In our home, I am the one who does all the “techy” stuff. Nothing major but it is what I studied at school so I know where stuff should go and so on. We got a wireless router, I think about two years ago, we did not need it before as we were connecting using wires. For a long time I actually did not have a cellphone because I did not need it because I am at home most of the time so I used the land-line. I eventually got one when I travelled to the UK but it was a basic plan, talk and text only. I only got data added when a lot of people at home got on Whatsapp because it made communicating with them more affordable. Then I realised I really did not need to pay for data because I could use my home WiFi. I am mostly at home and when I am out (which is not often) I actually do not have that much time to be on my phone anyway.
Our internet connection is the lounge so that is where our router is as well. When you are in the lounge the connection is great but in other rooms especially the bedroom, it almost non existent. I have been researching ways to boost the signal and here are some easy ways I found to improve your signal strength and speed.
1. Secure your WiFi
Put a password on your WiFi so that your neighbours do not steal your signal. The more people/gadgets that use your WiFi the slower it will be. Remember to use a strong password.
2. Move your router
Place your router where it is not crowded. Try placing in a central place in your home. If you can, place it at an elevated place like the top of a cabinet.
3. Minimize interference
Place your router away from microwaves, water tanks, power cords, baby monitors, cordless phones and other wireless routers.
4. Upgrade your router and router software
Technology keeps changing so the problem could be that your newer gadgets use newer technology to that of your router. In which case you would need to but a new router. Also make sure that your router has the updated firmware, you can check through the manufacturer’s website.
5. Plugin some devices
For gadgets that require a lot of bandwidth like video games consider using wires to connect to the internet.
6. Use a signal repeater
But a signal repeater that you can plug in to repeat the signal.
7. Change the channel
Each router has a channel where it broadcasts the signal. You may be sharing channels with your neighbours making your internet slow. You will need to change this. If you can coordinate with your neighbours so that you are all using different channels. The are apps and web tools that you can use to find out which channels are being used by who. Read the documentation that came with your router to find out how to change the channel.
8. Adjust your antenna
If your router has an antenna or two, try playing with them and see if it makes a difference
9. Contact your service provider
When all else fails, call your provider and have them check your signal. They will give you tips and or instructions on what you need to do to boost your WiFi.
These are some things that you can try to boost your WiFi signal. Let me know if you have any other suggestions.
