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Dealing with a Wi-Fi connection that’s spotty or keeps dropping out is seriously frustrating. Before you resort to buying Wi-Fi extenders or setting up mesh Wi-Fi, be sure to try these steps to improve your signal first.
Relocating Your Router
When placing your home Wi-Fi router, you may be limited by the location of ports and outlets. Moving it around can, however, have a significant impact on your signal strength. Where possible, avoid placing it behind or inside solid furniture.
Even though it seems counterintuitive, since you might be tempted to place your router near a window or external wall, experts generally recommend an elevated position in the center of your home. But don’t be afraid to try a few different spots if you’re able to.
Change the Router to a Different Channel
Congestion on the web is one of the pitfalls of living in a crowded area. When many routers in the same area are all using the same channels or frequencies, signal interference can result in inconsistent upload and download speeds.
This is something you can address by adjusting your router’s settings andchanging the Wi-Fi channel. Certain Wi-Fi channels are quieter than others. For example, on standard 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, many routers default to channel 6, while channels 1 and 11 are often less busy. Similarly on 5GHz Wi-Fi, many routers default to channels 36, 40, 44, and 48, so try choosing a different option.
Boot the Bandwidth Hogs
It’s pretty much a universal truth that if you visit your router’s admin page, you’ll find more devices connected than you expect.
In most cases, there’s nothing unseemly about this. Look for old smartphones and tablets, unused smart plugs, and other forgotten items to disconnect. I removed an old iPad and a spare laptop I don’t use anymore. However, you may want tocheck your Wi-Fi network for suspicious devices, as they could be draining your bandwidth, resulting in a slower network.
Check for Disruptive Devices
Even devices that aren’t actively hogging your bandwidth can cause problems by disrupting your Wi-Fi signal. Baby monitors, wireless doorbells, and cordless phones are all common culprits as they operate on similar frequencies to your Wi-Fi. However, nearly any wireless device can cause interference.
Keep your router away from these items or consider temporarily disabling them to reduce that impact…as long as you’re confident you’ll remember to power them up afterward.
Avoid Peak Times Where Possible
Although we certainly wouldn’t suggest flipping your entire schedule and working through the night—unless you’ve always fancied living like a vampire—there are ways to take advantage of quieter times when the network may be less congested.
I’ve started, for example, uploading large files to YouTube right before bed. When they’re done, my laptop goes to sleep (like its owner!) until the next morning. This also has the advantage of reducing my need to compete with uploads during my daily tasks.
Ethernet Is Easier
Here’s a question you’ll be familiar with if you’ve ever complained to a support team about lag in a video game that requires a web connection: have you tried a wired connection? As frustrating as it can be to hear repeatedly,there’s a reason I always use Ethernet when I can.
Long snaking Ethernet cables may not look attractive, but they’re an option worth considering if there are occasions when Wi-Fi just isn’t cutting it. you’re able to always unplug and hide them away until the next time you’re working on something intensive.
There’s no doubt that wireless internet is convenient, but it may not be the best solution if you’re uploading or downloading large files, taking part in lengthy video calls, or playing your favorite online games. When upgrading your connection or gear isn’t an option, the tips above could help you get a little more bang for your buck from your existing setup.
