We do a lot with the internet connections we have in our homes. While many people use their internet connections to stay connected on social media, some use it to watch their favorite shows on a variety of streaming services, while others use it for work. With how much we use the internet, there is no such thing as too much bandwidth, but it can be frustrating if you are not getting the speed you should be getting. If you are struggling with slow internet speeds, here are some ways to improve the quality and speed of your Wi-Fi connection.
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Upgrade Your Router
Your router makes a huge difference to your Wi-Fi speeds. Routers have improved over time, and we now have some that are capable of gigabit speeds. Modern routers also have a bigger range to eliminate any dead zones in your home while also ensuring you get the best speed no matter where you sit or stand.
Smaller homes and apartments can benefit from a router upgrade, but bigger homers might need a more robust solution. A repeater is the more common solution, as these routers allow you to broadcast the Wi-Fi signals to a larger area.
For larger homes, a mesh network might be a better option. Understanding what is mesh wifi will help you know how to leverage this technology for your home. A mesh Wi-Fi network uses two or more devices to repeat a connection throughout the house.
These devices talk to each other and to your devices to ensure a stable and faster connection no matter where you are in the house. The connection will typically come from one device that is the host and your device will connect to any one of these mesh devices, including the host device if you are close enough.
Move Your Router
If you cannot afford or do not want to update your Wi-Fi or switch to a mesh network, the next best thing is moving your router. A router that lives in the closet or the basement will be surrounded by walls and different materials that can interfere with the network.
Moving the router to a central location and ensuring it is not blocked can make a significant difference to your internet speeds. Where you place the router will depend on your home, but a central and open location works best.
Change The Channel
Did you know that Wi-Fi signals are divided into channels or bands? Your device uses these channels to communicate with the router. The problem is everyone uses the same channels, which leads to congestion and therefore lower speeds.
Changing to a less congested channel can make a difference, The best channels to switch to are 11, 6, and 1 as research shows these are the least congested. You will need to check your router’s user manual to learn how to switch to a different channel, but it is straightforward on modern routers.
Making a few changes to how you use your router can improve internet speeds and network quality. If you cannot upgrade your router, moving it and switching to a different band work well too.
Read also: Can I Use Both Internets When I Connect To Ethernet And Wi-Fi