Our society thrives on technology, especially in the home. There are cell phones, tablets, computers, video doorbells, smart thermostats, smart speakers, and so much more. However, to use these devices, you must have a strong WiFi network in your home. This can be a complicated task to accomplish, especially if your home is located in a dead zone or you have a lot of devices being used at once. So, how can you boost your WiFi signal to its fullest potential? Continue reading to learn how.
What Is WiFi?
First, it’s good to educate yourself on what exactly WiFi is. WiFi is a wireless network that allows devices to connect to the internet, apps, etc. For a device to receive an internet connection, a router must transmit the signal. In some cases, a WiFi hotspot on a cell phone or computer can be used as well. In homes, people usually use a router, mesh network, ethernet connection, or WiFi hotspot to get a signal.
Methods To Boost Your WiFi Signal
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Make Sure Your WiFi Router Is Updated
To make sure your home WiFi router works effectively, it must be up-to-date. Checking to see if your router’s firmware needs to be updated does differ depending on the type and brand you have. In general, you want to first download the latest firmware from the manufacturer’s website. Then, log into your router admin console and locate your update software settings. There, you can either upload the new firmware file or update your router automatically.
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Get More Bandwidth
At-home WiFi routers can only handle so much data while connected to the internet. If you have a family at home using multiple devices, you can easily reach your router’s bandwidth capacity. By going to your router’s online console, you may be able to see how much bandwidth you use on a regular basis. If you conclude that you do need more bandwidth, see if it’s possible to upgrade your internet plan with your ISP (internet service provider).
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Move Your WiFi Router To An Ideal Location
Depending on your house, you may have areas where your WiFi may not work. To ensure that you don’t have any interruption in your WiFi network, have your router located in a central part of your home, and avoid it being next to microwaves, refrigerators, and walls.
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Get A Mesh Network For Your Home
If you have tried many different routers, extenders, and plans, and your home WiFi is still terrible, you may want to try a mesh network. A mesh network directly connects to your home modem to give your whole house WiFi access. If your home has a unique layout or is larger than 3,000 square feet, you could benefit from using this type of network. Popular mesh router brands include Netgear, Google Nest, eero, and AmpliFi.
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Use A WiFi Extender
A WiFi extender can further the reach of your WiFi signal. Your WiFi signal may only reach one part of your house. If this is the case and you are unable to move your router, getting an extender may be a great option for you. Popular WiFi extenders brands include TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, and D-Link.
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Change Your Frequency Band
Typically, a router has a frequency band of 2.4GHz. If the issue with your router is bandwidth and wanting faster speed, you could opt to upgrade your router to 5.0GHz. However, not all routers have this frequency band level available.
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Try Using An Ethernet Cable
Now, if WiFi just isn’t working for you, you may want to consider connecting your devices to ethernet ports. Connecting ethernet compatible devices (PCs, laptops, gaming consoles, etc.) has been proven to be much faster than using WiFi.However, this method will not work for cell phones.
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Make Sure Your Antennas Are In The Optimal Position
If your router has antennas, make sure they are placed in the direction they are meant to be in. If your router came with them all vertical, make sure you leave them that way. Companies position their antennas purposely for optimal WiFi connection.
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Invest In A New Wireless Router
When in doubt, invest in purchasing a new, more modern router. Your router may just be too outdated for these advanced technological times. Some things to consider when looking at WiFi routers include bandwidth, plan options, frequency band, types of routers, how many devices you typically use at once, and more.
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Limit The Devices Connected To Your WiFi
As a quick solution, limit the amount of devices connected to your home WiFi. First, disconnect the devices that you don’t usually use, like your Echo. Then, set house rules for when devices can and cannot be used. Setting these rules is especially useful for parents who work from home and have kids who are constantly on their devices.
By using some of the tactics listed above, you can easily improve and increase your WiFi signal strength. So, whether you have too many Wi-Fi connected devices at home or too many people using devices at once, you won’t have to worry about your WiFi connection again.
