If you’re struggling with a slow Wi-Fi connection, Adarsh has some tips and tricks on how you can make it faster…
In today’s hyper connected world, one just cannot function with a slow internet connection. If you’re stuck with a slow Wi-Fi, chances are you’re stuck with a lot of pending online work. Whether it is streaming or downloading or even making digital payments, it can get tricky with a slow internet connection.
So here are 13 effective strategies to get the most out of your Wi-Fi connection:
- Upgrade your Router
You probably opted for the free or cheapest option while setting up your internet connection but it is high time you invested in a newer, more advanced version. Older models may not support the latest wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E, which offer faster speeds and better capacity.
Moreover, upgraded routers also have features like beamforming, which focuses the Wi-Fi signal toward your devices, which in turn enhances the speed and reliability.
- Reposition your Router
Where you put your router also plays an integral role in how fast your internet works in different parts of your house. For optimal performance, make sure your router is placed centrally, elevated off the ground and away from walls, metal objects and electronic devices that may cause some interference.
Hiding your router behind cabinets, shelves or other furniture can also affect your internet speed.
- Switch to a Less Crowded Channel
If you live in a densely populated area like an apartment complex, your neighbours’ router will be competing with yours for the same channels. You can change this by logging into your router’s settings and switching to a less crowded channel. This will reduce the interference and also increase the speed.
Most routers usually select a channel automatically but you can test all the available channels manually to see which one is least crowded.
- Use a Wi-Fi Extender
For a huge space or in case of multiple floors, using a Wi-Fi Extender or a mesh system can help in eliminating dead zones. A Wi-Fi Extender boosts the signals of your existing Wi-Fi while a mesh system uses multiple nodes to fill your home with coverage. If you are looking for seamless connectivity everywhere inside your house, a mesh system is better as the speed will be more consistent everywhere.
- Adjust your Router’s Antennas
Routers these days usually have adjustable antennas and these can be used to ensure better coverage. Position the antenna perpendicular to each other – one vertically and the other horizontally. This will ensure that both devices on the ground as well as those high up on the wall will get equal coverage.
- Update your Router’s Firmware
Router manufacturers release regular firmware updates that boost the performance as well as the security. Most people never update this but you can log into your router’s settings and check if an update is available.
Keeping this up to date along with improving your Wi-Fi speed will also ensure that there are no bugs or security issues.
- Optimize your Device Settings
Your Wi-Fi usually comes with 2 bands: 5GHz and 2.4 GHz. The 5GHz is faster but has a shorter range, while 2.4GHz has better range but is a slower connection. Accordingly, connect your computers, smartphones and tablets to the band depending on its proximity to your router.
- Limit Certain Applications
Streaming, gaming and file downloading takes up a lot of bandwidth. By adjusting the quality settings of apps like Netflix and YouTube or by setting up the Quality of Service (QoS), you can set a priority list and make sure your bandwidth doesn’t get affected by less important tasks.
- Disable Unused Devices
The more the devices connected to your Wi-Fi, the slower your bandwidth gets. So disable unused devices or smart home devices that don’t need constant internet access to ensure your connection remains fast.
Also consider setting up a guest network for occasional users so that your main bandwidth remains fast.
- Check for Signal Interference
Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors and even some wireless speakers can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. To avoid this, either move your Router away from these devices or set up a dual band router so that it can handle multiple devices better.
- Secure your Network
Having an unsecured Wi-Fi means that random people might access your internet and thus slow it down. You can avoid this by setting up a Wi-Fi password with a WPA3 encryption to ensure only those you give access to can use your internet.
- Restart your Router regularly
Restarting your router helps in clearing its memory, installing latest router software updates and fixing minor connectivity issues. A weekly restart schedule for your Router will really help with your connectivity.
- Use Wired Connections for High Usage Devices
As much as a Wi-Fi is more convenient, your connection speed will be affected during high usage. So when it comes to gaming consoles or a smart tv, using an Ethernet cable for a direct wired connection will really speed up your internet. These are more stable and help in avoid congestion on your Wi-Fi network.
Try all of these tips and watch your Wi-Fi speed up like never before! Have we missed out any other important tip? Do let us know in the comments section!
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