) is experiencing unstable wireless network performance, a problem familiar to many subscribers. Users often experience internet drops in the evening, video content buffers endlessly, and online games become unplayable due to high ping. This is understandably frustrating, as we pay for our service monthly, expecting consistent quality.
However, in most cases, the problem lies not in the provider's backbone channel, but in the nuances of organizing the home network. WiFi router It may be overloaded by neighboring networks, poorly positioned in the apartment, or have outdated settings. Understanding the physical principles of radio wave propagation and proper equipment configuration can work wonders.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the technical and physical reasons why WiFi connection may degrade. We'll look at the impact of walls, microwaves, neighboring routers, and frequency range settings. You'll learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, without waiting for a technician.
Physical obstacles and wall material
Radio waves used for data transmission have different penetrating powers depending on the frequency. The standard range 2.4 GHz, which is the default on most routers, is excellent at avoiding obstacles, but has low throughput. A more modern range 5 GHz Provides high speed, but is much worse at passing through walls.
If your router is installed in the hallway and your laptop is in the back room, through two concrete walls, the signal will inevitably be lost. Reinforced concrete, which contains metal reinforcement, acts as a Faraday shield, almost completely blocking the signal. Brick walls with voids also create significant interference.
⚠️ Attention: Metal window blinds, large mirrors, and aquariums are powerful absorbers and reflectors of WiFi signals. Avoid placing your router near them.
Particular attention should be paid to the device's installation location. Subscribers often hide the router in niches, behind cabinets, or under tables to keep it out of sight. This is a serious mistake. Antennas must have a clear line of sight to the client devices. Enclosing the router in a metal enclosure or a tight box will also lead to overheating of the equipment and a sharp drop in connection quality.
To check the effect of walls, you can conduct a simple test. Go to the router with your phone and measure the speed, then move to the problematic room. If the difference is significant, then the walls of your apartment are the main factor in signal attenuation. In such cases, the only solution is to move the access point or install a repeater.
Interference and air traffic congestion
In apartment buildings, the airwaves are oversaturated with signals. Every neighboring router operating on the same frequency interferes with yours. This phenomenon is called interference. Imagine ten people talking in one room at once—it becomes virtually impossible to understand what they're saying.
The most loaded range 2.4 GHzIt only has 13 channels, and most of them overlap. If you live in a high-rise building, your router could be listening to dozens of neighboring networks. ByFly often provides subscribers with devices with factory settings, where the channel is selected automatically, but not always correctly.
- 📡 Microwave ovens When operating, they create powerful interference in the 2.4 GHz range, completely blocking WiFi while cooking.
- 📹 Wireless cameras and baby monitors often operate on the same frequencies, creating a constant background noise.
- 🔌 Bluetooth devices (headphones, mice) also use the 2.4 GHz frequency and may temporarily reduce data transfer speed.
To minimize interference from your neighbors, you need to manually change the broadcast channel. To do this, go to your router settings (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and go to the "Settings" section. Wireless Settings Choose the least crowded channel. In the 2.4 GHz band, it is recommended to use only channels 1, 6, or 11, as they do not overlap.
Problems with the provider's equipment
Often the reason for low speed is the equipment itself, which is provided by the provider. Modems of the series Huawei HG8245H or ZTEThe signals provided when connecting fiber optics have a built-in Wi-Fi module, which is often weak. Their antennas have low gain, and their processors can't handle the large number of connected devices.
If you have a lot of gadgets in your apartment (smartphones, tablets, smart kettles, TVs), the built-in router may simply become overwhelmed. It starts losing data packets, resulting in lag and connection interruptions. In this case, it's recommended to switch your provider's device to bridge mode (Bridge) and connect your powerful router.
It's also worth considering the age of your equipment. Equipment wears out over time. A router's power supply can produce unstable voltage over time, leading to periodic reboots or speed drops. If your router is more than 5-7 years old, replacing it can improve your speed even without upgrading your plan.
| Device type | Pros | Cons | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in WiFi ONT | No additional equipment required, compact | Weak signal, few settings, gets hot | For use only in 1-2 room apartments |
| Your own router | Powerful signal, stability, flexible settings | Need to buy separately, takes up space | Recommended for large apartments and houses |
| Mesh system | Unified network for the whole house, roaming | High cost of the set | Ideal for multi-story buildings |
When using your own router, it's important to properly configure it to communicate with your provider's terminal. Configuration errors MTU or connection type (PPPoE, IPoE) may cause instability. If you're unsure, it's best to contact technical support or a trusted specialist.
Diagnostics and software settings
Before blaming your ISP, it's important to run diagnostics. There are many smartphone apps (like WiFi Analyzer) that show channel congestion. Launch one and see which channel your network is on and how much interference it's getting from your neighbors.
Another common cause of problems is outdated router firmware. Manufacturers regularly release updates that fix security bugs and improve stability. Check the firmware version in the router's admin panel. The update path is usually located in the menu. System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.
☑️ Quick diagnostic checklist
It's also important to check if anyone else has connected to your network. A weak password or no password at all allows neighbors to "hijack" your internet, consuming bandwidth and reducing speed. In the security settings (Wireless Security) be sure to use encryption WPA2-PSK or WPA3 and set a complex password.
⚠️ Attention: If you change your router settings (encryption type, channel, password), all connected devices will lose connection. You'll have to re-enter the password on each device.
Impact of 5 GHz vs. 2.4 GHz Band
Modern routers are dual-band. They broadcast two networks: 2.4 GHz And 5 GHzMany users don't even realize their router can operate at a higher frequency and only use the old one. Switching to 5 GHz is the easiest way to speed up internet in an apartment.
The 5 GHz band is virtually free of interference from neighbors and household appliances. It provides real-world speeds close to those listed on the plan. However, as mentioned earlier, it has a shorter range. If you're in the same room as the router, the speed on 5 GHz can be 3-4 times faster than on 2.4 GHz.
In the router settings, you can separate networks by giving them different names (for example, ByFly_2.4 And ByFly_5G). This will allow you to manually connect desktop devices (TV, console, PC) to the fast network, while leaving smart bulbs and vacuum cleaners on the 2.4 GHz frequency, as they often do not support the 5 GHz standard.
Why can't older devices see the 5 GHz network?
The 802.11ac (WiFi 5) and 802.11ax (WiFi 6) standards, which operate at 5 GHz, are relatively new. Devices released before 2013-2014 do not physically have a module for this frequency and only see 2.4 GHz.
When should you contact technical support?
There are situations when you can't solve the problem on your own. If the cable coming into your apartment is broken, or you're experiencing constant packet loss, only a specialist can help. Problems may also be on the provider's end.
Contact support Beltelecom (123) is worth it if:
- 🔴 Indicator
PONorOpticalon the router it is red or blinking. - 🔴 The speed via cable (with a direct connection to a PC) is significantly lower than stated in the tariff.
- 🔴 There is a constant connection break (DSL sync loss).
Before calling, please have your contract number and passport information ready. The operator will perform a remote line diagnostic. If the problem is with the line, the request will be forwarded to a technician. If the line is clear but the WiFi isn't working, the technician may charge a visit fee, as the problem is with your equipment or settings.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the internet work worse in the evening than during the day?
In the evening (from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM), there's peak load on the provider's network. All the neighbors come home and start watching movies, playing games, and downloading files. The bandwidth swells, and speeds drop. Wi-Fi is also more congested in the evening.
Can weather affect WiFi?
Not directly; the house's walls protect it from rain and wind. However, strong thunderstorms can cause power surges that can damage equipment. Humidity also theoretically affects signal attenuation, but this isn't noticeable in an apartment.
Is it worth buying an antenna for the ByFly router?
If your router has detachable antennas, you can purchase more powerful ones (with higher gain, for example, 9 dBi). This will slightly improve coverage, but won't solve the interference problem. It's better to buy a separate router with 5 GHz support.
How do I find out who is using my WiFi?
Go to the router settings section Status or Wireless StatisticsA list of all connected MAC addresses is displayed there. Compare them with the addresses of your devices. If you see someone else's, change the password and enable MAC address filtering.