Did You Try Unplugging It?
After working from home this past year, many of us can attest to the struggles of dealing with a poor WiFi connection. In today’s blog, we are going over the best ways to optimize your WiFi network. Stop unplugging your router, and let’s get started!
Optimizing the Placement of Your WiFi Router
To get the best overall service, you want to make sure that your router is placed in a central area of the home. It is also recommended, that your router is not placed on the floor or anywhere with thick walls, such as cement or stone.
Boosting Your Router’s Antenna
Did you know that most routers today are compatible with an additional external antenna? These antennas can increase the range of your WiFi in the home. There are two types of external antennas that you can use: omnidirectional and directional.
Updating the Firmware of Your Router
Don’t forget about firmware when you are looking for ways to optimize your WiFi! Firmware is the name of the software that runs on your WiFi router. When your firmware is updated, it makes small fixes to improve the security and performance of your system. It is important to note that you should only update the firmware through an ethernet cable to avoid damaging your device.
Password Protection
One of the simplest ways to optimize your WiFi network is to make sure it is password protected. If you have neighbors stealing your WiFi, the quality of your service and the safety of your network will be in jeopardy.
When Was the Last Time You Upgraded Your Router?
If it has been a few years since you replaced your router and you have noticed a dip in the performance of your WiFi, it may be time to consider an upgrade. If you are renting your router from your internet provider, they may even give you an upgrade for free or little to no money.
Getting the Right WiFi Package
Part of your problem may be that you do not have enough megabits (Mbps) in your wireless plan. The more devices and people you have using the WiFi in your home, the more megabits you will need. Things like video calls, streaming, and gaming all eat up a lot of Mbps. Talk to your provider to make sure you are operating with enough power for your own needs.
The Best Ways to Optimize Your WiFi
The best way to test someone’s patience is to watch them work on a slow WiFi network. No matter what the issue with your WiFi network is, we hope this blog helped narrow down your solution. If you feel that the issue with your WiFi goes beyond your expertise, we highly suggest talking to your internet provider or an IT professional for further assistance.
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