One of the most frustrating moments in life is when your Wi-Fi is too slow, especially when you desperately need it to work correctly. It can be infuriating, but for the most part, all you need to do is implement some easy fixes to have it up and running at full speed again.
Sometimes, your Wi-Fi’s lack of speed can be attributed to human error. You could have moved something in the way of your signal or ignored your router’s security. Other times, it might just be that your router has become unreliable. Whatever the case, you can ensure it’s operating at its highest possible performance level at all times with these handy tips.
1. Move Your Router to a Clear Location
Believe it or not, where your router is located can affect the signal it puts out. Your best bet is to put it in the room you need it the most. Whether you work from home and rely on speedy Wi-Fi in your office or your family likes to congregate and share memes in the living room, it matters where your router is placed.
If things are in the way, the signal won’t reach your device as strongly. That includes behind walls or in enclosed spaces. Routers may be eyesores, but they work better when not hidden in a closet or cabinet.
Similarly, other devices around your router may interfere with the signal. Bluetooth devices are typical culprits of impeding your Wi-Fi’s capabilities.
Also read: Top 5 Wi-Fi Analysis Tools Help to Connect High-Speed Internet
2. Update Your Router
As with any device, your router needs updates to ensure it’s working to the best of its ability. These updates could ensure it’s running as quickly as it should and has optimized security features.
To find out if your router needs to be updated, you can open a browser window and go to the listed IP address. If you haven’t changed the username and password, you can log in using the ones on the side or bottom of your router. Install new firmware when it’s available to keep up to date.
3. Get a Wi-Fi Booster
If your home is exceptionally large or wide, you may benefit from having a Wi-Fi booster or extender. This can help your Wi-Fi reach all the corners of your house. Depending on your home’s size, you may have to place more than one extender, but remember that the signal should always be the strongest in the room you need it most. You can also invest in beamforming technology to ensure large areas are covered by a stable Wi-Fi signal.
4. Ensure Your Wi-Fi’s Protection
Opt for a unique password so other people can’t take advantage of your unsecured Wi-Fi. You should always have a password, but the ones used by default aren’t typically the best. They’re simple and easy to guess, making your home Wi-Fi less secure the longer you use them.
If you expect someone is leeching off your Wi-Fi, you can kick all devices off by changing the password or blocking certain devices once you determine no one in your family is using them. Sometimes, the only option is to move forward with greater security, and you’ll notice your Wi-Fi speed changes for the better.
5. Limit Attached Devices
Just as you look out for people using your Wi-Fi, you should be aware of how many of your own attached devices are not being used. Think of the old phones, gaming systems, and various items just sitting around. Are they still connected to your Wi-Fi?
If you have too many devices attached to your router, you should kick them off. They may be quietly updating in the background and stealing some of the speed. After all, every device competes with others to connect to a Wi-Fi network, so it’s best to limit that competition so your primary devices can stay connected.
6. Consider an Upgrade
If it’s been a while since you got your router, you may need to consider the idea of buying a new one. Technology phases in and out constantly, and you’re bound to find updated versions of your router on the market. If you’ve tried everything else and your Wi-Fi is still slow, you should look into other options for your home.
You could also switch to a new Internet service provider. Make sure what you’re paying for is what you’re getting. If you find a better offer elsewhere, opt for another company. Examine the differences in costs for different ASPs and make the right choice for your household.
Also read: What Are The Pros and Cons of VPNs?
Get More Accomplished With Faster Internet
People often take the fast Internet for granted. It can be challenging to know whether your Wi-Fi is running at the speed it’s meant to, so it’s essential to keep up with the latest firmware updates for your router.
You should do a routine check of which devices are attached to your router, too, and eliminate access to the ones you don’t recognize are from your household. A regular password change can’t hurt, either.
When none of those options work, you may have to get physical with your router. If you’ve replaced your antenna and potentially your router and nothing has changed, ask your Internet service provider what you should do next or what they can offer you.
Finding the right balance for your Wi-Fi might be difficult initially. Still, once you tackle the problem, you’ll notice your Internet is fast enough to accomplish all your needs.
Leave a comment