We have all experienced that frustrating moment when Netflix suddenly stops loading and the room goes silent. For some reason, the WiFi signal dropped again, and the watching is put on hold until that buffering circle is done trying to load your movie. Routers often do not get as much attention as they deserve, which is why we have a few recommendations for how to improve your WiFi signal. From a simple solution like changing the location of your router, adding a WiFi extender to your dead zones, or maybe even getting a updated router all together. There are ways to ensure your WiFi signal reaches every corner of your home.
The first step in improving WiFi signal is to make sure your router is set to the proper settings. Some older routers still support 802.11 b, g, n, 802.11ac is now more common and 3X faster. Old technologies use the "G" setting and will likely slow down internet speeds. This can be checked in your router settings, and if you do not see an 802.11n, or ac option on a router you have rented from your service provider, contact them immediately and request an equipment upgrade.
Another simple solution for how to improve WiFi signal is to put a password on your network to lock out any unwanted users. The fewer devices on a network, the faster the connection will be. Once you have confirmed that you are using the “N” option and have set a network password, the next tip for how to improve WiFi signal is to physically move your router to a more centralized location.
Most of us install our routers and then leave them in a corner or a cabinet. Some of the best advice for people who ask how to improve WiFi signal is to put your router near the middle of your home so that its signal can reach all areas. A relatively good place to keep your router is behind the television in your living room. If you have a two story home, be sure that the router is near the ceiling if placed on the first floor and near the floor if it is on the second floor; this way both floors will have more even coverage. Although walls and barriers do weaken the signal from a router, interfering signals can have a much larger impact. Be sure to check for interfering devices such as baby monitors, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, and microwaves. The signals put out by these devices can weaken the WiFi signal from your router drastically.
To improve WiFi signal a step further use a dual bandwidth router. Most electronic devices run on a 2.4Ghz band, which means that interference will come from all of the devices on this bandwidth. If you can, switch your router to use the 5.0Ghz band, as it will be less crowded and offer less resistance. A dual band router can split signals between the two bandwidths so that certain devices can access the less crowded band while others can remain on the default 2.4Ghz band. If replacing your router seems like a step too far, we have a few alternatives for how to improve your WiFi signal with simple additions to your router.
We have discussed ways to improve your WiFi signal, but what about range? By adding a high-range extender in your home those troublesome corners of your house can once again become WiFi hot spots. Consider investing in a network repeater or range extender. The value of a range extender will vary, but they are simple to set up. Adding an extender is a great way to improve your WiFi signal without adjusting any router settings or getting a new router altogether.
If you are hesitant to perform any of these upgrades or changes on your own, feel free to call us at 541-991-3705, or book an appointment on our website under "services and support". Don’t bother dealing with your internet provider who will leave you on hold for hours only to tell you to try turning your router off and on again; get real help from Florence Tech Solutions!