Even before the rise of remote working, millions of Brits were essentially tethered to their Wi-Fi signal. Our favorite activities, from scrolling through social media to online gaming and streaming films, all hinge on a steady and reliable signal throughout our homes. Despite Wi-Fi’s long-standing reign, it can sometimes feel like we’re back in 2005 if your Wi-Fi is temperamental, prone to interruptions or loses connection. If you’re looking to make your home’s Wi-Fi network more dependable and enhance its performance, there are numerous steps you can take – some of which are less technical than you might imagine.
Position your router wisely
If, like most people, your Wi-Fi network relies entirely on the default router provided by your ISP, then the placement of your router is a significant factor in your network’s reliability. Many of us don’t have much choice about where the router is located due to having only one broadband cable point in our home, but even with this limitation, careful placement is still possible. Avoid storing your router in a cupboard, as any obstruction will diminish its signal strength. Elevating it off the floor (on a shelf, for instance) can help distribute its signal more evenly, and the more centrally it is located in your home, the better the router will perform. If this necessitates some re-wiring, it will be a wise investment.
Consider upgrading your router
While we’ve mentioned default routers, it’s worth noting that there’s a whole market of high-end, powerful routers available for those seeking to boost their home Wi-Fi signal. Many of these can directly replace your existing router, while others may require you to switch your ISP’s box into modem mode and relay its signal via an ethernet cable. This is simpler than it sounds, with each ISP providing online instructions. If you’re experiencing Wi-Fi blackspots in your home, a signal extender could be the solution. These devices plug into a power socket, connect to your Wi-Fi network and essentially retransmit the signal, extending its reach. However, the cheapest extenders can slow down your secondary extended network, so another option is to establish a full mesh network with satellite points. A mesh network operates like your standard Wi-Fi but functions as a net throughout your home, with the extenders typically offering faster overall speeds. While mesh networks can be costly, they can significantly improve Wi-Fi stability. The Google Wifi Pro system, despite its hefty £379.99 price tag, is one of the easiest to set up and operate.
Monitor your usage
It may seem like common sense, but if you’re not keen on splashing out to improve your Wi-Fi speeds, consider monitoring your usage more closely. If someone in your household is downloading a large file or streaming Netflix in 4K, it could be slowing down the internet for everyone else. Identifying what’s causing the slowdown could prompt you to change your habits or upgrade to a broadband package with higher speeds and greater bandwidth.
Consider using wired connections where possible
Many of us have our main Wi-Fi router situated next to our TV due to the layout of British homes – aerial cables are often located in the same place as broadband ones. If this is the case for you, remember that you can use short ethernet cables to connect your router to devices such as your TV and gaming consoles, provided they have ethernet ports. This will eliminate the risk of unstable signals on those devices and provide the most stable and fast internet connection possible – crucial for online gamers who need stability. Plus, it can help reduce the strain on your Wi-Fi network.
