Internet connectivity problems can get on your nerves. In the present times, going online is a necessity for a lot of people. Slow browsing, streaming speeds, and frequent disconnections can all point towards a problem with your Wi-Fi modem. When talking about the Wi-Fi speed and signals in your home, it is about more than just your ISP. Even when I had good Wi-FI internet, my Wi-Fi signals kept dropping, then I opt for Spectrum internet services for more reliable ISP.
There can be multiple reasons why you have a weak connection with your router, and it won’t help if you just ‘spend more time together’. External and internal factors can add up to make your Wi-Fi signal weak. Here are a few things you can do to fix your Wi-Fi woes:
#1: Run a Speed Test
If you have Wi-Fi issues, you have to start at the basics to fix them. Depending upon the package you have subscribed to from your ISP, speeds can vary. Taking an online speed test can be a sure shot way to know what speed your modem is getting at the onset. For this purpose, you will need an ethernet cable to check the wired connection speed.
If the speed test shows slow internet, it means the signal is weak even before your modem converts it to wireless. In this case, you have no choice but to talk to your ISP to fix this issue. The speed on your test should match the speed your ISP has listed on your package.
#2: Update Router Firmware
Your router, like all other devices, needs a regular update. The outdated firmware might be one of the reasons why your Wi-Fi speed is down. If you have a new router, the firmware update is built-in on the administrative panel. It is as easy as pressing the button and can be a great fix before you even start tweaking other things.
If you have an older router model, you may have to update it through your ISP’s website. There are firmware files that you can download and update. You should continue the updating practice whether or not you are facing issues. It is a proactive approach to improve performance and stay away from bugs.
#3: Reposition Your Router
Repositioning your router can take care of a lot of external factors affecting your signal. If you haven’t placed your router in a central location in your house, some areas can get weaker connections. It is obvious that the further you are from your router, the weaker signal you will get.
So, if you have a communal space in your house, you can put your router there. Sometimes, your furniture, walls or pillars, can block Wi-Fi signals as well. Moving your router can help if you notice any infrastructure getting in the way as well.
#4: Switch Channels and Frequency Bands
Well, these suggestions are going to sound a bit technical but bear with them. Routers have frequency bands like 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Within these bands, there are multiple channels for your signals to move through. If your router has an app or an admin panel, you can check out which band and channel it uses.
You need to make sure that your router is using a faster 5GHz frequency band. Once you do that, your Wi-Fi should be less sluggish. If that didn’t help, you should also change the channel. Sometimes, channels can get populated and weaken the signal. Switching to a different signal can help with easing congestion and faster Wi-Fi.
#5: Check for Intruders
A Wi-Fi password is not as secure as you might think. It is fairly easy to access your network, especially if you are using a WPA/WPA2 security system. You can always change and upgrade your Wi-Fi security system to a WPA2 (AES) or a WPA3. Moreover, you should check the devices connected to the internet. If there are unrecognized ones on the list, there is an impostor among us. The easiest way to vote the impostor out of your ship is to change your Wi-Fi password. Use a stronger password and keep updating it periodically.
#6: Add Wi-Fi Repeaters
If you have a multi-story house, you may need a Wi-Fi repeater. A Wi-Fi repeater looks pretty much the same as a modem. It can catch your Wi-Fi signals and amplify them, therefore, increasing the signal range.
You can use as many Wi-Fi repeaters as you want and get a solid signal even in the dead zones of your house. The only drawback with extenders is that you will have to change Wi-Fi connections in different areas of your home as they have their own SSIDs.
