Whether you’re watching your favorite movie on Netflix, chatting with your best friend, or sending an email to your workmate, experiencing a slow internet connection is surely annoying. Even if you have the fastest internet plan from your provider, you can still use help in getting a better internet connection within your home.
Keep on reading, as we’ll share some foolproof tips on boosting your wireless internet without breaking the bank. Let’s begin!
- Perform a speed test.
Before anything else, you should perform a quick speed test from reputable websites to have an idea of what your wireless provider is delivering to your home. However, it’s also worth noting that their advertised speeds are usually only guaranteed via a wired connection. So before you get furious at your provider, manage your expectations with your wireless speeds.
- Check where your router is.
Many people place their routers in secluded places that prevent them from distributing strong signals around their homes. You have to know that when you’re using your wireless internet, you’re simply depending on your router.
Regardless if you’re subscribed to a major broadband provider like Verizon, AT&T, and GotW3 Internet or a small local provider, we recommend you check where your router is and move it to an area free of obstacles and interference, like thick walls, microwaves, and the like. If you can, it’s best to mount it on the centermost part of your home to maximize its coverage.
- Modify the WiFi band or channel.
Channels are generally used to divide the Wi-Fi signal. Your router communicates with the gadgets in your home using a specific Wi-Fi channel. Everything can rapidly become congested if your neighbors use the same Wi-Fi channel for their routers. Fortunately, this issue can easily be resolved by switching channels.
Every router will approach this in a different way. If you’re unsure, read the device’s manual or search for the instructions online, but you should be able to locate the option in one of the router’s settings. The channels to try are 1, 6, and 11, as they will have the least interference when several devices are connected.
Nowadays, the majority of routers transmit at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz using dual-band technology. The 5-GHz band will give you a better connection to the internet, even if it has a smaller range than the 2.4 GHz band. If your router’s settings support it, you might be able to prioritize one or the other for specific devices. Due to the fact that older devices frequently only function on 2.4 GHz, we advise leaving both frequencies enabled.
- Upgrade to a newer router.
Sometimes, you simply need to upgrade your router to improve your wireless connection. If you have been with your provider for quite some time, you might want to ask them if they have a newer router. Most internet providers like Spectrum Internet will gladly help you with your concern.
Another option would be buying a router from a third-party source. Whether it’s your local store or Amazon, you will surely find a decent router at an affordable price.
- Buy a quality WiFi repeater.
If you live in a big house or if you think messing with your router’s settings is beyond your capability, it’s a good option to invest in a WiFi repeater or extender. These devices are usually straightforward to use as you simply need to plug them into a power socket, connect it to your WiFi, and it will automatically amplify your router’s signals — giving you a better connection.
- Disconnect unused devices.
It can be difficult when multiple devices are simultaneously using Wi-Fi. What you can do is connect anything you can via Ethernet and disconnect anything you have connected to the WiFi but are not using. Ensure that the internet is only used for those things that require it.
A good router should include controls to prioritize a certain device or service, like all of the routers mentioned above. It’s a practical approach to guarantee that, for example, no one else’s Facebook video streaming interferes with your gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
We hope that these tips helped you how to boost your wireless internet connection. These are just some of the ways how you can troubleshoot your router and connections at home. Feel free to let us know if these tips helped improve your internet connection in the comments below!
