Wi-Fi is an essential aspect of the modern home due to all of the wireless devices in use. If your Wi-Fi speed is slower than it should be, these eight measures should fix most wireless issues.
1. Invest in a Good Router
This cannot be stressed enough because the adage about getting what you paid for is absolutely true when it comes to routers. High-grade routers can handle more wireless connections, will provide stronger signals and will be easier to upgrade with antennas, repeaters and so forth.
2. Optimize Your Network Settings
A good router will also offer many more settings than a cheap unit. Start by reading the manual and any setup instructions that have been provided by your internet service provider. If your Wi-Fi speed is still not up to snuff, you should find a guide online that covers optimizing your router for both wired and wireless performance. RTS and fragmentation settings and entertainment modes are examples of potential troublemakers.
3. Update Your Network Security
It is a good idea to update your router firmware on a regular basis in order to shut down potential vulnerabilities. If you live in a densely populated area, it is not uncommon to be affected by Wi-Fi freeloaders. If you are suspicious, check your router logs for devices that you cannot identify as your own.
4. Find the Ideal Position for Your Router
The best position for a router varies from one home to the next, and while it can require some trial and error, that effort is well worth it. Start with a centralized location. Try to avoid potential sources of interference. When you choose a location, mount it or otherwise raise it for broader coverage.
5. Select a Different Wi-Fi Channel
Ensure that you have both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands activated. Favor the 5 GHz band with devices that support it. The 2.4 GHz band supports 14 overlapping channels. The 5 GHz band supports 23 channels that do not overlap. Test the channels to find the best performance in your neighborhood.
6. Contact Your ISP and Test Your Speed
Contact your internet provider to confirm that everything is all right on its end and your end as far as they can tell. Test your speeds on a daily basis at various times of the day and for both wired and wireless. Maintaining a log can be invaluable when it comes to diagnosing network problems.
7. Power Cycle Your Router and Modem
Have you tried turning it off and on again? While it may seem like the laziest of advice, it actually is a good idea to power cycle your router and modem on a regular basis in order to maintain peak performance. Routers are notorious for caching issues that require a reset.
8. Invest in Antenna Upgrades and Repeaters
You may be amazed at the difference good antennas can make. Even high-grade routers generally do not come with the best antennas. Look into upgrading those. If you have a large home or a lot of interference, better antennas may not be enough to do the trick. In that case, you may need one or more Wi-Fi repeaters, which are also known as Wi-Fi boosters and extenders.
Final Thoughts
With the modern networking gear designed and priced for home use, there is no reason not to enjoy blazing Wi-Fi speeds at home. Be mindful that while we have numbered the steps above, solving your particular network troubles may require a more holistic approach.