Inconsistent WiFi performance, dropped calls upstairs and in a nearby room, and wildly fluctuating speed test results... I need help diagnosing
Before TL:DR (is a regular spectrum router not good?
TL:DR (Stock Ohio Internet - is there a better option?) I removed the pics mentioned because it said that speedtests were not good. LMK if you want anything specific.
What behaviour did I expect?
Consistent WiFi performance throughout the house, especially stable upload speeds and reliable video calls for my wife’s upstairs office (~30ish feet from the router (2200 sq. foot house), through one floor and multiple walls). I expected upload speeds close to what I pay for and no random drops.
What behaviour did I observe?
- My wife frequently gets kicked out of video calls and has loading trouble in her office.
- Upload speeds tank during “crunch time” (as low as 4 Mbps).
- But when I run a speed test, I sometimes get 200+ Mbps upload and it seems fine...
- The connection feels unstable and unpredictable, especially upstairs.
I’ve attached supplemental photos showing the speed test results (on my PC)
What have I tried to mitigate the problem?
- Multiple speed tests at different times of day
- Rebooting router and modem
- Moving devices closer to the router and pointing the router in different directions
What is the manufacturer and model of the devices involved?
- Router: Sorry didn't look but it's a standard Spectrum john. Please provide feedback (it's a built in) on good routers that will do the job.
- Modem / Gateway: Spectrum situation if you need something, please ask.
- Client devices: Wife’s laptop MAC (upstairs), my lenovo legion OP machine (ask about specs if you care - I am a noob and can only tell you by googling it/following prompts but I paid a lot for it ($3000 during presidents day sale).
How are the devices connected to each other?
- Specrum wired → modem → router → WiFi to all devices
- No mesh system
- No wired backhaul to the upstairs office
- Router located on 1st floor office not likely able to move i
Additional context:
- I’m open to upgrading hardware or repositioning equipment if that’s the fix.
- Happy to answer any questions about layout, interference sources, router settings, or ISP details.