The world today has become a global village, with the internet playing the important role of the village square. To so many people, fast internet is as important as the air they breathe. It has become an essential part of everyone’s daily lives, so much that most people can’t imagine spending a single day without access to the internet.
It doesn’t matter whether you only use it to listen to the news or upload pictures on social media; everyone needs the internet to connect to the world. This is why a bad or slow internet signal is so frustrating. Anyone who has ever had to hold their breath when downloading and loading stalls at 99% or when a show stutters and stops right at the climax, will understand better the importance of a strong internet signal.
There are several reasons why your signal may be frustratingly slow. This could range from using an outdated router to bandwidth leeches. Here are 10 tips to boost your internet signal at home:
1. Check The Position Of Your Router
This is a small box that plugs into your telephone socket. Its job is to relay connection to and from the internet. You can use it to connect several computers to the internet at once. Not all places are suitable for your router. You shouldn’t place it close to metal objects and appliances. Metals can disrupt your WIFI signal, and so can walls and other materials such as wood, plastics, or foam.
Besides, where you place your router can also affect your wireless coverage. It isn’t advisable to position it close to your TV, monitor, or telephone. It should be in the center of your house, if possible, so that the signal can reach every room.
2. Update Your Router
Routers with old firmware perform worse than the properly updated ones. Most new routers have their update process as part of the administration interface, which means all you need to do is press the button on the interface to upgrade. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website and download the update from the support page and then upload.
However, before you update your router, you need to ensure that your service provider isn’t the problem. Operating with a poor service provider won’t change the internet situation even with an updated router. You might need to change your service provider if their service is poor. Visit this site for more internet solutions.
3. Use A Complex Password To Cut Off Bandwidth Leeches
Every connected device uses bandwidth, and if you have many outside devices using your network, your automated home devices may not get the bandwidth they need to function well. Protecting your home broadband network with a strong password will help reduce the number of outside devices that can access it, and this can help boost your internet signal. Avoid using passwords like 12345 or other common passwords.
Be watchful of the devices using your network at any given time, as more devices will most likely result in slower speed. To keep intruders at bay, use a complex password and WPA2 security.
4. Switch To A Different Channel
One of the most common reasons for weak signals is interference. Signals from other wireless networks can reduce speed. All modern routers can switch from channel to channel when communicating with your devices. When neighboring networks are also using the same channel as you, you will most likely encounter congestion.
You can set your router to select a less congested channel automatically, or sign in to your router’s administrator interface. Go to the basic wireless category, and select one manually.
5. Check Your Antenna
If your router has an antenna, you may want to upgrade your antenna if you’re currently using an obsolete one. Some antennas are omnidirectional, and they have more robust signal strength.
When you use an updated antenna, especially an omnidirectional one, you don’t need to worry about the antenna’s position or angle because it can receive signals from all directions. An alternative is to check and change the position of your antenna.
6. Don’t Use Worn-Out Hardware
If you’re currently using obsolete hardware, it’s most likely to operate at a very low speed. You might be tempted to hang on to obsolete hardware because they aren’t completely damaged or spoilt, However, if you intend to get the best internet experience and boost your signal speed, it’s a good idea to update your hardware.
When choosing new hardware for your router, don’t choose the cheapest one available as studies have shown that most cheap hardware is substandard in quality. Remember, it’s always worth spending extra to purchase hardware that supports all the current features.
7. Switch To 5 GHz
This wireless frequency is less busy than the 2.4 GHz wireless frequency. It also has faster data rates and instant short-range speed boost.
To switch to this frequency:
- Log into your router as admin.
- Go to settings and open the wireless setting tab.
- Change the 802.11 bands from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz.
- Click apply.
- Restart your router to apply the new setting.
8. Put Your Router In A Beer Can
This tip is an insider hack. You can eliminate signals from other devices by putting your router in a beer can. You can also use any other container that works for you. The aim is just to cut off signals from neighboring devices that may cause congestion and poor internet signal.
To put your router in a beer can, cut off the top and bottom of the beer can, cut it down the middle, and wrap it around the back of your antenna.
9. Try Rebooting
You should also try rebooting your WIFI routers simply by switching it off and then on again. To reboot, press the restart button located on the back or disconnect it from power and turn it on again. If your router starts installing an update, don’t interrupt the update process by turning it off. This might even help you get a better signal.
10. Buy A WIFI Booster
WIFI boosters are devices that take existing signals from your devices and rebroadcast it as a new network. The new network is just an extension of the existing network. What the booster does is to make the signal stronger before rebroadcasting it to create a second network. There are different WIFI boosters on the market.
However, if your goal is to boost signal strength, WIFI Network Extenders are the best WIFI booster to go for. Unlike other boosters, an extender sends signals directly to the router via a wire, shortening the distance between the devices in your home and increasing speed and performance.
Conclusion
Following the tips above can help you get optimum internet signal at home. Even if all tips fail, a WIFI Network Extender should always do the trick. Also remember, your router is vital to your internet signal speeds. To boost internet signal speed at home, ensure you place the router in the center of the house so that the signal can reach every room.
