Back in the day, the quickest way for Christmas day to turn sour was when batteries weren’t included in that extra special present and Santa forgot to get some spares, just in case…
These days, your internet connection is usually required to activate many top-tier presents, like games consoles, smart home devices, phones and tablets etc. and will likely be vital for them to perform their function too!
So, to stop Brussels sprouts flying and seasonal sibling skirmishes from disrupting your Christmas Day, check out the information below for suggestions to make sure your new devices are connecting at the fastest speeds possible.
Connectivity troubles come Christmas Day?
Try the points below for a quick fix, or keep reading for more detailed advice:
- Turn the device off for a minute before trying to reconnect again
- Do the same with your Zzoomm router
- Try a wired connection, if possible, to connect the device to the internet
- Check the user guide to make sure you’re using the right frequency (2.4 or 5 GHz)
Wired or Wi-Fi?
Many mobile devices, such as phones and tablets will only be able to connect to your home’s internet connection via Wi-Fi. But others, especially game consoles and Tower PCs, will benefit significantly from having a physical connection to your router, typically via an Ethernet cable.
For the gamers in your household to climb rankings and perform at their best, we’d recommend a wired connection because Ethernet-connected devices don’t suffer the same degradation that all Wi-Fi connections suffer from, such as thick walls getting in the way, as well as interference from other connected devices.
This means metrics such as lag, jitter, packet loss and ping (that can affect a game’s online performance) are better because there’s a more reliable connection back to the router.
It will also mean gamers will be able to download their games much faster, without affecting the connection speeds of other Wi-Fi devices on your home network!
Top Tech Tip 1
If your new device is too far away from your router to run an Ethernet cable, you could use the mains electrical circuitry in your home as a network. This is called Powerline Ethernet, which can be bought from a variety of retailers. However, they range in capability, and results can be mixed, so please consult the manufacturer’s guide for performance information.
2.4GHz or 5 GHz?
Depending on the device, it may use different Wi-Fi frequencies to connect to your router. If you’re using our newest Wi-Fi 6 router, the good news is you’ll be able to use both 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies, which can deliver a range of benefits.
2.4GHz usually provides more reliable coverage if there’s lots of interference, but while it is a commonly-used frequency, it delivers slower speeds than a 5Ghz signal.
5Ghz provides faster data rates over a shorter distance, and can juggle more devices at the same time, but is harder for the signal to get through walls or travel longer distances.
Top Tech Tip 2
You might find that the 5 GHz network from our router is labelled as FAST on your devices.
Older devices may only be able to connect to one or the other, while newer devices should be able to connect to either. This means that you can connect devices to the network that is best for them…
If devices are far away from your router and don’t need the fastest connection possible – e.g. Smart doorbells, CCTV etc. – we’d recommend using the 2.4 GHz network. For streaming devices and consoles, we’d definitely recommend using 5 GHz.
Top Tech Tip 3
Don’t put your Zzoomm Hub behind a TV or by a fish tank. Metal objects scatter your signal, and Wi-Fi can’t swim, so water can significantly reduce how far your Wi-Fi can go!
For more device-specific support, check our handy table which gives general advice depending on the device in question:
| Device | Common Issue | Resolution |
| Smart TV | Some TVs are limited to 2/4 GHz therefore FAST network doesn’t show. | Connect to the 2.4 GHz network or consider using an Ethernet cable if you’re still experiencing issues. |
| Laptop or PC | Slow downloads, and stuttering issues while gaming or streaming. | Connect to the FAST network if possible, or consider using an Ethernet cable if you’re still experiencing issues. |
| Xbox Series X and S | Slow Wi-Fi downloads or lag during gaming | Connect to the FAST network if possible, or consider using an Ethernet cable if you’re still experiencing issues. |
| PS4 and PS5 (all models) | Slow Wi-Fi downloads or lag during gaming | Connect to the FAST network if possible, or consider using an Ethernet cable if you’re still experiencing issues. |
| Nintendo Switch | Slow Wi-Fi downloads or lag during gaming | Connect to the FAST network if possible, or move the device closer to the router. |
| Mobile phones and tablets | Slow Wi-Fi downloads, extended buffering or jittery video calls | Make sure Wi-fi is on and connect to the FAST network for improved performance. |
| Smart Devices (Amazon/Google Nest, Ring Doorbells, Smart Fridges etc.) | Possible disconnects or no Wi-Fi connection visible. | Connect the device to the 2.4 GHz network for stability/maximum signal strength. |
