How to Get Better WiFi: Simple Tips to Boost Your Internet Performance
Living in today’s world comes with the expectation of having reliable, fast internet. Whether for work, school, or entertainment, a slow or unreliable internet connection can be frustrating and even detrimental. Poor WiFi signal is a common problem that many people experience. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your internet performance. Here are some tips to help you get better WiFi:
Optimize Your Placement and Positioning
If you’re having trouble with slow or intermittent WiFi signal, the first step is to evaluate your router’s placement and positioning. WiFi signals work by sending electromagnetic waves through the air. Walls, floors, and other objects can disrupt or weaken these waves, causing your internet to slow down or disconnect.
To get the best performance possible, your router should be centrally located in your home or office and have open space around it. Try to find a location away from walls, doors, and other obstructions. If you have a multi-story home or office, consider placing the router on the upper floor.
Another important factor to consider is the position of the router’s antennas. Most routers have adjustable antennas that can be pointed in different directions to improve coverage. Ideally, the antennas should be perpendicular to one another.
Boost the Signal Range with a Wi-Fi Extender
In some cases, optimizing your placement and positioning may not be enough to improve WiFi signal. This is where a WiFi extender can come in handy.
A WiFi extender is a device that amplifies your router’s signal, extending its range and coverage area. They work by taking the existing signal from your router and rebroadcasting it to areas without coverage. This can be especially useful in larger homes or offices with multiple floors or rooms.
To set up a WiFi extender, you simply need to plug it into an outlet between the router and the area where you need an improved signal. You’ll also need to connect the extender to your existing WiFi network. Once set up, the extender will boost your signal strength and improve coverage area.
Update Your Router Firmware
Your router’s firmware is the software that controls its operation and functionality. Like any software, it can have bugs or other issues that affect performance. Upgrading your router’s firmware can often resolve these issues and improve overall performance.
To update your router firmware, you’ll need to log into your router’s settings using a web browser. Navigate to the firmware update section, and check for any updates. If an update is available, read the instructions carefully, as the process can vary depending on your router model.
Get a Network Booster
A network booster is similar to a WiFi extender, but it operates on a different frequency band, allowing it to provide better coverage. They’re especially useful in larger homes or offices with multiple floors or rooms.
To set up a network booster, you’ll need to place it somewhere between your router and the area where you need an improved signal. You’ll also need to connect the booster to your existing WiFi network. Once set up, the network booster will amplify your signal strength and improve coverage area.
Adjust Your Bandwidth Settings
Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred over your internet connection. By default, routers are set to allocate equal bandwidth across all devices. In some cases, this can result in slower internet speeds, especially if you have multiple devices connected at once.
To improve WiFi performance, consider adjusting your router’s bandwidth settings. You can prioritize certain devices or applications to receive more bandwidth, while limiting other devices or applications to ensure that they don’t monopolize the connection. This can result in faster internet speeds for all connected devices.
Update Your Router
If all else fails, consider investing in a newer router model. Router technology is constantly evolving, and newer models can provide faster speeds and better coverage than older ones.
When shopping for a new router, look for models that support the latest WiFi standards, such as 802.11ac or WiFi 6. These models can provide faster speeds and better coverage than older models.
Once you have your new router, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to set it up properly.
Conclusion
Slow or unreliable WiFi signal can be a frustrating problem to deal with. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your internet performance. Optimizing your router’s placement, using WiFi extenders or network boosters, updating your router firmware, adjusting bandwidth settings, and investing in a newer router are all steps you can take to improve WiFi signal.