Q: What does download mean?

Download means download speed and shows how fast your device can receive data from the internet . Download affects, among other things, how fast you can: open websites stream films and series download files watch YouTube use apps and social media The speed is usually given in Mbit/s (megabits per second) . A higher value normally means that data loads faster. Why does download vary? With a router that uses the mobile network, the download speed can depend on, for example: the 4G or 5G coverage the signal strength the distance to the mobile mast the load on the mobile network where the router is placed the number of devices using the internet at the same time That is why it is normal for a speed test to show different download speeds at different times and in different places. Read more: Support & help

Q: What does upload mean?

Upload means upload speed and shows how fast your device can send data to the internet . Upload matters, among other things, when you: send large files upload photos and videos use cloud storage take part in video calls work over a VPN or remote access make backups to the cloud The speed is usually given in Mbit/s (megabits per second) . A higher value normally means that data is sent faster. Why is upload often lower than download? On mobile networks upload is usually lower than download . The network is often designed on the basis that users receive more data than they send. The upload speed can also depend on signal strength, 4G/5G coverage, network load, the router's placement and the number of devices connected at the same time. Read more: Support & help

Q: What does ping mean?

Ping shows how long it takes for data to be sent from your device to a server and back again. Ping is measured in milliseconds (ms) . The lower the value, the faster the connection responds. When does ping matter? Ping is mainly noticeable in: video calls online gaming remote work remote control some types of streaming and live broadcasts What is a good ping value? As a simple rule of thumb: under 30 ms : very good 30–60 ms : good 60–100 ms : normally enough for most activities over 100 ms : can cause noticeable delay On mobile networks ping can vary depending on signal strength, 4G/5G coverage, network load and the mobile mast the router is connected to. So a higher ping value does not always mean that the internet is slow, but it can make the connection respond less directly. Read more: Support & help

Q: Should I test several times?

Yes. It is worth running several speed tests , as the speed on the mobile network can vary from minute to minute. It is best to run 2–3 tests and compare the results. For a better test result Try to: test from the same spot stay close to the router pause streaming and large downloads make sure that not many other devices are using the network at the same time You can also test at different times of day. At a campsite, for example, the mobile network can be more heavily loaded in the evening than in the morning or at midday. If the results vary a lot, move the router to another spot and run a new speed test to see whether the signal improves. Read more: Support & help

Q: Should I test different placements?

Yes. The router's placement can affect both signal strength and speed , especially in a motorhome, caravan or in buildings with a lot of metal. Try placing the router: near a window higher up on different sides of the motorhome or caravan a little away from larger metal parts a little away from other electronic devices Compare with a speed test It is best to run a speed test in each position and compare download, upload and ping. That way you can easily see where the router has the best connection. Remember that even a small change in placement sometimes makes a big difference, because the router may get better contact with the mobile network from another part of the vehicle. Read more: Support & help

Q: Should I lock it to 5G?

We normally recommend leaving the router on Auto instead of locking it to 5G. The router can then choose between 4G and 5G itself, depending on which connection works best where you are. When can locking to 5G make sense? If you know there is strong and stable 5G coverage where you are, you can try locking the router to 5G and compare the speed. When is Auto better? If the 5G signal is weak or fluctuates, a fixed 5G connection can be less stable. Then Auto often works better, because the router can switch to 4G when needed. It is best to run one speed test with Auto and one with 5G and compare download, upload and ping. Choose the mode that gives the best and most stable connection where you are. Read more: Support & help

Q: Should I lock it to 4G?

We normally recommend leaving the router on Auto so that it can choose between 4G and 5G itself, depending on what works best. When can 4G be better? It can be worth trying to lock the router to 4G if: the 5G signal is weak or unstable the router often switches between 4G and 5G the internet connection drops or fluctuates a lot the 4G network is stronger where you are In some areas a stable 4G connection works better than a weak 5G connection. Compare with a speed test It is best to test with Auto first and run a speed test. Then lock the router to 4G and run a new test. Compare download, upload and ping and choose the mode that gives the best and most stable connection where you are. Read more: Support & help

Question 1

How do I run a speed test?

Accepted Answer

A speed test shows roughly what speed your internet connection has right now.

Do this

Connect your phone, computer or tablet to the router's Wi-Fi.
It is best to switch off other devices that are streaming, downloading or using a lot of data.
Open a browser and go to Speedtest.net or Fast.com, for example.
Start the test and wait until it is complete.

You usually get results for:

Download: how fast you can receive data
Upload: how fast you can send data
Ping: the response time of the connection

For a fairer result

It is best to run several tests at different times of day and from the same spot. The speed of the mobile network can vary depending on signal strength, network load and the mobile mast the router is connected to.

When troubleshooting, it can also help to test right next to the router and then compare the result with the speed further away in the motorhome or caravan.

Read more: Support & help

Question 2

What does download mean?

Accepted Answer

Download means download speed and shows how fast your device can receive data from the internet.

Download affects, among other things, how fast you can:

open websites
stream films and series
download files
watch YouTube
use apps and social media

The speed is usually given in Mbit/s (megabits per second). A higher value normally means that data loads faster.

Why does download vary?

With a router that uses the mobile network, the download speed can depend on, for example:

the 4G or 5G coverage
the signal strength
the distance to the mobile mast
the load on the mobile network
where the router is placed
the number of devices using the internet at the same time

That is why it is normal for a speed test to show different download speeds at different times and in different places.

Read more: Support & help

Question 3

What does upload mean?

Accepted Answer

Upload means upload speed and shows how fast your device can send data to the internet.

Upload matters, among other things, when you:

send large files
upload photos and videos
use cloud storage
take part in video calls
work over a VPN or remote access
make backups to the cloud

The speed is usually given in Mbit/s (megabits per second). A higher value normally means that data is sent faster.

Why is upload often lower than download?

On mobile networks upload is usually lower than download. The network is often designed on the basis that users receive more data than they send.

The upload speed can also depend on signal strength, 4G/5G coverage, network load, the router's placement and the number of devices connected at the same time.

Read more: Support & help

Question 4

What does ping mean?

Accepted Answer

Ping shows how long it takes for data to be sent from your device to a server and back again.

Ping is measured in milliseconds (ms). The lower the value, the faster the connection responds.

When does ping matter?

Ping is mainly noticeable in:

video calls
online gaming
remote work
remote control
some types of streaming and live broadcasts

What is a good ping value?

As a simple rule of thumb:

under 30 ms: very good
30–60 ms: good
60–100 ms: normally enough for most activities
over 100 ms: can cause noticeable delay

On mobile networks ping can vary depending on signal strength, 4G/5G coverage, network load and the mobile mast the router is connected to.

So a higher ping value does not always mean that the internet is slow, but it can make the connection respond less directly.

Read more: Support & help

Question 5

Should I test several times?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is worth running several speed tests, as the speed on the mobile network can vary from minute to minute.

It is best to run 2–3 tests and compare the results.

For a better test result

Try to:

test from the same spot
stay close to the router
pause streaming and large downloads
make sure that not many other devices are using the network at the same time

You can also test at different times of day. At a campsite, for example, the mobile network can be more heavily loaded in the evening than in the morning or at midday.

If the results vary a lot, move the router to another spot and run a new speed test to see whether the signal improves.

Read more: Support & help

Question 6

Should I test different placements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The router's placement can affect both signal strength and speed, especially in a motorhome, caravan or in buildings with a lot of metal.

Try placing the router:

near a window
higher up
on different sides of the motorhome or caravan
a little away from larger metal parts
a little away from other electronic devices

Compare with a speed test

It is best to run a speed test in each position and compare download, upload and ping.

That way you can easily see where the router has the best connection.

Remember that even a small change in placement sometimes makes a big difference, because the router may get better contact with the mobile network from another part of the vehicle.

Read more: Support & help

Question 7

Why is the phone faster?

Accepted Answer

It can happen that the phone shows a higher speed than the router, even though both use the mobile network.

There can be several reasons for this, for example:

the phone and router are connected to different mobile masts
they use different frequency bands
the phone temporarily gets a better 4G or 5G signal
the router is in a spot with poorer reception
several devices are using the router at the same time
the mobile network is busy

Make sure you compare in the same way

If you want to compare the phone and the router, test both in roughly the same place and at the same time.

When you test the phone directly over the mobile network, Wi-Fi must be switched off. When you test the router, the phone must be connected to the router's Wi-Fi.

It is best to run several speed tests, as the speed can vary from test to test.

Try another placement for the router

If the phone is clearly faster, place the router closer to a window or higher up and run a new speed test.

This does not automatically mean that something is wrong with the router. Phones and routers can connect to the mobile network in different ways and therefore give different results.

Read more: Support & help

Question 8

Why is the router faster?

Accepted Answer

It is completely normal for the router to sometimes be faster than the phone.

This can be because the router:

has better reception where it is placed
uses different 4G or 5G frequency bands
can combine several frequency bands at the same time
has better antennas for the mobile network
is connected to a different mobile mast from the phone

Compare in the same place

For a fair comparison, the phone and the router should be tested in roughly the same place and at the same time.

When you test the phone directly over the mobile network, Wi-Fi must be switched off. When you test the router, the phone must be connected to the router's Wi-Fi.

It is best to run 2–3 speed tests, as the speed can vary between tests.

So it is not unusual for the router to be faster than the phone, and it may simply mean that it has better contact with the mobile network.

Read more: Support & help

Question 9

Should I lock it to 5G?

Accepted Answer

We normally recommend leaving the router on Auto instead of locking it to 5G.

The router can then choose between 4G and 5G itself, depending on which connection works best where you are.

When can locking to 5G make sense?

If you know there is strong and stable 5G coverage where you are, you can try locking the router to 5G and compare the speed.

When is Auto better?

If the 5G signal is weak or fluctuates, a fixed 5G connection can be less stable. Then Auto often works better, because the router can switch to 4G when needed.

It is best to run one speed test with Auto and one with 5G and compare download, upload and ping. Choose the mode that gives the best and most stable connection where you are.

Read more: Support & help

Question 10

Should I lock it to 4G?

Accepted Answer

We normally recommend leaving the router on Auto so that it can choose between 4G and 5G itself, depending on what works best.

When can 4G be better?

It can be worth trying to lock the router to 4G if:

the 5G signal is weak or unstable
the router often switches between 4G and 5G
the internet connection drops or fluctuates a lot
the 4G network is stronger where you are

In some areas a stable 4G connection works better than a weak 5G connection.

Compare with a speed test

It is best to test with Auto first and run a speed test. Then lock the router to 4G and run a new test.

Compare download, upload and ping and choose the mode that gives the best and most stable connection where you are.

Read more: Support & help

Question 11

What is 5G?

Accepted Answer

5G is a newer generation of mobile networks that, with suitable 5G coverage, can offer more capacity, lower latency and higher speed than 4G.

But 5G is not automatically the fastest everywhere. A strong 4G network can sometimes work better than a weak or heavily loaded 5G network.

What affects speed

Mobile speed does not only depend on whether the display says 4G or 5G. Distance to the mast, frequency band, obstacles, network load, placement and the operator used can make a big difference. So a stable 4G network can sometimes give a better result than a weak 5G network.

If it still does not work

Check the status of the service and then test one thing at a time. When you contact Wifi.se support, please tell us which router you are using, which SIM/eSIM it concerns, which country you are in and what you have already tested. That way we can start directly with the right troubleshooting step.

Read more: Support & help

Question 12

Is 5G always better?

Accepted Answer

Not always, but in most cases 5G gives better conditions for higher speed, lower latency and more capacity than 4G.

But how good the connection is also depends on the coverage where you are, the local operator you are connected to and how heavily the mobile network is loaded. So a strong and stable 4G network can sometimes work better than a weak 5G network.

If you travel in Europe, we still strongly recommend a 5G router. It can use both 5G and 4G and therefore gives more options for finding a good connection than an older router that only supports 4G.

If 5G works poorly in a place, the router can normally switch to 4G, or you can try another operator via manual network selection.

4G and 5G in practice

It is normal for a 5G router to use 4G, and it does not mean that it is faulty. The router chooses the network based on what is available and what gives a usable connection. In some places 4G is more stable, in others 5G can be much faster.

What affects speed

Mobile speed does not only depend on whether the display says 4G or 5G. Distance to the mast, frequency band, obstacles, network load, placement and the operator used can make a big difference. So a stable 4G network can sometimes give a better result than a weak 5G network.

Read more: Support & help

Question 13

Can the weather have an effect?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the weather can affect the mobile connection, but it is usually not the main cause of a poor signal or low speed.

Heavy rain, snow, thunderstorms and other weather conditions can worsen the signal in some situations, especially if you are already far from a mobile mast or have weak coverage.

Problems are more often caused by the distance to the mast, terrain, buildings, trees, the load on the mobile network or the operator you are connected to.

If the connection gets worse, move the router to a better spot, restart it or test another operator via manual network selection.

What affects speed

Mobile speed does not only depend on whether the display says 4G or 5G. Distance to the mast, frequency band, obstacles, network load, placement and the operator used can make a big difference. So a stable 4G network can sometimes give a better result than a weak 5G network.

Read more: Support & help

Question 14

What is 4G?

Accepted Answer

4G is a generation of mobile networks for mobile data. It normally gives enough speed for browsing, streaming, video calls and most everyday purposes.

The speed does not only depend on the router saying 4G. Coverage, frequency band, load on the mobile network, placement and signal quality play a big role.

What affects speed

Mobile speed does not only depend on whether the display says 4G or 5G. Distance to the mast, frequency band, obstacles, network load, placement and the operator used can make a big difference. So a stable 4G network can sometimes give a better result than a weak 5G network.

If it still does not work

Check the status of the service and then test one thing at a time. When you contact Wifi.se support, please tell us which router you are using, which SIM/eSIM it concerns, which country you are in and what you have already tested. That way we can start directly with the right troubleshooting step.

Read more: Support & help

Question 15

Can a 5G router use 4G?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A 5G router can normally use both 5G and 4G.

If no 5G is available where you are or the 5G signal is too weak, the router can automatically switch to 4G. This makes a 5G router more flexible than an older router that only supports 4G.

When 5G is available, you usually get more capacity and higher speed, but the router can still use 4G when needed.

This is one of the reasons why we recommend a 5G router for travel in Europe: you can use both 5G and 4G networks, depending on what works best where you are.

4G and 5G in practice

It is normal for a 5G router to use 4G, and it does not mean that it is faulty. The router chooses the network based on what is available and what gives a usable connection. In some places 4G is more stable, in others 5G can be much faster.

What affects speed

Mobile speed does not only depend on whether the display says 4G or 5G. Distance to the mast, frequency band, obstacles, network load, placement and the operator used can make a big difference. So a stable 4G network can sometimes give a better result than a weak 5G network.

Read more: Support & help

Question 16

Can a router create coverage where there is no mast?

Accepted Answer

No. A router can make better use of an existing mobile signal, but it cannot create coverage where there is no usable mobile network.

Mobile speed depends on more than just the signal bars: network load, frequency band, distance to the mast, obstacles and the network used also play a role.

When troubleshooting, it is best to change only one thing at a time. That makes it easier to see which step actually solves the problem.

Placement can make a big difference

Try the router in several places, preferably in the open and near a window. The motorhome's metal body, insulation and other obstacles can weaken the radio signal. Just a few metres away, the router may use a different frequency or a different mast and give a noticeably better result.

What affects speed

Mobile speed does not only depend on whether the display says 4G or 5G. Distance to the mast, frequency band, obstacles, network load, placement and the operator used can make a big difference. So a stable 4G network can sometimes give a better result than a weak 5G network.

If it still does not work

Check the status of the service and then test one thing at a time. When you contact Wifi.se support, please tell us which router you are using, which SIM/eSIM it concerns, which country you are in and what you have already tested. That way we can start directly with the right troubleshooting step.

Read more: Support & help

Question 17

What happens without coverage?

Accepted Answer

If there is no mobile coverage where you are, the router cannot connect to the internet, even if the SIM card and data plan are active.

The router's Wi-Fi may still be visible and you are connected to the router, but you get no internet connection because the router has no contact with the mobile network.

It is best to move the router to another spot, for example closer to a window or higher up. You can also try manual network selection to see whether another operator has better coverage in the area.

If you are on the move, the connection can come back automatically as soon as you reach an area with better coverage.

Placement can make a big difference

Try the router in several places, preferably in the open and near a window. The motorhome's metal body, insulation and other obstacles can weaken the radio signal. Just a few metres away, the router may use a different frequency or a different mast and give a noticeably better result.

What affects speed

Mobile speed does not only depend on whether the display says 4G or 5G. Distance to the mast, frequency band, obstacles, network load, placement and the operator used can make a big difference. So a stable 4G network can sometimes give a better result than a weak 5G network.

Read more: Support & help

Question 18

Why is the signal poor in the motorhome?

Accepted Answer

A motorhome can weaken the mobile signal quite a lot. The body often contains metal, insulation and other materials that make it harder for the signal from the mobile mast to reach the router.

The router's placement is therefore very important. If it is low down in the motorhome, near metal or at the bottom of a cupboard, the signal can be much worse.

It is best to place the router higher up and closer to a window. Even a small change in placement can sometimes make a big difference to signal and speed.

Also remember that a poor connection is not always down to signal strength. Distance to the mobile mast, terrain, network load and the operator you are connected to also play a role.

If you use roaming, it is therefore also worth trying manual network selection and testing another operator with better coverage where you are.

What affects speed

Mobile speed does not only depend on whether the display says 4G or 5G. Distance to the mast, frequency band, obstacles, network load, placement and the operator used can make a big difference. So a stable 4G network can sometimes give a better result than a weak 5G network.

Read more: Support & help

Question 19

Can a few metres make a difference?

Accepted Answer

Yes, definitely. Just a few metres can sometimes make a big difference to signal strength and speed.

Mobile signals are affected by walls, metal, trees, terrain and how clear the router's view of the mobile mast is. In a motorhome, a spot near a window or higher up can therefore work much better than further inside the vehicle.

It is best to move the router step by step and test the connection in a few different places. Sometimes just a metre or two is enough for a more stable connection.

If the signal is still weak, you can also try manual network selection and test another operator.

What affects speed

Mobile speed does not only depend on whether the display says 4G or 5G. Distance to the mast, frequency band, obstacles, network load, placement and the operator used can make a big difference. So a stable 4G network can sometimes give a better result than a weak 5G network.

Read more: Support & help

Question 20

Why is the campsite network slow in the evening?

Accepted Answer

In the evening more people often use the internet at the same time. This can mean that both the campsite Wi-Fi and the mobile network are more heavily loaded.

If you use a router with a SIM card, you share the mobile network's capacity with other users in the area. If many people stream, work or browse at the same time, the speed can therefore drop.

Common causes

The speed can be affected by:

many users on the same mobile mast
heavy load on the campsite network
streaming in high resolution
large downloads and updates
a weak signal or a long distance to the mobile mast

That is why the speed is often better in the morning or during the day and lower in the busy evening hours.

What can I do?

Try the following:

place the router closer to a window
place it higher up
restart the router
test 4G instead of 5G if the connection is unstable

If the speed is only low at certain times of day, it is often due to the load on the local mobile network and not a fault in the router.

What affects speed

Mobile speed does not only depend on whether the display says 4G or 5G. Distance to the mast, frequency band, obstacles, network load, placement and the operator used can make a big difference. So a stable 4G network can sometimes give a better result than a weak 5G network.

Read more: Support & help