Wireless technology is undoubtedly one of the most important innovations in the land of internet connectivity. After all, no one wants to be chained to a desk and a temperamental Ethernet cable connection! Wireless internet access gives you more comfort, convenience, and flexibility. In a world where being online is sometimes as necessary as breathing, these factors are nothing to scoff at
However, it’s also one of the most frustrating technologies too. Unfortunately, issues like snail-slow speeds, dropped Wi-Fi signals, and wireless dead zones aren’t that uncommon. If you can only get a connection when you’re in the same room as your router, then you might have a serious problem. But don’t despair! With a few simple fixes, you can get right back on the Wifi fast lane. Here are 5 easy things you can do to boost your wireless internet access:
1. Use the Latest Technology
The best way to ensure that your wireless network is as fast and reliable as possible is by splurging on the latest hardware. This is especially true if you are using it to run heavy processes like streaming or gaming.
To get the full speed boost, focus on having a wireless AC connection. The set up requires a wireless AC router, networking card, or a USB dongle. It would also help to have wireless AC support in your computer. Another great alternative is the mesh network setup. This requires you to place smaller routers throughout your home, blanketing the whole space in WiFi.
That said, make sure to do your research before making any purchases. This is the only way to protect your investment and get the best wireless boosters for your needs.
2. Find the Right Spot for Your Router
Routers are usually ugly and clunky, but that doesn’t mean that they have to live behind your TV cabinet! If you want to boost your wireless signal, then you have to leave it out in the open and away from any obstructions. A table, flat surface, or wall mount would be the perfect spot.
Also, it’s important to keep the antenna pointing up perpendicularly. If you can, elevate the router until you find the perfect spot. Further, ensure that it is in a central position within your home, That’s the only way to ensure that you get the best coverage throughout your house.
3. Get Rid of Interference
In any packed urban community, there is bound to be lots of interference from other appliances in the vicinity. This isn’t any different for routers. Appliances like microwaves, cordless phones, and even other routers can cause your signal to degrade. The easiest fix is to buy and install a dual band router. But if you do not want to get new hardware, you could simply move the router further away from the source of the interference.
4. Focus on Your Applications
People use their WiFi for all sorts of things, including video chats, online games, downloading torrents, among many more. While convenient, the downside is that most of these applications hog a ton of bandwidth. This, in turn, makes the connection extremely slow for everyone that uses it.
Luckily, you can set up the Quality of Service (QoS) on your route to prioritize certain applications. This can help you reign in excess bandwidth usage and ensure that your connection is as fast as possible.
5. Improve your Security
Malicious attacker or prying neighbor – it’s incredibly important to protect your wireless connection from any freeloaders. You could do something as simple as using proper password protection or cloaking your signal to keep safe.
