5 Simple Hacks to Upgrade Your Wi-Fi and Boost Your Internet Speed
Let’s talk about something you’re probably using right now, a Wi-Fi internet connection. Whether it’s binge-watching your favorite Netflix show, crashing it at Diablo IV, or getting some work done, the internet is pretty much a staple in our day-to-day lives. That’s why almost every home has a Wi-Fi connection. However, has your internet been clocking the right speeds? Do you experience any dead zones in your house?
Maybe it’s time to take a closer look at your Wi-Fi setup to confirm everything is okay. Don’t worry, there are ways to upgrade your Wi-Fi that don’t need you to be a tech whizz. These are simple hacks you can do by yourself to get your internet speed back on track.
- Change the location of your router
Routers might not have the aesthetic appeal you are looking for but try to find an open place to put it. If your router is tucked away in your closet or one of your drawers, it’s time to dust it off and place it elsewhere. Walls, bookshelves, and cupboards can lower your Wi-Fi signal and maybe that’s why you’ve been experiencing low speeds.
But, where is the best place to set up your router? You can consider a central location in your house or proximity to high-priority devices. If you want better internet access in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom, find a central place to set it up. If you have a work area you consider a priority, you can install the router close to this location.
- Consider an ethernet cable
With everything going wireless, at times a little bit of wire is all you need for that fast internet connection. It’s proven that a direct ethernet cable can provide much stronger internet connectivity compared to a Wi-Fi signal. Especially for hardware that requires fast internet like a desktop PC, gaming console, or streaming box.
Here’s why it’s not such a bad option. Gaming is quite popular nowadays, and countries like Canada have about 23 million people gaming regularly. A simple lag or unstable internet connection can easily leave many people unhappy.
Modern video games are high-tech which makes them more interactive and immersive. On the other hand, online casino games like live dealer titles require HD streaming. A quick solution for this lies in a fast and reliable internet connection. So, having that ethernet cable connection will let you enjoy top Canadian online casino sites and video games seamlessly. All you need to do is think of a good cable management system.
- Upgrade your router
When was the last time you upgraded your router? For most people, the router fitted during installation is the same one to date, which might have happened many years ago. Without going down the complex road of Wi-Fi router technicalities, an old router may cap at lower bandwidths.
Older models might have a maximum throughput of 54mbps while newer routers can theoretically hit high speeds of 10gbps. Some of the top wireless routers you can buy are the TP-Link Archer AX55, Asus RT-AXE7800, and Synology WRX560.
If you’re looking for better coverage, consider going for a Mesh Network system that has multiple router nodes to transmit Wi-Fi signals around your house.
- Add a password to your Wi-Fi
As obvious as it sounds, some people easily forget to have a Wi-Fi password for their network, especially if it’s a place like their homes. One of the easiest ways to know whether someone has tapped into your internet connectivity is you’ll notice a pattern. All of a sudden, your connection appears sluggish when it’s after work hours, or at night when you’re watching something on TV. Chances are someone else is using your internet to keep themselves entertained.
The best Wi-Fi security system to use is AES encryption. It’s quite secure and speed-friendly, not interfering with your connection. Besides putting a stop to your sneaky neighbors, having a password will also protect you from hackers.
- Disconnect unnecessary devices
In this “smart devices” era, almost everything we have must be connected to the internet. Your phone, laptop, console, smartwatch, smart speaker, home assistant, even a smart kettle. Let’s be honest for a minute, when was the last time you used your smart kettle? Probably not in a while. Do a quick scan of your house and disconnect those smart gadgets you hardly use from your Wi-Fi network.
Even though you have a strong internet connection, powering it to multiple devices can make it slack a bit. High-quality routers like those mentioned above offer controls that help you prioritize which devices get connected first. That way, your game-streaming endeavors won’t be interrupted by someone making a cup of tea.
Feel Free to Call Your ISP
If you’ve tried all the measures above and you’re still experiencing issues, maybe it’s time to call your internet service provider. They can visit you and handle all the technical stuff like channels or bands, router firmware, frequencies, or quality control. In today’s world, being connected to the internet might just be as important as breathing (maybe not that important), but still keep safe and stay online.
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