Quick 5 Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi Performance

In 2024, a fast and reliable wireless internet connection is no longer a luxury - it’s a necessity. Whether you’re running a business, working from home, streaming videos, slow internet connectivity can be frustrating and even disruptive. If you’ve been struggling with poor Wi-Fi performance, there’s good news. Many issues can be fixed with just a few tweaks. Here are 5 effective ways to boost your home or business Wi-Fi performance.

1. Optimise Your Router Placement

Where you place your router can significantly affect the strength and quality of your wireless signal. Routers send out signals in all directions, so placing one in a central location can help maximise coverage. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your router’s location:

• Avoid placing the router on the floor: Signals tend to disperse downwards, so raising the router can improve performance.
• Keep it away from thick walls and metal objects: These can block or weaken the signal, leading to dead zones.
• Limit interference from other devices: Other Wi-Fi devices and even household appliances like microwaves can interfere with your wireless signal. Keeping your router away from such devices can help.

2. Update Your Router Firmware

Just like your computer or phone, your router runs on software that sometimes needs updating. Manufacturers release firmware updates to fix bugs, improve security, and optimise performance. If you’ve had your router for a while and never updated its firmware, this might be a reason for poor performance.

To check for updates, log into your router’s web interface (the instructions should be in your router manual), find the firmware section, and see if there’s a newer version available. Updating your firmware can give your network an instant boost without requiring new hardware.

3. Switch to a Less Crowded Channel

Wi-Fi routers broadcast their signal on channels, and if your neighbours are using the same channel, it can create interference and slow down your network. Most routers are set to automatically select a channel, but they don’t always choose the best one.

With Apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer, you can see which channels in your area are the most crowded. Once you’ve found a less congested channel, you can manually switch to it through your router’s settings.

4. Upgrade Your Router

If your router is more than a few years old, it might not support the latest wireless standards, such as Wi-Fi 6, which provides faster speeds and better performance in crowded environments. Investing in a newer router or modem that supports higher speeds, better bandwidth, and multiple connected devices can be a game changer for your wireless network.

When selecting a new router, look for features such as:

• Dual-band or tri-band capabilities: These allow your router to distribute devices across multiple frequencies, preventing network congestion.
• MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output): This technology enables the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving overall performance.

5. Add Wi-Fi Access Points or Extenders

If your home or office has thick walls or multiple floors, you might struggle with dead zones or weak signals. In these cases, Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks can help.

• Wi-Fi extenders: These devices amplify your router’s signal, extending its reach to areas that were previously weak or inaccessible.
• Wireless Access Points (WAPs): WAPs are wired devices that connect directly to your router or switch via an Ethernet cable. They provide a dedicated wireless signal to specific areas to extend coverage. WAPs are particularly effective in large buildings, offices, or outdoor spaces where you need strong, dedicated coverage in hard to reach areas.
• Mesh networks: Consisting of a main router and then several remote devices that work together to blanket your entire space with a strong signal. Mesh systems are particularly useful for larger homes or office environments where cabling can be tricky. Many WAP's come with mesh capabilities.

Enhance Your Network Today

By making small adjustments to your router setup or investing in the right equipment, you can massively improve your Wi-Fi experience. If you’re ready to take your network to the next level, Utility Networks can help! Our team of experts specialises in wireless connectivity solutions for businesses and homes. Whether you need a simple home network upgrade or a complex wireless infrastructure for your business, we’ve got you covered.

Contact Utility Networks today for a chat and find out how we can enhance your internet connectivity. Faster, more reliable Wi-Fi is just a call away! We’re always responsive so you’re always connected.

Telephone: +44 (0)1275 395 118

Email: sales@utilitynetworks.co.uk