Upgraded to new modem, but same slow wifi issues remain

So I’m no tech expert either but let’s see if between us, and with the help of others on this board, if we can make our slow wifi go away.

My setup: TELUS optic tv, home phone, alarm, GB internet. When hardwired to the internet, i consistently get speeds of 1 GB or higher. So the speed is definitely making it to my house.

i think I need to be educated as to the correct terminology of the gear that i have so that i can make sure i understand what people are suggesting, and also explaining why want i want to try to increase my wifi speeds through the house may or may not work.

All the main equipment is in my basement, which is a walkout of a two storey. There is a white rectangular box mounted to the basement wall. What is this thing called? Also i have the latest and greatest modem? Or is it a router? Or both. For this, I used to have the T3200 but was given the new Cylindrical shaped TELUS hub the last time a tech came out for a social distance visit and guided me from his van in installing it.

So because the hardwired laptop gets gig speed on fast.com, is it the white box on wall or modem/router that is slowing wifi to max 300 mb/s standing right beside both devices (they are within a foot of each other)? i also have 3 wifi boosters by the way, but struggle to get over 140 mb/s in most places.

A friend today installed a netgear orbi ac3000 (do i have this name right) on his 300 mb/s home system today and was getting 330 mb/s wifi speed right beside it. So what is this netgear orbi thing called and can i use it on my system. If so is it an add on or a replacement for something. I somehow think it provid s a better wifi signal through the house. 

I understand it costs $500 but if this is the magic bullet, i am happy to avoid future pain and suffering.