Why Wi-Fi speeds are different from wired speeds
When we advertise a speed e.g. our 2000 Mbps package, that is the maximum speed available at your router's ethernet ports. This means a wired connection (using an ethernet cable) gives you the fastest possible speeds.
Wi-Fi is different. Because it’s wireless, speeds over Wi-Fi are usually lower than with a cable. That’s completely normal and applies to all broadband services.
How Wi-Fi channel width affects speed
Wi-Fi 7 uses different channel widths, measured in MHz. Wider channels can carry more data at once, which can increase speed in the right conditions.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
80MHz channel: Up to 1.2Gbps (1200 Mbps) in theory Around 800–900Mbps in real-world use, in good conditions
**160MHz channel: ** Up to 2.4Gbps (2400 Mbps) in theory Around 1.6–1.8Gbps in ideal conditions
While 160MHz channels can be faster, they come with some practical challenges in the UK due to Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) regulations.
Why some faster Wi-Fi channels aren’t always reliable
Most 160MHz channels in the 5GHz band overlap with weather radar frequencies across the UK. To avoid interference, routers have to use something called Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS).
When DFS is in use, the router must:
- Check that a channel is clear before using it (this can take 1–10 minutes)
- Switch channels immediately if it detects radar
- Move to another available channel if needed to keep your connection stable
In some cases, the router may temporarily use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi while it finds a suitable 5GHz channel. On newer routers, background checks (sometimes called zero-wait DFS) can help reduce disruption by validating channels ahead of time.
Because of this, you may notice:
- Occasional 5GHz interruptions
- Delays after power cuts or router restarts
- Some devices not connecting on certain channels
- Less consistent Wi-Fi performance in some areas
For this reason, most routers avoid 160MHz DFS channels and use 80MHz non-DFS channels by default, prioritising stability over peak speed.
Your device plays a big part in Wi-Fi speed
Your Wi-Fi speed also depends on the device you’re using and where it’s located in your home.
For example:
- Many laptops use Wi-Fi 5 or 6, with typical speeds up to 866 Mbps –1.2 Gbps
- Some newer phones and devices support Wi-Fi 7
- Many devices limit themselves to 80MHz channels to save battery
- Some devices don’t support DFS channels at all
Distance and obstacles also matter. Even in open space, Wi-Fi signal strength drops quickly as you move away from the router. Walls, floors, furniture, and other objects can reduce it further. As signal strength drops, performance drops with it.
This means two devices in the same home can see very different Wi-Fi speeds.
How we balance speed and stability
We set our routers to use 80MHz channels on non-DFS frequencies by default. This gives the best balance of speed, stability, and reliability for most homes.
With this setup, many customers on our 2000 Mbps see strong Wi-Fi 7 performance that comfortably supports busy households, streaming, gaming, and working from home.
If you enable 160MHz channels and DFS activity is detected, the router will automatically switch back to 80MHz to keep your connection stable. This is expected behaviour and doesn’t mean anything is wrong.
The router won’t automatically switch back to 160MHz afterwards, so you may notice the setting has changed. Results can vary depending on your location, nearby radar activity, and your device’s DFS support.
