By Tech Tutors Onsite
Last year, our kids were watching Netflix when their favorite cartoon started to get choppy. “Daddy, the TV is buffering!” yelled our son.
That is when we knew it was time to speed up our Wi-Fi connection.
These days, chances are your household is filled with many wireless devices ranging from phones, tablets, laptops, Chromecast & other streaming devices.
If you don’t have the right setup, you have most likely experienced network disruptions on your devices, taking away the convenience of wireless technology. There are certain things that can be done to help tweak and speed up your connection.
Simple Tips:
- Buy a router with real antennas; not the hidden antennas. Sure, a router without big antennas may look sleek but you want your router to function well, not just look pretty. The bigger antenna, the better. It will give you better signal strength.
- Place router in optimal place. This is usually on the highest level of the house. The basement is often the worst spot.
- Place the router away from other electronic devices, especially speakers, baby monitors or cordless phones.
- Restart router periodically to clear errors and memory.
Always secure your router by changing default passwords that are easy to crack.
Don’t name your Wi-Fi connection after something that can easily identify you. It is better to name it something other than your name.
More advanced Settings:
- Find a clear Channel, especially in populated areas. A 2.4 GHz channel goes further but has less bandwidth. A 5.8 GHz channel has more bandwidth but doesn’t go through all walls or get as much distance. You can use your tablet or phone to download the app ‘Wi-Fi Analyzer’ which will allow you to find the clearest channel to switch your router to.
- Don’t use repeaters. Use access points.
- Your internet provider will usually give you a modem/router all-in-one device. Those are good for small, one-level homes or apartments. They are not as good for larger homes. Most people don’t know but you can still use your own, better quality router as long as you call your internet provider and ask them to set up your modem to ‘bridge mode’. Their support line will have to help with this.
Following these basic tips and tricks for your home network will help ensure your Wi-Fi signal is working at its maximum potential, so that you can too!
Stay Safe Out There.
