My connection isn’t as good as at home

Home » I’m already logged in » My connection isn’t as good as at home

When using a public network, such as at a campsite or a holiday residence, you may have noticed that the quality of the Internet connection is not always comparable to what you have at home. Several factors related to the characteristics of a public network can explain this difference:

Number of connected users

Unlike your private router, where only household members share the connection, a public network is used simultaneously by many users. Each connected device (smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, etc.) consumes part of the available bandwidth, which can cause slowdowns, especially during peak hours.

Bandwidth capacity

Our public networks are designed to provide Internet access to a large number of users, but this does not mean that everyone will experience speeds equivalent to a high-speed home connection. The total bandwidth must be shared among all users, which can limit individual speed.

Normal network usage

Public networks are generally designed for standard activities such as browsing the Internet, checking emails, or using social media. Activities that require a lot of bandwidth, such as high-definition streaming, online gaming, or video conferencing, may be more difficult under these conditions.

Physical obstacles and distance

The quality of your connection can also depend on your location within the premises. Walls, partitions, trees, foliage, the distance from the nearest WiFi antenna, and certain interferences can affect signal strength and, consequently, your connection quality.

You can find some tips to optimize your connection on the following page: How can you optimise your WiFi connection and your streaming experience on a public or shared network?