Wi-Fi has become an integral part of our daily lives, powering our internet connectivity at home. However, it's not uncommon to encounter issues that can affect the performance of your Wi-Fi network. Let’s go over some Wi-Fi troubleshooting tips to enhance your internet speed and stability.
Wi-Fi services are highly influenced by the environment in which the Wi-Fi router is placed. Ideally, the router should be positioned at least waist level in an open and unobstructed area, away from metallic objects. Even the surface on which the router is placed matters; for instance, placing it on a metal object like an old DVD player can hinder the Wi-Fi signal range.
Distance is another crucial factor affecting Wi-Fi speeds and stability. The farther your device is from the router, the weaker the signal strength and slower the speeds.
Your Internet service speeds are going to be as fast as the slowest device that you have. For example, if your Wi-Fi router is the top of the line and you have a very fast fiber optic line into your home. But you are using a very old Wi-Fi capable cell phone? Then your internet speeds are going to be limited by that old cell phone.
There are several simple steps you can take to enhance your fiber Internet speed. Your connection method (wired or wireless) and the type of router you use can impact your speed. Learn more about what you can expect for your Internet speeds on the What Speeds to Expect page.
Here are some simple yet effective tips to improve your fiber internet speed:
Move Wi-Fi devices closer to your router, but not closer than 4 feet. Devices too far from the router experience weaker signals and slower speeds.
Whenever possible, connect devices directly to the router using wired connections. This frees up wireless bandwidth and provides faster speeds.
Place your router in a central location, elevated and upright. Depending on your home's design, your gateway may not reach certain areas so try some of these options for a better signal.
Disable or turn off Wi-Fi devices that are not in use to prevent them from consuming bandwidth unnecessarily. Some smart devices can have apps running in the background.
Improve your connection by running the latest software updates and device drivers. Windows provides most driver updates automatically in Windows Update. You can also visit your network card or device manufacturer’s website to look for a Support or Driver link.
If you're struggling with coverage in certain areas, consider adding Wi-Fi extenders to improve signal strength and coverage throughout your home.
