The digital age demands a reliable and fast internet connection in every aspect of life. Whether working from home, streaming your favorite show and binge-watching, playing online games, or browsing the internet, slow internet speed is time-consuming and frustrating.
A super-fast and uninterrupted home wifi speed is pivotal for a seamless and wholesome online experience. If an internet user constantly doubts the reliability and speed of his home internet, it is time to optimize or upgrade the Wi-Fi network. The article highlights tips to optimize the home Wi-Fi network and enjoy a faster and more reliable connection.
Table of Contents
Assessing the Internet Speed
Before optimizing the home Wi-Fi network, determining the present internet connection is necessary. Multiple websites and online tools enable users to perform speed tests with a few clicks. All that a user needs to do is search with keywords like ‘free internet speed test’ on a preferred search engine and pick a reputable option. After comparing the speed test, it is time to compare the results with the package or plan by the ISP (Internet Service Provider). Assessing the internet speed determines whether the user gets the speed in return for the payment.
Strategic Position of the Router
The strategic placement of the home wifi router plays a significant role in determining the reach and strength of the network signal. It should be in a central location within the home, preferably away from walls or large furnishing items that might obstruct or interfere with the signal. Furthermore, elevating the Wi-Fi router might enhance the signal coverage. Mounting the router on a wall or placing it on a higher shelf reduces or eliminates the obstructions and interferences by doors, walls, or furniture. Changing the router’s position might solve the problem in case of a slow speed.
Securing the Network
Securing the home Wi-Fi network safeguards against unauthorized access and enhances the signal performance. When the home Wi-Fi is left without password protection, others might connect to the network and consume the bandwidth without knowledge. It significantly hampers the speed of the network. The router admin interface and the Wi-Fi network need a unique and strong password to secure the home Wi-Fi connection. Enabling network encryption, like WPA2, protects the connection against unauthorized bandwidth consumption.
Adjusting the Antennas of the Router
Several wireless routers have internal antennas, which means they are inside the device. If it is the vase, the user should skip the step if the home wifi router features adjustable antennas. Reconfiguring them is an effective method to enhance the speed and reliability of the network. Wi-Fi router antennas send signals in all (omnidirectional) upright/perpendicular directions. If a home user wants to extend the Wi-Fi signals to several floors, adjusting the router antenna vertically helps to cover more positions and render a better signal to every floor.
Extending the Wi-Fi Network
If the router is in the optimal position and still facing speed issues in some areas, extending the wireless network is the best solution. Different devices increase the reach of the network.
Wi-Fi Boosters
They are between the home router and the dead zones, amplifying and redistributing the existing signals into the new location.
Powerline Extender
It comes with two gadgets/devices. The first device connects to the router through the Ethernet and plugs into an outlet. The user plugs in the second extender where there is a demand for better wireless connections and signals.
Wired Access Points
It connects to the router through an Ethernet cable to distribute the LAN and Wi-Fi signals as extensions to the router. It is similar to wireless boosters; multiple devices act as access points.
Mesh Wi-Fi System
It involves replacing the router with one or more devices to establish a single Wi-Fi web and the entire location from multiple points.
With all the available Wi-Fi extenders, the best one depends on the floor plan. If the home has a single dead zone, a booster is ideal. Mesh Wi-Fi systems are suitable for home coverage, especially without a complex layout. The access points are perfect for homes with Ethernet wires.
Conclusion
By following the tips and optimizing the home wifi network, there is an improvement in the speed and reliability. Home users should re-evaluate the internet speeds routinely and make necessary adjustments to make the most out of the internet service.
Tom Fogden is a writer for Itseriestech with a range of experience in the world of tech publishing. Tom covers everything from cybersecurity, to social media and website builders when he’s not reviewing the latest phones, gadgets, or occasionally even technology books.