WiFi can be inconsistent when it comes to signal and speed. You might be enjoying an exceptional quality network at one moment, enjoying videos at 4G, while the next minute your videos might be buffering. How and why this happens completely depends on various reasons, you might move a few steps and watch the WiFi signal going down one or two bars. This is extremely common, and while there is no sure-shot way to solve this, there are some ways by which you could boost your WiFi signal.
A notable reason why your WiFi might not be working is because of physical distance. Some routers are cheap, and they cannot even provide you with a consistent network throughout the apartment, let alone a big house. WiFi router transmitting power is not as powerful as cell towers. WiFi signals can be blocked by various objects like walls and even duct tapes, so you have to be particularly careful.
WiFi signals work on the same electromagnetic spectrum as all other cell phones, baby monitors, microwaves, walkie-talkies, and others; therefore, in densely populated areas, interference with signal strength is often a common issue. Router capacity is another factor along with bandwidth hoggers. To help you out, here are some ways by which WiFi signals can be boosted to help you enjoy consistent and superfast internet connectivity.
Make Sure The Router Is Placed At An Advantageous Place
You might want to keep your router away from appliances or metal devices that emit the same level of electromagnetic signal. Metal is considered to be the top disruptor of WiFi signals. Even materials or objects like cardboard, wood, and plastic can influence the signal of the router but not to a high extent.
This might be confusing as to where to keep your router truly because every appliance in your home does emit some kind of electromagnetic signal, even your tube lights. However, the biggest source would be the kitchen, washing machines, and televisions. Try and keep your router at the center and a bit above the floor level so that signal is distributed evenly. For multistoried levels, keep your WiFi router on the ceiling of the first floor so that even the second floor can have access to it.
Make Sure The Router Is Always Updated
You must have come across news of malware attacks that are increasing every year. To keep yourself safe, it is crucial to keep your router updated so that your personal data and the devices that are connected remain safe. Once malware makes its way into the router, it could distort the bandwidth and enter the devices.
Not just to keep yourself protected, it is crucial to keep your router updated so that you enjoy hassle-free connectivity. You can check whether your router is updated or not by launching a web browser on your device and entering the IP address. Enter the password and username there, and then select an option known as Firmware or even Router Update, which would tell you whether the router is updated or not. If not, make sure you install and set up the new updates.
Invest In A Stronger Antenna
Most of the router that you find in your home comes with a really small antenna. One reason might be that manufacturers are trying to cut the cost, but the other would be large antennas that are hideously long and are an eyesore. Most of the antennas that are there in our homes are not more than a few inches tall and have around only 4 dB gain, while antennas that are almost 15 inches tall have almost 10 dB gain.
If you do not mind the size, make sure to invest in a strong antenna to boost your WiFi signals. To boost internet connectivity, you need an antenna that has better gain than the present one you are using.
Encrypt Your WiFi Password
You might think you are doing good work by giving access to your WiFi to your neighbor but according to experts, having a password-protected and encrypted security level for your WiFi is a must nowadays to protect yourself from WiFi leeches and malware attacks.
A strong password would consist of combined uppercase and lowercase alphabets, numbers as well as symbols. Never go for common passwords, and make sure they are at least 8 characters. Never include your phone number, or your security number in your password, and never write it on paper. If you think you might forget, make use of a password manager.
Switch To Any Different WiFi Channel
Wifi routers can broadcast on different WiFi channels; therefore, if you are unable to get quality connectivity from one channel, try another one. Most of the routers are left on Channel 1 or even Channel 6, which increases traffic. The simplest solution would be to find the channel with the least traffic and make use of it. There are several tools which are available online that you can make use of to figure out the channel with the least traffic.
Change the channel by opening the Settings options and selecting Channel from there, chances are you would see it set at Auto. Change it to your desired channel.
Try Rebooting
This is a timeless piece of information you would get to hear everywhere, if a device is not working, try switching it off and on. A simple reboot can do wonders in boosting your WiFi signal and speed. With rebooting, the memory of the router is cleared which allows the new updates to install. Rebooting is pretty simple and can be done by pressing the restart button that you would find on your router. If you see that your router is installing updates, do not disturb the process and wait until the whole process is completed.
Try Setting Up A Mesh WiFi System
Sometimes, a single router is not enough for a large home; especially, if it is multi storied. You could set up a mesh WiFi system which would consist of the main router along with multiple satellite units that will offer you seamless and extensive internet coverage.
Maybe Try Changing Your DNS Address
DNS stands for Domain Name System and is responsible for changing domain names into IP addresses. Most of the modems are wired such that they would use the internet service provider’s DNS server which might not offer the best experience; however, in most modern modems, you can easily change the DNS address which results in better WiFi signals.
Invest In A WiFi Extender/Booster
Whether it is a WiFi booster or an extender, their function is the same. It would take the existing signal and rebroadcast it. This amplifies the existing signal boosting your internet connectivity and speed. Download a WiFi boosting app that would help you determine the existing signal strength and how much stronger it needs to be for optimal results.
Take Control Of Applications Consuming More Bandwidth
There are some applications that are extremely bandwidth-hungry; however, most modern routers now help you control and prioritize applications depending on usage. Follow the steps to know how you can change the QoS (Quality of Service).
- Log in to your router as the admin.
- Go to Settings and then click on the Wireless Settings tab.
- Locate where the QoS setting is.
- Configure your QoS rules.
- And then save the new settings and restart your router.
Wrapping up
these are some of the ways by which you could boost your WiFi connection. If nothing works, talk to your internet provider and see if there are any issues with their network or not or if they have a better plan they could provide you with.
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