Top Tips to Boost your Wi-Fi Performance

Wi-Fi performance has grown in leaps and bounds over the past five years, but when your Skype connection fizzles out or your Netflix stops in the middle of a dramatic scene to buffer, you may wish you had a better connection. Fortunately, there are a few inexpensive ways to boost your Wi-Fi signal whether you’re at home or out and about. Try the following techniques if you want a more reliable connection and faster download speeds.

1. Find the sweet spot.

Your router may not fit into your living room décor, but trying to hide it could obscure your signal. Generally speaking, you’ll get the best performance if you put it as out in the open as you can, away from any furniture or walls. Positioning your router up high could also boost reception, ideally in the centre of the house. However, this will vary depending on your building’s layout, so you may need to experiment a bit to find the best position.

2. Change the channel.

If you’re suffering from slow service, try a different channel! There are many different factors that could cause interference on your signal, so if you suspect that household appliances or a neighbour’s router is slowing your connection, you could move over to a different channel. There are a number of apps that can help you find the best available channel, including Wi-Fi Analyzer, WiEye, and WiFi Scanner. The majority of routers can operate on 11 different channels, while newer ones can use even more, so don’t be afraid to make the switch.

3. Watch your signal strength.

Are you accessing the network on a Wi-Fi enabled mobile device? Your positioning can influence the signal just as much as the router’s positioning. You may find that you get a much stronger signal in a certain room. Use apps like Wi-Fi Analytics to identify any weak areas, so that you can use your network more efficiently.

4. Upgrade your network.

Sometimes, it may be the network itself that’s the problem. Your existing network may not provide good enough coverage for your neighbourhood, or it may not suit your usage needs. Shop around and look at the various types of technology and networking available from providers in your area if you’re unhappy with your coverage. Your needs may work better with Nokia Networks’ smart Wi-Fi or another high-tech option than what you’re currently using.

5. Upgrade your hardware.

If your connection isn’t up to speed, it may be due to your ancient router. The newest standard of 802.11ac provides a connection that’s about three times faster than older models. If you haven’t purchased a new router in close to a decade, it may be time for a change. It’s also important to note that in addition to changing your router, you should also think about upgrading your wireless adapters at the same time. This will ensure that you get the best possible connection. If you use older wireless devices, hold on to your old router as well to get the best of all worlds.

6. Buy a range extender

Finally, you could consider purchasing a range extender. These devices provide a fairly inexpensive way to boost your existing signal without going through the hassle of purchasing a new router, switching networks, or upgrading your devices.

With the wide range of options available, there’s no need to put up with spotty Wi-Fi any longer.