If you are building a wireless network, you may wonder how to make a wifi router faster. Even the best routers, after all, are only as fast as the fastest rung of their connection ladder. Here are some troubleshooting tips to quite literally get you up to speed with your Internet connection.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The first thing you should do if you are looking to make your wi-fi network router faster is to place it in a central location of your home in a higher-than-average position.
- Check out the router’s antennas, setting them into a perpendicular position with one another for maximum speed.
- Network extenders are another solid option, as is ensuring that your router is operating on the 5.GHz spectrum and using wi-fi 6.
WiFi Router Speed Troubleshooting Tips
Luckily, there are a number of ways you can ensure your router is operating correctly, with the maximum speed. These steps range from simply checking the router’s signal strength to more advanced procedures. Here are a few things to think about as you try to make your wifi router faster.
Insider Tip
Another option is to keep the router away from a crowded power outlet, as that can cause signal interruption.
Find the Right Position
Finding the correct position for your router is absolutely crucial when it comes to making sure you are getting the best speed possible. Generally speaking, a router should be placed high, such as on a counter or bookshelf, as wireless signals travel better the higher they go. You should also take care to find a central location for the router. If it is tucked away in a bedroom somewhere, some areas of the home will likely not receive ideal coverage, which will result in router dead spots.
Reposition the Antennae
Believe it or not, something as simple as repositioning the router’s various antennae can make a big difference when it comes to speed. Try positioning these two antennas perpendicular to one another, as this should allow for maximum coverage. You can also experiment with various positioning options to find the best one for your individual setup.
Network Extenders
If your home has some rooms that feature substandard coverage, try purchasing and installing network extenders throughout your home. These devices plug into standard power outlets and work to capture and extend the wireless signal, thus increasing the area in which you receive optimum Internet coverage.
Switch to 5GHz
If you are using a router that can only operate on the 2.4GHz band, you should think about switching to a 5GHz-enabled router to maximize your speed. The 2.4GHz spectrum is extremely crowded, as many low-powered devices are constantly using it, whereas the 5GHz spectrum is typically reserved for devices that need it most, such as laptops and smartphones. It is likely you can make this switch right in your router’s administrator panel.
F.A.Q.S
Wi-Fi 6: Is it really that much faster?
Sure it is, though wi-fi 6 is not as fast as, say, connecting via Ethernet cables. Still, the Internet speed achieved by using wi-fi 6 is much better than any previous standard.
What are the different types of Wi-Fi standards?
There is Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6E, and a variety of slower protocols that offer a decreased Wi-Fi signal.
How do I get Wi-Fi 6?
You will have to contact your ISP for more information, to ensure they can handle Wi-Fi 6. Also, check the specs on your router for integration with the appropriate wifi network.
Do wifi extenders really work?
Sure. Wifi extenders do work to send wi-fi signals throughout the home, but they are not miracle workers.
STAT: Innovations like the recent giant leap to Wi-Fi 6 technology make today’s Wi-Fi nearly 3x faster than previous generations. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/improve-your-wireless-home-network
- https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/tech-tips-and-tricks/how-to-increase-wifi-speed.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb2xJlJkEqwr
- https://support.google.com/wifi/answer/6246489?hl=en
- https://www.spectrum.net/support/internet/maximizing-your-internet-and-wifi-speeds/
