Enjoying Safe Beach Days with Your Dog
31 July 2024
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Imagine, if you will, that you are on an important Skype call, in the middle of a gaming marathon or watching the finale of your favorite show when all at once the signal cuts out. Frustrating, isn’t it? We’ve all been there. Fortunately, increasing WiFi signal strength is much easier than you think it is, as this ultimate guide to enjoying constant connection to the internet via Wi-Fi demonstrates.
Your router is like the heart of your home network; its location can either enhance or impede your Wi-Fi performance. Keep it in a central spot preferably raised up on a shelf or mounted on a wall; don’t put it near corners and thick walls or metal objects that may interfere with the signal; also, don’t place it close to electronic devices like microwaves and cordless phones which might compete for bandwidth with your router. A well-positioned router can do wonders for your signal strengths.
Like your computer or smartphone, at peak performance levels, your router requires periodic updates. Firmware updates are released by manufacturers of routers to fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance security features. To update go through either the user manual of your router or visit manufacturer’s website where there are instructions on how to perform an update. Being certain that you have updated firmware means you make most use of the device you own.
Today’s routers come in two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band has more coverage but is susceptible to interference, while the 5 GHz band offers faster speeds over a shorter distance. For streaming or gaming where bandwidth consumption is heavy, switch to the 5 GHz band instead. Ensure that your devices are connected to the right band for their needs and location.
If your router was bought several years ago, you might want to consider getting a new one now. The newest models are equipped with the most recent WiFi standards like WiFi 6 which provide better speed quality of service capabilities and range boosts. The MU-MIMO features of these routers allow them to handle multiple devices more efficiently than traditional routers do. Buying a new router will greatly improve your WiFi experience.
Is there any place in your home where there isn’t any Wi-Fi signal? You can use a Wi-Fi extender that amplifies the signal from your router or set up a mesh network system in case this happens. Mesh networks make use of multiple nodes so as to ensure consistent coverage all through one’s home thus eliminating dead zones and making sure there is strong signal everywhere in your house.
If your router comes with an external antenna, you can adjust it. Positioning one of the antennas vertically and the other horizontally could extend the coverage area for wireless network. If a WiFi router has internal antennas, positioning it vertically may help as well. Experiment with different locations to find the optimal place for your residence.
Several electronic devices found in homes can disrupt WiFi signals. Keep your router away from appliances like microwave ovens, cordless phones or any other Bluetooth devices that may be nearby. You should try to use wired connections (Ethernet) such as those found on desktop computers and smart TVs where possible to decrease the load on your Wi-Fi network which will therefore give wireless devices more bandwidth.
An open WiFi hotspot attracts unwanted users who slow down internet speeds in your network. Secure your network with a strong password and if available use WPA3 encryption setting it to encrypt all connections made between clients and routers only when necessary. Regularly check for unknown devices connected to your network and remove any that you don’t recognize.
There are many Qualities of Service (QoS) settings supported by access points which allow you to specify priority access to certain devices or tasks within the QoS settings menu on routers’ web management consoles. For instance, during critical periods one may put voice traffic first before other applications such as gaming because it is that matters most.
By following these instructions, you can unlock the full power of your WiFi network and enjoy its benefits. So, say goodbye to buffering, dropped connections and dead zones. Happy surfing.
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