This is the third of three parts about WiFi performance in routers. You want your internet fast and don't want to wait! Fair enough. It's a fairly complex topic so that is why I'm splitting it into three parts. Of course if it's too much, feel free to get one of our techs to help - 0800349669
Here's the final 5 tips of a total of 10.
SIX - Switch to a Different WiFi Channel
Just like lanes on the highway, there are multiple WiFi channels on which a WiFi router can broadcast. Even though most countries have six non-overlapping channels (1, 6, 11, and 14), many users leave their wifi router set on the default channel, which is usually either Channel 1 or Channel 6.
This results in a WiFi traffic jam as too much internet is trying to drive on the same line. The solution is simple (well, fairly): find out which channel is occupied the least and switch to it. This can be done with the help of a WiFi analysis tool e.g. "Wifi Analyzer".
With a new channel selected, you need to tell your WiFi router to use it:
1. Log in to your router as admin.
2. Go to Settings and look for Wireless or Wifi Settings.
3. Look for an option called Channel.
4. Select the channel based on the option you found with the Wifi Analyzer tool (or similar)
5. Save the new settings. You may need to restart if it suggests it.
SEVEN - Control Bandwidth-Hungry Applications and Clients
It takes just one bandwidth-hungry application or a client to make download and upload speeds come to a crawl for everyone else on the same Wi-Fi network. Luckily, modern routers support services like QoS (Quality of Service), which allow users to prioritize certain applications over others. With QoS, your online gaming session won’t ever be interrupted again by a person watching a 1440p video on YouTube or downloading a huge download from the Internet.
To change your router’s QoS settings:
Log in to your router as admin.
Go to Settings and open the Wireless Settings tab.
Locate the QoS Settings.
Configure your QoS rules.
Save the new settings and wait for your router to restart.
Control Bandwidth-Hungry Applications and Clients
Some routers make it very easy to configure QoS settings, while other routers are far from intuitive. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer of your router.
EIGHT - Use the Latest Wi-Fi Technologies
The newest wireless technology, IEEE 802.11ac, offers superior download and upload speeds as well as improved range compared to older Wi-Fi technologies, such as IEEE 802.11b, g, and others. To take advantage of the latest Wi-Fi technologies to boost home Wi-Fi, you need to make sure that both your home router and your Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as smartphones and laptops, support them.
When selecting a new Wi-Fi router with support for IEEE 802.11ac, don’t pick the most affordable model you can find. Unless your budget is very strict, it’s always worth spending extra to purchase a router with excellent range and modern features such as MU-MIMO, Quality of Service, guest networks, Gigabit Ethernet ports, and replaceable external antennas.
A good router should be able to serve you well for at least five years, which is approximately how long it usually takes for a major new Wi-Fi technology to become mainstream. Near the end of this article, we recommend five best Wi-Fi routers from leading manufacturers, so all you need to do is pick one that fits your budget.
NINE - Switch to 5 GHz
The 5 GHz wireless frequency provides faster data rates at shorter distances and is typically much less busy than the 2.4 GHz wireless frequency. If your router supports it, consider switching to it for an instant short-range speed boost. Be aware that though it is faster it has a lesser range.
How to boost your WiFi by switching your router to 5 GHz:
1. Log in to your router as admin.
2. Go to Settings and open the Wireless Settings tab.
3. Look around for, and change, the 802.11 band from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz.
4. Click apply.
TEN - Don’t Forget to Reboot
The classic computer advice, “If it doesn’t work, try switching it on and off", also applies to WiFi routers. A simple reboot is often enough to considerably improve your WiFi speeds. A reboot clears the router’s memory and allows updates to install.
To reboot your router, either press the power button or simply disconnect the router from power and turn it on again.
If your router really starts installing an update during the reboot, be patient and don’t interrupt the update process by turning off your router. Depending on your router’s performance, the update process may take more than 10 minutes.
This ends one of the largest helper blogs we've done. There was a LOT of stuff listed and much of it was technical. If you felt a little overwhelmed feel free to call and we can come out and help you at your place.