Having fast internet that keeps everyone connected is always nice, but especially during these times with the Covid-19 pandemic and more and more people working from home.
You need to make sure you have a good connection for all devices, especially if there is more then one person working from home and good internet speed for streaming.
If you are having trouble with your internet speeds and keeping everyone connected, check out the tips below that offer some suggestions on ways you can troubleshoot any connection and speed issues. Hopefully, these tips help improve the quality of your Wi-Fi so you can work seamlessly during the day and stream your favorite movie at night.
Move Your Router
Is your router in an awkward spot, like your closet? That's not the best place for it since walls, or doors can block your Wi-Fi signal. If you find you are having difficulty with connections, signals, and speeds, physically moving your router can help in making a difference. Your router should be out in an exposed area and not hidden in a corner. Having the router located centrally supports connections around your home and improves the speed and signal strength. You want to make sure your primary devices, like laptops, consoles, etc. are as close as possible to the router to ensure they connect properly. Devices like smart thermostats that do not take up a lot of bandwidth don't need to be a priority when figuring out the location for router.
If you do not necessarily have flat surfaces near the best spot for your router, you can mount it to the wall. When finding the best location, remember to keep the router away from anything that uses electromagnetic waves, such as wireless keyboards, microwaves, or baby monitors.
Use an Ethernet Cable
You do not always need to use your Wi-Fi. You can use a wired connection to your router is preferred if you are using it for work, and have multiple devices that need to be connected. Being wired into your router is faster and more stable, so you do not need to worry about dropped video conference meetings. The only downside of using an ethernet cable is that you are limited to where you can move your device around. For items that need fast internet, such as a gaming console, it can be worth it to run a wire.
Get a Wi-Fi Extender
If you are not at ease with messing around with router settings, invest in a Wi-Fi extender or repeater. Wi-Fi extender devices conveniently plug into a wall socket and connect the wireless internet and extend it further. A plus for the extenders is their easy set-up and use, and they can quickly get clear of Wi-Fi dead zones in your home. Using extenders is best suited for devices that don't need a lot of bandwidth.
Cut Off Unused Devices
A way to keep everyone connected is to reduce the number of devices on the network. When you have dozens of tools tapped into your Wi-Fi at once, it is going to cause problems. So, it's essential to plug anything you can into the Ethernet, like gaming consoles, and unplug anything you have connected but don't need. Make sure the devices you need to use are the only ones connected to the internet.
Updated, or good routers will offer controls that help in prioritizing devices or services on the network. This capability is handy for making sure only the devices that are needed during a specific time are being used.
Restart Your Router
If you are having issues with connecting devices, restarting your router can help in rebooting the system. Doing a reboot can sometimes fix dead internet. If you are having problems with connecting devices to your network, it might be worth it to try restarting your system, but if you find yourself needing to restart the system regularly, it might be time to update your router.
Use Your Electrical Wiring
Another option besides extenders is a powerline kit. Some manufactures make networking kits that pass through your electrical wiring. Basically, you connect a powerline plug to your router and put a plug in the wall socket. You can then add another powerline plug to any other room in your house, and it will provide a wired, wireless connection in that room. Speed might drop a bit, but it's a useful option for extending your network in your home to connect devices.
Call Your Internet Service Provider
If you have tried different things, and you are still having issues with keeping your devices connected to your network, reach out to your internet service provider for suggestions. They might be able to help pinpoint an item that has been overlooked and is getting in the way of your bandwidth and internet speed. Your internet service provider can check the bandwidth and run diagnostic on your network system. They can also tell you if the router or modem you are using should be upgraded.
Final Thoughts
Keeping devices connected is essential, especially if you have more than one person working from home, so if you are having signal drops or slow speeds, then you need to follow the steps above. When connectivity is giving you a headache, try these tips: moving your router, using an ethernet cable, getting a Wi-Fi extender, cutting off unused devices, restarting your router, using your electrical wiring, and lastly calling your internet service provider.