A strong, stable internet connection around the house is the dream. Sadly, even in today's modern times, there are still dead spots lurking in some corners of your home. Want to enjoy worry-free Netflix marathons or smooth Spotify streaming? Here are some tips and tricks on how to boost your home internet signal:
1. Change your router's position.
Cost: Free
Routers aren't exactly the prettiest things, and most home-owners consider them as eyesores. If you've hidden them at the back of a shelf or behind a plantbox, you might want to think again. Concrete walls, electrical appliances, and even some furniture may affect speed and coverage issues.
PCTech Magazine suggests that you put your router on a high spot, without any physical obstructions. Ideally, it needs to be in the middle of your home, so you could get even coverage in all rooms.
In addition, know that water can also block off Wi-Fi signal. If you have an aquarium at home, make sure your router is not placed anywhere near the tank.
2. Upgrade your router.
Cost: Minimal to expensive
If you have the budget, you might want to upgrade your router entirely. According to Popular Mechanics, today's standard routers is dual-band 802.11n devices.
"Dual-band hardware is ideal because the 5GHz band should give you noticeable performance improvement. 2.4GHz is said to actually have greater range than the 5GHz band, but it's also more crowded, which can impede performance at 2.4GHz," it states. "Increasingly, routers are coming to market with the latest wireless networking standard, 802.11.ac. These routers can deliver throughput up to and exceeding 1Gbps."
Bear in mind though that these are among the most expensive routers. If you don't have spare cash, consider doing a few DIY hacks, such as placing a parabola made of aluminum foil behind your router. They don't give as much boost, but you might see significant improvement.
A most popular DIY trick Digital Spy suggests is beer can solution, using only cutting tools, duct tape, and an empty beer can. Watch how it's done here:
3. Set up a Wi-Fi repeater or PowerLine adaptors.
Cost: Expensive
If downloading movies is a breeze but only when you're next to your router, then your problem isn't speed, but coverage. This means your Wi-Fi signal is not reaching certain nooks and crannies of your home due to walls or other blockages. The solution is using a Wi-Fi repeater.
Repeaters take your your internet access and pass it on to a wider area. Most manufacturers like TP-Link, Netgear, and D-Link have repeater kits available which are quite easy to set up.
Another option is PowerLine adapters. As Popular Mechanic explains, a PowerLine adapter is a device that you can plug into a wall and uses the current wiring in your home to extend the Wi-Fi signal. For instance, your router is in the living room but your PS4 is in your basement, so downloading a DLC is taking you hours. Just connect one of the adapters in the kit to your router, then into a wall outlet near your router, and then plug the other adapter into the outlet in your basement with the PS4. Your basement will now have a stronger internet connection.
Have you tried these tricks? Or do you have other tips for our readers? Share in the comments section below!
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