In most cases, when Wi-Fi slows down, so does your entire life. Your email and browsers stop loading. Your streaming movies freeze and everything buffers at the same time, ruining the momentum of your routine. There are plenty of reasons your Wi-Fi keeps slowing down. Here are ways to boost your home Wi-Fi and reduce the risk of connection failures.
Look for interferences
Routers often compete for airwaves with other household devices. Rival devices such as cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers, microwave ovens, and baby monitors can impact your Wi-Fi network. You can use an app like the free Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android that has a real-time signal strength meter.
Get an updated router
If you’re in the market for a new router and you want improved Wi-Fi speeds and reach across your home or office, aim for an AC router with dual or triple band capabilities. In other words, the increased bandwidth allows more data to be transmitted without slowing down.
Check your security
When unauthorized devices access your Wi-Fi, it slows down your network. But even the type of wireless security you use can impact your overall speed. So, if your network is open, change the security setting immediately. Obviously, an open network will make it easy for someone to steal your Wi-Fi, and the older security is easily hacked.
Change location
Another important factor that affects your Wi-Fi network’s connectivity is its physical location. Try placing your router as close to the centre of your home as possible. It’s also a good idea to keep it elevated and free from any physical obstructions like furniture and appliances.
Reboot your router
Most users have to reboot their cable or modem from time to time. If your network seems sluggish, unplug both gadgets for at least 30 seconds. Plug in the modem first and wait for it to come fully online. Then turn on your router. Sometimes that’s all it takes.
Change channels
You can also select a different channel for your router. Moving from one channel to a less crowded one may help speed things up. To check the optimum 2.4GHz channel for your area or the least used channel, try using a Wi-Fi scanner.
