The connection speed that your Wi-Fi router depends on several factors. These include the location of the router, the type of technology used (Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6), the interference that may be produced by other nearby devices, etc.
You can improve your connection speed by taking certain precautions without changing your hardware.
Improving the speed and signal quality of your Wi-Fi router is entirely possible. You don’t necessarily have to buy a new router with Wi-Fi 6. Here’s how to do it with a few simple tips.
Tips to improve the speed of your router
– Place the router in a suitable location: it is best to place your router in the most central area of the house. Preferably, away from walls, windows, furniture or any other object that may obstruct the signal or reflect it.
– Avoid connecting electronic devices near the router: microwave ovens, Bluetooth speakers, security cameras and similar devices can generate electromagnetic interference and impede the optimal performance of your router.
– Employ both bands of the router: the vast majority of modern routers allow you to use the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. On the 2.4 GHz band you can connect devices that are further away from the router. While the 5 GHz band is more recommended for devices close to the signal source.
– Try different Wi-Fi channels: Both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands have several channels available. If at some point more devices than usual are connected to your Wi-Fi network, it is recommended that you change channels. This can be done from the router settings or using apps such as WiFi Analyzer.
– Set up a secure password: if the password of your router is weak, you run the risk of other people connecting and, therefore, the signal loses quality and speed due to excessive traffic.
How to make your Wi-Fi router faster.
– Keep the firmware up to date: manufacturers send out firmware updates to ensure that your router’s software works optimally. Make sure you always keep the device up to date.
– Reboot the router regularly: this will help you clear the device’s cache, correct accumulated errors and, consequently, improve the speed of your connection. Simply unplug the router, wait 10 seconds and turn it back on.
– Replace the antenna: the antenna(s) originally supplied with your router can be replaced with more powerful ones. The prices of such antennas vary according to the power they are capable of providing.
– Install a Wi-Fi repeater: this will mainly serve to improve the range and quality of the signal. Buy one of these add-ons and place it in a strategic point between the router and the place where you need to extend the coverage.
– Use a mesh network: A mesh network consists of several interconnected access points. This allows you to obtain a Wi-Fi network with a longer range and much more stable. This way you will be able to make the most of the Internet speed you have contracted without worrying about the number of connected devices.
