Wi-Fi is essential as water and electricity is these days, but like all technology it can have its problems from time to time. If slow speeds, poor coverage or poor signal strength has got you down; there are fixes you can do at home. Here’s five ways you can boost your Wi-Fi signal now and get the most out of your internet provider – weather you have Spectrum, AT&T, HughesNet, Verizon, EarthLink, WOW, GotW3, or any other service. Let’s get started!
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Update Your Router’s Firmware
Is your router’s firmware up to date? If you don’t know, it’s likely that it hasn’t been updated in a long time or ever. It seems like no big deal, but it actually is. You don’t want to be surfing on the firmware that came right out of the box forever. Updating your router’s firmware can seriously boost its performance therefore giving you faster speeds. You don’t have to be a tech guru to update your firmware. Download your router’s mobile app and inside the app you’ll be able to not only update the firmware, but also change your Wi-Fi password and see what devices are currently connected.
Change The Channel
If you live in a densely populated area, changing your router’s channel to a less congested one can give you that boost you’ve been looking for. Each router has a default channel and users normally don’t change the channel for no reason, freeing up the rest for people in your situation.
This is also something you can do within your router’s app. If it seems like something you don’t want to mess with on your own and you’re within your router’s warranty, call your router’s manufacturer. They’ll walk you through how to do it in a few easy steps.
Move Your Router
Before you do anything major, you may be able to make your Wi-Fi signal stronger and go farther simply by moving your router. Location can make a notable difference especially if you have your router near major household appliances or locked away in a closet somewhere. In a perfect world, you want your router to be out in the open and away from microwaves, refrigerators, tin ceiling tiles or tin kitchen backsplashes, cordless phones and other sign damping items. If you live in a tight space, this might not be possible. However, try moving your router anyway before trying options that will cost you money. Even moving your router over a couple feet or placing it out in the open can quickly remove Wi-Fi dead zones.
Upgrade To A 802.11AC or 802.11AX Router
When did you purchase your router? If you don’t remember, upgrading to an 802.11ac router with MU-MIMO technology will be a huge improvement. MU-MIMO technology allows your router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, instead of sequentially like with previous generation protocols.
It’s worth noting that while shopping for your upgraded router, expect an 802.11ax or Wi-Fi 6 router to be hard to come by. The technology was officially released just last year. If you can find it, definitely consider it as it could be the best solution available to you.
Switch To A Wi-Fi Mesh System
If switching to a 802.11ac router with MU-MIMO technology doesn’t do the trick, consider a Wi-Fi mesh system. It should be considered a last ditch effort for your wallet but it can seriously boost your coverage and signal strength. Switching to a Wi-Fi Mesh system lets you put Wi-Fi access points in the worst signal areas of your home.
Setting up a mesh system is much easier than you might think. Before purchasing, check the box to make sure they come with a mobile app. When you get home, download the app and it will walk you through the installation process step by step.
Also read: How do Wi-Fi boosters work
