You’ll probably not think about Wi-Fi speed problems until Netflix begins buffering. Or when you realize your files are taking long to upload or download.
With almost every online user turning to the wireless options, it’s not a surprise that everyone wants to know how to optimize their wireless internet for a great experience with entertainment, gaming, or file downloads or uploads. The good news is that there are many ways in which you can improve your internet performance throughout your premises.
Here are some terms that you should familiarize yourself with as we go:
- Speed – It refers to your internet connection’s swiftness in terms of data delivery.
- Wireless Coverage and Capacity – This refers to how your wireless internet can deliver data to more devices at the longest possible distance.
- Bandwidth – is the available speed which is shared by everyone
With a speedy wireless connection, you can always enjoy movie streaming, videos, online gaming, among other applications with lower latency, greater reliability, and improved data quality for communication and image graphics.
Reasons Your Wireless Connection is Slow
There are myriad of reasons why you might be experiencing a slow wireless connection. Wi-Fi speed is directly effected by physical barriers like walls, trees, or floors can significantly hinder your wireless signals. Also, the number of devices connected in your network and the distance between your devices and their access points are great influencers.
Always ensure that you check with your Internet Service provider (ISP) to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. Providers aren’t the same they all have different packages with different terms and you might be running on a package that’s not ideal for you.
In short, three main factors that adversely affect the speed of your wireless connection. These include ISP data cap, the type of technology that you are using, and the number of devices connected.
That said, we’re here to help you optimize up your wireless internet connection without breaking your bank. Here we go!
How to Speed Up Your Wireless Internet Connection
Here are some of the ways in which you can easily improve your wireless internet for a greater experience.
Check your Wireless Data Cap
Of course, data cap is the first culprit when it comes to slow internet. ISPs are always in business. They might disclose to you about data caps or not. But ultimately they mess with your connection. So, when you realize that your internet browser keeps on spinning, it’s time to check your data cap.
A data cap means that you can only use a certain maximum amount of data at a certain period of time. Whenever you exceed these caps, your ISP starts to regulate how fast you receive your data. You will generally notice when this happens.
If you aren’t sure that you have got a data cap, carefully scrutinize your next ISP bill. Chances are that you will notice it. Our advice is that if you’re constantly exceeding your data limits, it’s time to talk with your provider for a higher limit.
Look for the Up-to-date Wireless Technologies
As you know, technology changes every day. So, to be on the safe side, always be on the lookout—install current and latest hardware. In over a decade, Wi-Fi 6 has been the cream of the crop in this technology. It’s currently the best with greater coverage and capacity, swiftness, lower latency, mobile devices, and routers. Older lower-performing technologies including Wireless-AC (802.11ac) and Wireless-N (802.11n) are still in most IoT and mobile devices. So be on the lookout.
Another important aspect is that you should always go for the latest wireless connection that’s backed up with a password enhancement to prevent your neighbors from using the same to stream movies or perform other wireless activities which can adversely slow your wireless connection.
Time to Embrace Wired Connections
Almost everyone nowadays is using wireless connections. It’s easy to jump on the bandwagon as many believe the connection is faster and superior. Something to keep in mind is your speed changes based on your proximity to the access point. Even if you have multiple access points, it’s still possible to have areas with poor coverage. Also, moving between access points can cause issues but modern Wi-Fi solutions have gotten much better at this. The great thing that your IT expert didn’t tell you is that cabled connections are the fastest and offer a better experience. The main reason Ethernet is better is you have a dedicated connection directly into your machine without relying on the air transmission which is susceptible to interference. If your device has an Ethernet jack, it’s highly recommended to take advantage of it. You can connect devices like your desktop, gaming consoles, TV, printers, and other accessories that you don’t move frequently, if at all. Furthermore, if you want to keep all your online activities more secure, Ethernet connection is the way to go.
