Help CentreHere are some simple steps to get the most out of your Wi-Fi:
1. Location, location, location!
Where you place the router will heavily impact the quality of your internet connection.
Make sure your router is in a central position and that its signal can reach the rooms you need it to.
2. Open space
Keep your router in an open space and, away from anything that can interfere with the signal — think microwaves, electronics, brick walls, or baby monitors. Avoiding these obstructions will go a long way to ensuring you have a strong Wi-Fi signal.
3. Utilise the 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels
Most routers offer 2 channels: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Here is an easy summary of their pros and cons.
2.4GHz
- Longer signal range.
- Better at going through objects, like walls or furniture.
- Prone to more congestion (as more devices tend to use 2.4GHz).
- Lower data rate (or speed).
5GHz
- Shorter signal range.
- Worse at going through objects.
- Less prone to congestion.
- Faster data rate (or speed).
Connecting different devices to different channels keep the congestion on each channel to a minimum.
For example, if you have a TV near the router, it's better to use the 5GHz channel and leave the 2.4GHz channel for devices at the other end of the house.
4. Check that your router can do what you're asking it to
Not all routers are made equal, and it's important to understand your household's needs when selecting a router.
If you have a large house with multiple levels or lots of solid brick walls that a signal needs to pass through, then a single router may not be able to reach every corner of the house. You may need to investigate a mesh router system with multiple points scattered around the house.
If you have a compact apartment, then one router will likely be enough.
Make sure your router is good enough to manage the number of devices using it. Having a 10-year-old router processing a family of 5 streaming and gaming is asking a lot. Think of it like upgrading your old hatchback that barely fits 3 people, to a new minivan that can easily take the family wherever you need to go.
5. Use an Ethernet cable
The best way to improve your speeds is to not use Wi-Fi at all! Instead, use an Ethernet cable to plug your device directly into your router. Your house may even have ethernet ports in different rooms, which will enable direct, speedy connections so long as you connect these ports to your router. This is recommended for functions that need smooth, high-speed connections, such as streaming video calls or online gaming.