![]() it can even help to elevate the router-mount it high on the wall or on the top shelf to get a better signal.If your router has external antennas, orient them vertically to bump up coverage.Avoid heavy-duty appliances or electronics, since running those in close proximity can impact Wi-Fi performance. ![]() If you can eliminate even one wall between your workspace and the router, you can drastically improve performance.Place your router in the center of your house, if possible, so the signal can reach to each corner of the house with ease.Keep your wireless router surrounded by open air, away from walls and obstructions to prevent interference and overheating.It may seem logical to have the router inside a cabinet and out of the way, or right by the window where the cable comes in, but that's not always the case. The fact is, where you place the router can hugely affect your wireless coverage. Not all homes will distribute Wi-Fi signal equally. Achieve Optimal Router Placement MetaGeek's inSSIDer It’s a bit more complex to set up, but for tech-savvy users, it may be worthwhile. This can ramp up performance and give you access to more advanced networking features, including the ability to install a VPN right onto your router. If you really want to get the most out of your current router, the adventurous can look at a third-party firmware, like the open-source DD-WRT. For help with this, we have a guide on accessing your router’s settings. In fact, even if your wireless network isn't ailing, you should make it a point to update your firmware on a regular basis for performance improvements, better features, and security updates. It's tedious, but still a good thing to do since it would be such a simple fix. Other models, particularly if they're older, still require you to visit the manufacturer's website, download a firmware file from your router's support page, and upload it to the administration interface. Most current routers have the update process built right into the administration interface, so it's just a matter of hitting a firmware upgrade button. How easy-or how hard-it is to upgrade your firmware depends entirely on your device’s manufacturer and model. Router manufacturers are always improving software to eke out a bit more speed. Update Your Router Firmwareīefore you start tweaking things, it’s a good idea to update your router's firmware. If your internet is still slow standing right next to the router, you may have some outdated gear that needs an upgrade. If you get similarly good speeds next to the router, but not elsewhere in the house, then your Wi-Fi coverage may be to blame. If the everything seems okay, try running the test again wirelessly, standing right next to the router. (My grandmother was convinced her Wi-Fi was faulty, only for me to tell her she was subscribed to a snail’s-pace 3Mbps connection.) If your speed test does match your internet bill, but it still seems slow, it may be time to pony up for a better plan. If it doesn’t match the speed on your internet bill, you may need to call your ISP or replace your router or modem. Run a speed test to see your internet speed. If you laptop doesn't have an Ethernet port, you will need a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. You can do this by connecting your computer directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. Best Hosted Endpoint Protection and Security Softwareīefore you blame the Wi-Fi, make sure the internet coming into your house is performing as it should.This device will receive the signal from your router and broadcast it again from a different location in the building, providing more signal coverage. You can also attach a repeater to your network. Some routers have replaceable antennas, and a different model of antenna may function better than the built-in model. Otherwise, visit the router manufacturer's website for the latest firmware download and instructions on how to install the update.Īdd a new antenna to your router or a wireless repeater to your network. Many routers have updating tools built in to their setup pages. Like a driver for your computer, the firmware on your router tells it how to function, and updates may improve performance. Check your router's manual to find out how to log in to its setup page. You can set the channel in your router's setup options, usually accessed through a special Web page. To have the least interference from neighboring channels, use channel 1, 6 or 11. Using a different channel can reduce interference from other devices. Set your router to use a different wireless channel. If you can't move the router very far, try to place it higher up in the room and farther away from walls and metal objects, which can block the signal. Move your router closer to where you use your laptop.
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