High latency can be caused by a variety of factors, both within your home network and outside of it.
First check latency using LAN cable. If you are getting proper latency on LAN cable then the connection is working fine.
Here are some common reasons for high latency on (LAN/Wi-Fi) and potential solutions:
Network Congestion:
- Too many devices using the network simultaneously can cause congestion, leading to higher latency. Limit the number of active devices or bandwidth-heavy activities (like streaming and gaming) during critical times.
Distance from Router:
- The farther you are from your router, the weaker the signal and the higher the latency. Move closer to the router or consider using a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network to improve coverage.
Interference:
- Other electronic devices and networks can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, increasing latency. Keep your router away from interference sources like microwaves, cordless phones, and other Wi-Fi networks. Use the 5 GHz band if your router supports it, as it is less prone to interference.
Outdated Equipment:
- Old routers, modems, or network cables can cause latency issues. Upgrade your equipment to newer, faster models that support the latest standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 6). Also ensure your router firmware is up to date.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Issues:
- Problems with your ISP’s network. Contact your ISP to check for outages or other issues.
Server-Side Issues:
- The server you are trying to reach might be experiencing high traffic or technical issues. Try accessing a different server or wait until the server load decreases. For online gaming, select servers that are geographically closer to reduce latency.
Background Applications:
- Applications running in the background on your device can consume bandwidth and increase latency. Close unnecessary applications and background processes, especially those that use the internet.
Quality of the Connection:
- Poor quality cables or connections can degrade performance and increase latency. Ensure all cables are in good condition and properly connected. Use high-quality Ethernet cables (Cat5e or higher) for wired connections.
VPN or Proxy Usage:
- Using a VPN or proxy server can add extra steps to the data routing process, increasing latency. Disconnect from the VPN or proxy server when low latency is critical. If a VPN is necessary, choose a server that is geographically closer to your location.
Malware or Viruses (This is a rare issue):
- Malware or viruses on your device can cause high latency by consuming bandwidth and resources. Regularly scan your devices for malware and viruses using reputable security software.
By identifying and addressing the specific factors contributing to high latency, you can improve your network performance and reduce latency for a smoother online experience.
