These days, we have more and more devices connected to our Wi-Fi and we spread out around the house when using our devices– which can lead to less-than-desirable Wi-Fi performance. Here are eight ways you may be able to boost your home wi-fi for better signal strength and reach.
Note: If you have TCC Internet with a wireless router from TCC, most of these are handled by TCC — either automatically or at your request if you are having issues. This article’s primary audience is those who supply and maintain their own wireless router.
1. Put your router in the right place.
For the best performance, you want to put your Wi-Fi router as close to the devices that will be using it, and with as few barriers, like walls or ceilings, as possible. You may need to contact your Internet Provider and/or an electrician to move your router if it involves setting up another active outlet and/or running wires. Even without new outlets or running wires, you may be able to move your router to a better spot in the room its in, off the floor to a shelf, and turned in the direction of your devices.
2. Secure your router with a password
Having an unsecure router means anyone within range of your signal can use your Internet — which takes up YOUR bandwidth and leaves you with LESS to use for your devices. Consult the booklet that came with your router or call your Internet Provider if you are leasing a router from them.
3. Update your router’s firmware
Router manufacturers regularly offer updates their router’s underlying software to address issues and improve performance. If you own your router, you will want to refer to your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to see how to update your router’s firmware to make sure it has the newest software available.
4. Replace the antenna
If you own your router and it uses an external antenna, you check with the manufacturer to see if they offer a larger antenna – or one that is more directional. If it has an internal antenna, you may be able to connect an external antenna. Even if you lease a router, if it has an external antenna, you might be able to reposition the antenna and/or the router to point it more in the direction of your devices.
5. Use a less crowded channel
Routers use “channels” to separate your signal from nearby neighbor’s Wi-Fi signals. Often, the routers are just left on “default” which, if your neighbor’s routers are on default as well, could cause “Wi-Fi traffic jams” between your competing signals, which could degrade the performance for everyone. You can download free analyzer apps to help you find channels that are unused in your neighborhood.
6. Hardwire some devices
If you have a smart TV or a game system that plays online games, consider running ethernet wire to them so they are “hardwired” to the router, instead of using Wi-Fi. Streaming and gaming devices use a lot of bandwidth and they are less likely to be moved from room to room regularly. Hardwiring a device improves performance so high-bandwidth applications will perform at their best, while not tying up channels on your Wi-Fi, which should help your other wireless devices.
7. Buy a Wi-Fi repeater
If your router placement is as good as it can be but you still have troubles reaching certain rooms, try a Wi-Fi repeater. A repeater acts as a relay between your router and the devices out of range. You can have multiple repeaters, too, although there will be extra lag (delay) and possibly a small drop in speed the more you repeat the signal back and forth.
8. Reboot!
Turning electronics off and back on again truly does work to resolve some issues. Rebooting your router will reset the software, allow it to change “channels” if it’s on a crowded channel, and just generally reset the communication between it and your devices. Rebooting means to unplug he power cord, wait about 10 seconds, and then plug it back in. This will restart the device. If you have a separate modem, we advise rebooting your modem first and then your router.
One Last Thing
One other thing you can do to improve your Wi-Fi experience is get a wireless router from TCC and sign up for TCC’s Managed Wi-Fi! With Managed Wi-Fi, you get a powerful router, a powerful Wi-Fi extender (repeater), professional setup and placement of your router, connection of your personal wireless devices and ongoing tech support for your Wi-Fi and personal wireless devices!
Leave all of this to us so you can spend your time enjoying your wireless Internet, not tinkering with it! Managed Wi-Fi is just $9.95 per month and replaces any modem charge you are currently paying.
