Nobody is okay with surfing the net at a snail’s pace. Faster Internet is better Internet. So whether your connection is awful and you want to improve it or you just have a need for increased speed, follow these router optimization tips to enhance your Wi-Fi.
How to Get Faster Internet Access
Update Your Router
Sometimes the key to faster Internet lies in a simple router update. Manufacturers tend to roll out consistent updates to keep their products operating at peak performance, which means you have to update them regularly. Up-to-date router firmware also provides increased security benefits. You can learn how to access your router’s settings and bring it up to speed here.
Position Your Router
Your router’s location could affect your connection. The typical router antenna provides a symmetrical circle of coverage. That means you should place it in the center of your home or office, equidistant from the farthest locations, for maximum connection. Your router’s antenna should also be placed vertically, not horizontally.
Keep in mind that the materials near your router may interfere with its signals. High-interference materials include metal, microwave ovens and other wireless devices. Position your router in an open space for the best results.
Change Your Channel
If there are other routers nearby, they may be interfering with your connection as they compete for a space on the same channel. To change the channel:
- Type your router’s IP address into your web browser
- Enter your username and password
- Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings menu
- Select a new channel
Navigating to a new channel will probably give you a speed boost since most people never change from the default channel.
Update Your Hardware
After a while, outdated hardware just doesn’t perform the same no matter how well you take care of it. If your Internet connection is still poor despite your best efforts at optimizing your router, you may have to bite the bullet and buy a new one. Detailed reviews of the top routers on the market can be found here.
Quality Control
Many routers come with Quality-of-Service (QoS) settings that control the amount of bandwidth certain apps use. Enter your router’s advanced settings menu to find the QoS options, and specify which apps you’d like to take bandwidth priority, and which apps need less. This is especially useful if you use VoIP, because you need a significant amount of bandwidth to maintain clear audio on phone calls.
Protect Your Network
Make sure your Wi-Fi network is password protected. If it already is, set a new, stronger password. Most passwords are easy to guess, and that means unauthorized users may be connected to your network, slowing it down. Plus, guarding your Wi-Fi with a password adds security benefits.
Once you’re enjoying faster Internet speed, make sure your browser is just as quick!
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