There are more than 2,000 internet providers in the US, and each of them promises to deliver the best speed, but still, users are not satisfied with the performance of their internet connection.
But you don’t have to worry, because in this article, I will share some of the top ways you can improve your Wi-Fi performance. Remember, your internet speed won’t increase with these tips, but these tricks will help to improve your connection strength.
So, let’s get started!
Reposition the Router
Wi-Fi signals get weaker the farther they travel. It is recommended to place your router close to your devices to ensure stronger signals and faster speeds.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s always a good idea to place your router in the center of your house.
Physical obstructions like walls, especially brick or concrete, can absorb or reflect the Wi-Fi signals. So, a clear line of sight between your devices and router is ideal. Moreover, try to place the router at a high position, meaning it should not be placed under the sofa or bed. It should always be placed on a shelf or table top to maximize the coverage and range.
Use 5GHz Band
I was not aware of the 5GHz band, but recently, my internet connection was unstable, so a friend recommended upgrading to it from the default 2.4GHz band. It increased my internet performance due to its high data transmission and capacity.
The 5GHz band has a wide spectrum range, which can support large connection channels. This allows it to transfer more data compared to the traditionally used 2.4GHz channels. This is something like transforming a single-lane road into a multilane freeway.
Moreover, upgrading to 5GHz is ideal for high-bandwidth activities, since it enables faster data transfer and lower latency rate, which makes it ideal for activities like 4K streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers that require a stable and high-speed internet connection.
However, 5GHz has a lower range than 2.4GHz. If your router has a dual-band option, enable it to get the best of both worlds.
Update Firmware
Outdated firmware usually contains glitches or bugs that can lead to connection problems, frequent disconnections, or slowdowns. Updating the firmware addresses these issues, which leads to a more reliable and stable connection that enables a smooth online experience.
Furthermore, router manufacturers often release updates that have performance optimizations that allow the router’s hardware to work efficiently and manage the network traffic in a better way. This improves the data transmission between the Wi-Fi and the user’s device, which leads to a fast speed and better internet coverage.
Moreover, regular firmware updates can improve the router’s bandwidth, especially when multiple devices are connected. And features like Quality of Service, also known as (QoS), allow users to prioritize important traffic, such as gaming, online streaming, or video calls, over less important tasks.
Change the Wi-Fi Password
Changing the Wi-Fi password is a basic thing that helps users to improve their internet strength, since it helps keep unauthorized users from accessing your network.
I usually change my Wi-Fi password every 3-4 months, and I would recommend the same to you. Never use the same password for long. Always update it after some time.
Moreover, changing the password isn’t enough. You should set a strong password, since a strong internet password acts like a line of defense against unauthorized users.
A strong password should:
- Not have your personal information, such as name, date of birth, age, and address.
- Have 15-18 characters.
- Have symbols like $, ^, &, *.
- Use a combination of upper-case and lower-case letters
Restart Your Modem
A modem is just like a computer, and restarting it can clear the cache and temporary files.
It uses RAM to manage the active connections and settings. Over time, the memory can be overloaded or full of minor errors that can slow down the processing. So, resetting a router can clear this memory and give it a fresh start.
Restarting a modem can also solve minor software glitches, since a Wi-Fi modem runs on software and can encounter lock-ups or glitches when it works around the clock. Restarting acts as a simple way to reset the software, which can solve temporary issues that are affecting the Wi-Fi performance.
Toggle Airplane Mode
I personally use an iPhone, and when my Wi-Fi isn’t working, toggling airplane mode on and off usually helps since it helps to restore a better connection by forcing the device to reconnect to the strongest and least congested Wi-Fi available at the current location.
Because of this, a new IP address is assigned from a less congested pool of addresses.
This won’t necessarily give you faster speed, but it will optimize the connection that you currently have access to. Moreover, if you are in an area where there is little or no cell tower coverage, this trick won’t work.
Lastly, I recently tried this, and it worked. If the problem is in your Wi-Fi, you can try forgetting the network and reconnecting it, or move closer to your router for a stronger signal.
Use Ethernet Adapter
If you have a MacBook or a laptop without an Ethernet port, I recommend using an Ethernet to Type-C adapter for a more stable, consistent, and fast speed as compared to Wi-Fi, especially if the wireless signals are weak or congested.
There is a low latency, which means that the delay in data transmission is very little with the Ethernet cable, and it is very crucial for activities like online gaming, live streaming, and video conferencing, where a fast response time is very important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What activity uses Wi-Fi the most?
Activities like streaming a movie on Netflix, especially in 4K or HD, and downloading large files use up the most bandwidth.
Will placing the router near the microwave oven affect the internet speed?
Yes, placing the router near the microwave will slow down the internet speed, since they both use the same frequency band, which is 2.4GHz, which causes radio interference. This is why routers should be kept away from microwave ovens, refrigerators, and other appliances that emit radioactive waves.
How much data is used in sending a picture on WhatsApp?
A single image can consume around 100-500KB of data. But the amount of data used depends on the picture quality, compression, and resolution.
