Bad Wi-Fi at Home? Try These 10 Go-To Ways to Fix It This Weekend
A common problem for many households, bad Wi-Fi can be frustrating and disrupt daily life. However, a recent experiment by Steven Vaughan-Nichols, Senior Contributing Editor at ZDNET, has revealed that there are simple steps to speed up your home network.
Vaughan-Nichols spent last weekend tweaking his home network to improve his Wi-Fi speed and connectivity. He started by checking the incoming Internet connection before attempting to fix the issue. "You'd be surprised how often a slow internet connection is the culprit behind bad Wi-Fi," he said in an interview. "It's essential to check your internet service provider's (ISP) speeds and ensure they are meeting their advertised rates."
Vaughan-Nichols' home network consists of a Netgear Orbi 970 mesh Wi-Fi system, backed by a 2Gbps AT&T fiber-optic Internet connection. However, he still experienced slowdowns due to the layout of his property, which includes two buildings with thick walls.
To address this issue, Vaughan-Nichols employed several techniques to fine-tune his network settings. He adjusted the channel width and frequency band to optimize performance, moved his router to a central location, and upgraded his firmware to the latest version. Additionally, he used Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize critical applications and devices.
Vaughan-Nichols' experiment also highlighted the importance of mesh networking in large homes or properties with multiple buildings. "Mesh networks are designed to provide seamless coverage throughout your home," explained Vaughan-Nichols. "They work by creating a network of interconnected nodes that communicate with each other to ensure a strong and stable connection."
Other experts agree that fine-tuning network settings can make a significant difference in Wi-Fi performance. "It's not just about buying the latest and greatest equipment; it's also about configuring your network for optimal performance," said Elyse Betters, a networking expert at ZDNET.
The experiment also demonstrated the impact of physical obstructions on Wi-Fi signals. Vaughan-Nichols' historic building had thick walls that significantly reduced his Wi-Fi signal strength. To mitigate this issue, he used Wi-Fi range extenders to boost the signal and ensure coverage throughout both buildings.
Vaughan-Nichols' findings have significant implications for households struggling with bad Wi-Fi. By following these simple steps, homeowners can improve their network performance and enjoy faster speeds without breaking the bank.
The 10 Go-To Ways to Fix Bad Wi-Fi at Home:
1. Check your incoming Internet connection before attempting to fix the issue.
2. Adjust channel width and frequency band for optimal performance.
3. Move your router to a central location for better coverage.
4. Upgrade your firmware to the latest version.
5. Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize critical applications and devices.
6. Employ mesh networking in large homes or properties with multiple buildings.
7. Use Wi-Fi range extenders to boost signal strength and ensure coverage throughout both buildings.
8. Change your Wi-Fi password regularly to prevent unauthorized access.
9. Update your router's firmware to the latest version.
10. Consider upgrading to a newer, more powerful router.
By implementing these simple steps, homeowners can enjoy faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections without relying on expensive equipment or expert assistance.
*Reporting by Zdnet.*
