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Additionally, make your password at least eight characters. Do not purchase a new router before first checking with the ISP. Your router's performance is heavily tied to its age, from both a hardware and software perspective. If you don't know when the router was purchased , consider this a big red flag. Again, go back to the Router’s webpage and choose System Tools. Place the Deco units as per your preference in your home.
WiFi repeaters are relatively simple devices that take an existing signal from your WiFi router and rebroadcast it as a new network. This new network is just an extension of your main network, and all data that go through it also go through the main network. It's almost 2020, but some home Wi-Fi users still refuse to add an encrypted password to their network. If you're one of those folks, it's time to finally pivot 180 degrees and make the switch. Adding an encrypted password to your router will better protect it from the outside world, including Wi-Fi vampires who might be using your connection for free.
Linksys EA6350 AC1200+ Dual-Band Smart Wi-Fi Wireless Router Review
When in doubt, use a handheld stud finder or at least a stud finder app on your smartphone. When you update the router’s firmware, it fixes bugs, provides security updates, and boosts performance. Along with that, it helps to get the best range the router has to offer. When you connect an extra router, it creates a specific subnetwork and covers a new area. Thus, you will need to switch from one network to another for better network strength.
When you first get your router, the technician setting it up will usually help you find the most effective spot to keep it. Check out our ExtremeTech Explains series for more in-depth coverage of today’s hottest tech topics. Relocating your router to a more central location can help ensure the signal is stronger throughout your entire home. Here are seven things you can try to get the most out of your WiFi signal or otherwise enhance digital connections throughout your home.
Switch to 5 GHz or 6 GHz
If you really want to get the most out of your current router, the adventurous can look at a third-party firmware, like the open-source DD-WRT. This can ramp up performance and give you access to more advanced networking features, including the ability to install a VPN right onto your router. It’s a bit more complex to set up, but for tech-savvy users, it may be worthwhile. Check out these quick tips to boost your wireless signal from your router, extend and optimize your Wi-Fi coverage, and speed up your surfing.
Then, unplug your router from power and leave it alone for at least 30 seconds so it completely powers down. Plug your router back in and let it boot up, which may take a couple of minutes. Turn your device back on and try connecting to your wifi again to see if the range improved. Foil reflects your wifi signal in the direction you want it to go. Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around something rounded, such as a water bottle or a soda can, to help shape it.
If You Aren’t Happy With Your Wi-Fi Coverage at Home, Start With the Basics
Look through the settings for the wireless channel information. Look through the list of available channels and select a different one than the one you’re currently connected to. Test using your device again to see if there’s a noticeable improvement to your wifi. Try the rest of the channels on the list to see which one works the best for you. A 2.4 GHz frequency passes through walls easier and increases range.
From the command prompt type netsh wlan show all, and you'll see a list of all wireless networks and the channels being used in your vicinity. The aforementioned network analyzers can also show you this information, often in an easier-to-read graphical format. If you feel like your Wi-Fi has gotten sluggish, there are many tools you can use to test the speed of your internet.
Update Your Router Firmware
My only gripe is that they don’t offer any additional LAN ports, so if you need both to connect both wired and wireless devices in a particular location you’ll need to add a small hub. Even if positioned properly, it’s important to realize that each and every person or device connected to your wireless network shaves off a slice of its total bandwidth. This holds true for a Wi-Fi repeater, which means that you’ll be receiving a lower speed by default when connecting to your new, extended network.
So you’ll want to check and make sure your router can at least switch your internal traffic at 1Gbps. Or you can supplement it with a small Gigabit switch or hub. If your ISP is providing you with more than 100Mbps, then of course you’ll have one more reason to make sure your router supports Gigabit Ethernet both on the LAN side and the WAN side. The good news is that Powerline adapters, when coupled with a reasonable access point, will often provide better performance than a simple Wi-Fi range extender. However, like range extenders, none of them actually measure up to their claimed performance.
Most routers are good for an apartment or home under 2,000 square feet. And some long-range routers can boost Wi-Fi signals even further. Turn off the device you’re trying to connect to your wifi.
Newer routers may receive updates automatically, but it’s a good idea to check your configurations to ensure that’s the case. If you haven’t received an update in a while, manually updating your device or scheduling it to receive firmware updates can be a good idea. If your WiFi router is currently located on one end of your house, then the signal has to stretch from that area all the way across your home. That includes moving through walls, appliances, and other obstructions, and all of that can weaken the signal.
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