[the-facts-machine] Why you should never hide your router in a closet: 5 steps to speed up your slow Wi-Fi
- From: Steve <pipeguy920@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <the-facts-machine@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2018 15:55:06 -0500
BlankOurs is unfortunately in the basement, more on one end of the house. I've
been looking at these MESH routers; I don't need a big one, but the Orfi and
Linksys Velope systems look nice.
Steve
Why you should never hide your router in a closet: 5 steps to speed up your
slow
Wi-Fi Marc Saltzman , USA TODAY
Is buffering getting in the way of your binging? Kids blaming laggy Internet
for
losing online games? Wish your iPad could connect while curling up with an
ebook
in bed?
Good news: You have a few options to improve the speed, range, and overall ;
performance of your wireless network. The following tips and tricks should also
help if you have multiple Wi-Fi devices on your network at the same time --
such
as a computer, printer, smartphone, tablet, Smart TV, video game console,
multi-room sound system, and smart home
gadgets.
• Don't hide your router or keep it on the floor. Elevate the router and make
sure there's no obstructions.
• You could have the fastest router in the world, but it won't be useful if you
aren't getting fast speeds from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Budget
permitting, ensure you're getting the fastest speeds offered by your ISP --
especially if you like to stream video, play online games, and have multiple
simultaneous devices on the network. Usually, the more you pay, the faster the
download and upload speeds, and the more data you're allowed to use per month
(unlimited is the way to go if your ISP offers it).
• If it's been a few years since you've upgraded the modem you rent or bought
from your ISP, confirm with them it's
the best they got.
• Use both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands of your router, to reduce interference
with other devices.
•The next step is to ensure your router, which gives you your wireless
Internet,
is in an optimal spot in your home. Keep it on the main or top floor and close
to the center of the house for optimum reach. Refrain from keeping your router
in the basement, if you have one, as it'll be tough for devices elsewhere in
the
home to communicate with it.
On a related note, don't shove the router in a corner of a home, or locked away
in a cabinet, because you don't like the way it looks. Instead, keep it out in
the open for maximum reach in and around your home. Make sure it's off the
floor
and on a desk or bookshelf.
Also, keep your wireless router up to date with the latest downloadable
firmware.
• A multi-room MESH system is becoming popular as it's designed for larger
homes. (Photo: D-Link/Handout)
According to a recent IDC survey, nearly half the people surveyed use routers
that are at least 12 years old. Yikes.
If it's been a few years since you've upgraded your router, consider picking up
a new one -- with 802.11ac speeds instead of the older 802.11n -- as it's not
only faster but covers a wider area and supports more simultaneous devices. For
maximum impact, your devices, such as a laptop, should also support the newer
speeds.
Often a number is associated with the router, such as an AC3200 router, which
is
faster than an AC1900 router, for example (the higher the number, the better).
Those in a larger home (or older home, with, say, concrete walls) might
consider
a MESH network, which is a more advance router, and includes multiple "bases"
or
"hubs" -- wireless extenders, if you will -- to place around the home. These
devices all wirelessly communicate back with the router to blanket a broader
space, and with faster and more reliable Wi-Fi.
Today's Wi-Fi routers broadcast in two different frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5
GHz.
Figuring out the best one for your situation
can improve your network's reach, speed, and reliability.
Devices on the 5 GHz frequency minimizes interference among devices also
operating on the 2.4GHz frequency in the home, such as microwaves, baby
monitors, and cordless phones.
While the 2.4GHz frequency is able to reach farther distances than the 5GHz
frequency, devices connected to the 5GHz frequency operate at faster speeds.
When joining your devices to your router (required once), you can choose which
frequency you prefer.
Especially now that routers have a broader range than ever before, it's
critical
to have a password on your home's Wi-Fi connection. You don't need a degree in
computer engineering to add a good password. If unsure, contact your ISP for
help. Neighbors who secretly use your wireless network get a free ride, which
can also slow down your Internet performance. What's more, you might be liable
if nearby web surfers download illegal content, such as pirated movies, from
your Internet connection. A password also minimizes the chances of someone
hacking into your computer and access your personal info.
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