Chicago
Track Your Order
0
Five quick and simple Wi-Fi tricks to boost your speeds instantly
Millions of households now depend on a good broadband connection for streaming, gaming, and working from home. However, many are not getting the download speeds they need or deserve.
It's an annoying issue, but there are some straightforward things you can do to ensure your Wi-Fi keeps up with your daily digital needs. While your download speeds will be determined by your provider and how much you're willing to pay, placing the router in the wrong part of your house can seriously disrupt those crucial speeds.
If your downloads are disappointing, the first thing to do is check the position of your router. If it's hidden in a cupboard, tucked behind the TV, or placed under the stairs, it's time for some urgent changes.
To get the best signal, make sure the blinking black box is out in the open, centrally located, and if possible, elevated off the floor.
It's also a terrible idea to place it near devices such as baby monitors or cordless phones, as these devices emit their own signals that can interfere with Wi-Fi and slow things down.
While it's advised to keep your router in an open space, that doesn't mean you should place it on a window ledge. Being near glass can be detrimental.
Firstly, some of the crucial signal from the router will be directed outside instead of reflecting off walls and back into the room.
Sunshine is another issue. Like all tech devices, Wi-Fi routers despise overheating, which can cause them to slow down or shut down completely.
If your router is on the window ledge, we recommend relocating it as soon as possible.
Kitchens are not ideal for your router as they contain numerous metal objects that can interfere with the signal. If you're frequently using a microwave to prepare your dinner, this can significantly affect your internet speeds.
Microwaves operate on the same 2.4 Ghz frequency as Wi-Fi routers, leading to potential disruptions and even complete shutdowns of your internet connection.
Your cat or dog likely won't impact your download speeds, but if you have fish...be warned. Wi-Fi has a strong aversion to water, and if your router is near a large aquarium, it could be the reason your streaming is lagging.
Ensure your router is kept away from any aquatic life, and you might notice an immediate improvement in speed.
Rebooting your Wi-Fi router every now and then can do wonders. Indeed, the old trick of turning it off and on again can actually resolve issues, eliminate bugs, and restore speed.
Most Internet Service Providers suggest turning off the router, waiting for a minute, and then switching it back on.
Just bear in mind that the complete reboot might take up to 5 minutes to finish, so avoid hitting the power button if you're about to join a work Zoom call.
While a restart is generally beneficial, it's not advised to turn off the router overnight as it may miss crucial updates. Constantly switching things off and on could also signal to the ISP that there's a problem with the line, which could result in emergency speed restrictions being implemented, ultimately slowing things down.
