Admittedly it’s frustrating as hell when home Wi-Fi performance tapers off to nothingness, but this doesn’t mean you need to necessarily call in the best authority on computer repair. In fact, there are dozens of ways and means by which you can improve your home Wi-Fi performance without outside help and without having to spend a penny in the process.
Here’s a look at the top ten tips offered by experts when it comes to boosting home Wi-Fi performance:
10 – Modern Hardware
Ok so admittedly this isn’t free, but if you’re not using the latest hardware with the most advanced wireless connection technology, you won’t get the best out of your service. It’s always worth trying out a newer device just to see if it makes a big difference…which chances are it will.
9 – Router Positioning
Most people like to hide their routers as they aren’t exactly pretty, but the more barriers there are in the way of your signal, the less powerful said signal will become. Ideally it should be out in the open and in an elevated position as opposed in a corner on the floor behind the TV.
8 – Channel Selection
If your neighbors are using the same Wi-Fi channel as you, the interference could be playing havoc with the quality of your connection…and theirs too. Take a look at an online guide on how to find the best signal for your home and make the switch.
7 – Change Passwords
You never know how many people could be stealing your signal without your permission, which if you haven’t changed your passwords in a while is actually pretty likely. So get in the habit of making monthly changes and you’ll be much better off.
6 – Ditch Cordless Gadgets
There’s also a very good chance that your cordless phones and other such devices will be interfering with the Wi-Fi signal and slowing things to a crawl. Try unplugging them for a while and see what difference it makes.
5 – Background Programs
Use Task Manager in Windows to get a good look at what’s going on behind the scenes in terms of background programs that could be eating up your precious bandwidth and slowing your Wi-Fi speeds right down. Any that seem to be unnecessarily greedy should be ended and ideally barred from starting up again.
4 – Signal Boosters
You can go out and buy a commercial signal booster, or you can try one of the DIY tricks that have been found to work wonders for some. One great example is using an aluminum can to create a curved dish shape to mount behind the aerial and direct the signal in the direction of your choice.
3 – Downtime
If you leave your router switched on 24 hours a day and seven days a week, chances are it will run into some kind of difficulty sooner or later. These things need downtime to cool and rest, so be sure to give it some.
2 – Slow Computers
There’s a very real possibility that it isn’t actually the Wi-Fi connection that’s the problem, but rather the computer itself that’s running way too slowly. Try giving your system some TLC and see how this helps.
1 – Hardwire
And finally, if all else fails you can always go old-school and hook yourself up to your internet connection by way of a cable. It might not be the most convenient, but it means the fastest connection you’re going to get…period.
Get Help From the Pros
You may also get help from the experts if you are not so sure with what you are doing. Sometimes, the problem is not with your router but with your computer or the software and programs you are using. If you need computer repair in Columbus or in any parts of the US, there’s always a Geeks Mobile USA technicians ready to help. They’ve been in business since 2002 so you can be sure they’re established and reliable.