Wi-Fi is an invention that defines the evolution of the internet. It gave us freedom from being chained to our desks and allowed us access to the internet on our devices. Imagine if just a few decades ago, I wanted to, say, look up the best Frontier online deals available. I would have to power up my desktop, enter the search and wait for the page to load. Now, I can just type it in while sitting on the couch and get the same results conveniently and fast. Wi-Fi has really revolutionized the internet experience. However, sometimes, your home Wi-Fi might feel a bit inadequate. This can be due to slow speeds, connectivity, coverage or all of the three.
This blog explores some of the best ways to increase your Wi-Fi speed and boost your home internet:
Upgrade your Router
One of the main reasons people experience slow Wi-Fi speeds at home is outdated hardware. Too many people are still using Wireless N and Wireless G routers, which quite dated. These routers are not meant for Wireless AC devices (i.e. any new device over the past few years). Probability suggests you may already own a Wireless AC device, so its obvious that your router needs an upgrade. Of course, with all the available choices, buying a new router can be a daunting task. However, the important thing you need to know is that you need an 802.11ac router.
Why? Because you’re not likely to upgrade your router again over the next few years, and it works well with Wireless AC devices. There is also the fact that your outdated router is not getting any security updates anymore. Switching to a newer router takes care of that problem. Of course, you can get ahead of the curve and buy yourself an 802.11ad or a 4×4 router. However, there aren’t any commercial devices that can make use of them yet. Upgrading to an 802.11ac router is your best bet.
Get a Wi-Fi Adapter
If you’re anything like me, you have probably got an older laptop that you just can’t let go off. There’s nothing wrong with that. People can cling on to older tech out of a sense of safety, sentimental value or plain simple budgetary constraints. These laptops normally are too old to feature Wireless AC. Luckily there is an easy fix to this. Get yourself a USB Wireless Adapter stick for your older laptop. You can easily find an 802.11ac wireless adapter in almost every electronics store.
Yes, they do look a bit retro and can bulk up your system, but they work well, regardless. If you’ve followed step one and gotten an 802.11ac router, the adapter should realize the full potential of the network. Just make sure you don’t skimp too much on the adapter. Get at least an AC1200 wireless adapter, anything less won’t give you the full experience.
Relocate your Router
This may be common sense, but your Wi-Fi router should be in a central place in your room. The Wi-Fi signals come from the router’s antenna, which should ideally cover your living space in its radius. Placing is in a corner of the house or apartment will only deprive certain areas of coverage. Of course, you can feel stuck in a certain spot because the cable modem was installed there.
But you can always make use of Ethernet cables to get your router to a more central position. You can also go cable-free involving powerline networking adapters but that tends to be a lot more difficult.
Don’t enclose your Router
Routers are very convenient, but there’s no denying that they are ugly pieces of equipment. However, it’s important to not go overboard with aesthetics and hide your router away in a cupboard. To get the perfect signal, your router must be in the open, away from any obstructions. If you don’t have a flat space to place your router, you can always mount it on a convenient wall. The important thing is to have the antennas pointing perpendicularly.
Sometimes, elevated places, like attics can be the perfect sweet spot to place your router. It all depends on the unique configuration of your room and what router you own. However, placing the router in a cabinet or a cupboard will make you lose the advantages of your 802.11ac router. Enclosed spaces interfere with signal strengths and speeds, so you should avoid putting your router in solitary confinement.
All the steps outlined above are things I have tried out myself, as well as many other tech-savvy bloggers. I have never gotten better speeds from my Frontier Internet Service. I used to think the connectivity problems were an issue with my provider, not my home setup. Once I changed a few things and moved my router around, the results were gratifying, to say the least. I was able to get the most out of my 802.11ac AC1750 class router this way, and so can you. Hopefully, your home Wi-Fi problems are now a thing of the past.