How to Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal
Contending with a weak Wi-Fi signal can test your patience. It can result in poor loading times and interrupted connections. If you have this problem, there are a variety of possible causes, such as the age of the router, obstacles that block the signal or problems with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
In this article we go over seven tips to help improve your Wi-Fi signal, so you won’t have to deal with annoying, slow speeds anymore.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Before blaming your Wi-Fi signal, make sure that the internet coming into your home is performing as it should. Internet signal issues differ from Wi-Fi issues and have different fixes. Your modem connects your devices to the internet, and a router lets your devices talk to each other using the internet connection.
Test the internet coming into your home by connecting your computer directly to the router using an ethernet cable. If your internet comes back when you use the ethernet cable, you have a Wi-Fi issue. If you have recurring Wi-Fi issues, you may have to contact your provider or even need to change providers if your ISP is unable to handle an increased user load. T-Mobile is an ISP that offers a reliable 5G home internet service.
2. Perform a Speed Test
As there are so many different reasons why your Wi-Fi signal is weak, you should begin with the basics. Run an internet speed test at Speedtest.net to quickly check your download and upload speed. Your exact speed will depend on your ISP and your internet plan.
If your speed is much lower than what you are paying for, find out from your ISP why this is the case. Verizon is a leading internet service provider that offers very fast speeds with up to 940/880 Mbps through the power of a fiber-optic network.
3. Reposition Your Router
Where you position your router can have a huge influence on its performance. It will perform at its best if it is clear of all obstructions. The signal can have difficulty penetrating solid materials such as brick walls or metal appliances.
Make sure the antennae are pointed upwards and keep the router relatively close to where you are using the Wi-Fi.
4. Update Your Router’s Firmware
If your router’s firmware has not been updated in a while, it can affect the performance. If the router has a mobile app, log in to the control panel and see if you can update the firmware. If you have an older model, you may have to visit the manufacturer’s website to download a firmware file and upload it to the admin interface.
Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and ensure you are installing the correct firmware version.
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5. Make Sure No One is Stealing Your Wi-Fi
If you don’t secure your Wi-Fi with a strong password, it’s possible for others to piggyback on your network. A tool like Wireless Network Watcher will show you all the devices using your internet. You can use your router's mobile app or admin control panel to change your password right away. Secure your network with a strong password, preferably WPA2, because it is not as easy to crack as WEP and uses a 256-bit key for encryption.
Some routers have access control features that help you manage the connection of devices. Others let you ban devices or set a whitelist of approved devices.
6. Get a Modern Router
Old routers use older wireless standards such as 802.11 B, G, and A. Newer routers use 802.11 N and AC. They may also have multiple antennae so they can handle multiple wireless devices at the same time. A new router can be expensive, but it may be necessary if your router is using older wireless standards. Some next-gen Wi-Fi 6 routers can theoretically hit 10 Gbps.
If your family members are surfing the internet, playing games and streaming video at the same time, you may need a long-range router. There are long-range routers that can allow up to 25 devices to access decent Wi-Fi in houses of up to 2,500 square feet.
No device can get faster internet speed than internet service providers (ISPs), and their plans can provide. It is worthwhile looking at Cox’s residential internet plans.
7. Buy a Wi-Fi Extender
Your Wi-Fi may have difficulty reaching the far ends of your home. If you get good speeds when you’re close to the router but nowhere else, your Wi-Fi coverage may be the problem.
A Wi-Fi extender will receive the signal from your router and rebroadcast it to your devices, and vice-versa. It provides a larger internet access area so you get signals in hard-to-reach areas and eliminate dead zones.
Breezeline gives fast and reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home with an addition to your internet plan.
Conclusion
There are various reasons why your Wi-Fi may not be operating as it should. Performing the above actions will help to ensure that you don’t suffer the irritations of dealing with weak Wi-Fi.
You need to start with the basics first, such as testing your internet connection and performing a speed test. Follow this by making sure the router is in the right position. Make sure nobody is piggybacking on your network.
If these tips don’t make that much difference, you may need to consider buying a new router or a Wi-Fi extender.