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Yevhenii Kuznietsov
Published on
Dec 6 2023
Tired of slow Wi-Fi, dropped video calls, or endless buffering while streaming videos? Whether you're working from home, gaming, or just trying to scroll through social media, having a fast, stable internet connection is essential.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to improve your WiFi network using practical tips that cover everything from router settings to physical placement. Let’s dive into the world of Wi-Fi technology and uncover how to get the strongest Wi-Fi signal and fastest internet speeds possible.
There are many reasons why your internet speed may be crawling. It could be interference from other electronic devices(like baby monitors, cordless phones, or Bluetooth devices), outdated hardware, too many connected devices, or just poor router placement. Sometimes, even garage door openers or older devices near your router can mess with your wireless signal.
Here are tips for boosting network speed:
The placement of your router can dramatically affect your WiFi signal strength, coverage, and overall internet speed. A poorly placed router can lead to dead zones, dropped connections, and frustrating lag.
Here’s how to set it up for optimal performance:
Ideally, position it in the middle of your home — on a shelf or mounted on a wall — and away from the floor. A high, open spot lets the signal spread evenly in all directions.
Materials like wood, metal, and especially concrete can block or weaken the signal. Keep it out in the open whenever possible.
Nearby electronic devices like TVs, cordless phones, baby monitors, Bluetooth devices, and microwaves can all interfere with the signal. Maintain a safe distance between your router and such devices.
If your router has adjustable or removable antennas, try angling one vertically and one horizontally. This helps distribute the signal more effectively — especially if you’re trying to reach multiple floors.
A well-positioned router helps ensure a stronger signal and smoother wireless coverage, even in areas where Wi-Fi usually struggles to reach.
Bonus Tip: If relocating the router isn’t an option due to wall outlets or wiring, consider adding a Wi-Fi range extender, a powerline adapter, or upgrading to a mesh network system for consistent coverage throughout your home — even in corners, basements, or far rooms.
Today’s households are filled with connected devices — from smart TVs and phones to tablets, laptops, game consoles, smart speakers, and even smart thermostats. When more devices are using the internet at the same time, especially for high-bandwidth tasks like streaming or gaming, it can seriously slow down your Wi-Fi speed.
Here’s how to lighten the load and keep your internet connection running smoothly:
Devices that stay connected in the background — like smart assistants, old phones, or idle tablets — can still transmit data and consume bandwidth. Disconnect or power them down when not in use.
Set devices like smartphones, computers, or consoles to update overnight. Automatic downloads can eat up bandwidth and cause slow speeds during the day when you're working or streaming.
Most modern routers include a QoS setting, which allows you to give bandwidth priority to specific devices or activities — like Zoom calls, Netflix, or online gaming — to ensure they stay smooth even when other devices are connected.
Pro Tip: Check your router’s app or admin dashboard for a list of all the devices currently connected to your Wi-Fi network. It’s a great way to spot anything unusual or excessive.
Managing your network traffic this way helps prevent slowdowns, ensures better Wi-Fi network performance, and gives you a more stable internet connection — even when more devices are online.
Your Wi-Fi network operates on specific Wi-Fi bands — typically 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz — and within those, there are multiple channels your router can use. Just like a crowded highway, if too many networks in your area are on the same channel, your Wi-Fi signal can experience congestion, leading to slow speeds and dropped connections.
Here’s how to make your connection faster and more reliable:
Many routers default to the same channel, especially in apartment buildings or neighborhoods with overlapping networks. Use your router settings to manually select a less crowded channel (like channel 1, 6, or 11 on 2.4 GHz). Some modern routers also offer auto-channel selection based on traffic.
The 5 GHz band offers faster data rates and is less prone to interference, making it ideal for streaming gaming, or video calls. However, it has a shorter range and doesn’t penetrate walls as well.
The 2.4 GHz band is slower but can cover greater distances and pass through walls more effectively. It’s great for basic browsing and reaching rooms far from your router.
If you haven’t already, consider switching to a router with dual-band technology or tri-band capability. These allow multiple Wi-Fi bands to operate simultaneously, reducing congestion and improving performance — especially with more devices connected at once.
Pro Tip: Check your router manufacturer's website or mobile app to find instructions for switching channels or enabling band steering, which automatically directs devices to the best frequency.
Tuning into the right channel and frequency band can dramatically boost your Wi-Fi speed, reduce interference from other devices, and give you a more stable internet connection.
While Wi-Fi is convenient, nothing beats the speed and stability of a wired connection — especially when you're doing high-bandwidth activities like streaming, online gaming, or attending important video calls.
Here’s why plugging in can make a big difference:
An Ethernet cable delivers a direct line from your device to the router, minimizing lag and ensuring maximum data transfer speed — no signal drop-offs or interference.
Unlike Wi-Fi, a wired connection isn’t affected by nearby Bluetooth devices, microwaves, baby monitors, or thick walls — making it perfect for consistent performance.
If you're watching in 4K, gaming competitively, or relying on Zoom for work, a wired setup helps eliminate buffering, lag spikes, and dropped frames.
Use a long Ethernet cable to connect your device directly to the router. Cables can be run along baseboards, through walls, or under rugs to keep them tidy.
Try powerline adapters, which use your home’s electrical wiring to carry the internet signal from one room to another. Just plug one near your router and the other near your device — no drilling or extra wiring is needed.
Whenever possible, use your device's Ethernet port to tap into faster, more stable internet — especially in rooms where Wi-Fi signal strength is weak or slow speeds are an issue.
If you’re still using a router from 2015 (or older), it might be time for an upgrade. Over the past few years, Wi-Fi technology has advanced significantly — newer routers now offer faster speeds, better security, and stronger wireless coverage, especially for homes with multiple devices.
Here’s what to look for when shopping for a new router:
A dual-band router broadcasts on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, helping you balance range and speed. Tri-band routers add another 5 GHz band for even more efficient performance when lots of devices are connected.
These newer standards allow for faster speeds, lower latency, better support for multiple devices, and improved energy efficiency.
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) is solid for most users.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) adds even better speed and performance in busy homes.
Wi-Fi 6E opens up a new 6 GHz band for ultra-fast connections and low interference (great for streaming and gaming).
Routers with adjustable antennas often deliver stronger and more customizable signal coverage. Position them to maximize range across multiple floors or long hallways.
Don’t forget: Always visit the router manufacturer’s website to check for firmware updates. These can improve speed, fix bugs, enhance network security, and even add new features to your router.
Bonus Tip: Routers wear out over time — their memory, internal components, and wireless network performance can degrade. If you experience frequent disconnects or slow Wi-Fi, a new router could be the easiest fix.
Even the best routers can struggle to provide full coverage in large homes, multi-story buildings, or areas with thick walls. If you're dealing with Wi-Fi dead zones — places where the signal drops or disappears entirely — extending your network is a smart solution.
Here are two great ways to expand your wireless coverage:
These devices amplify your existing Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcast it to areas your router can’t reach on its own — like upstairs bedrooms, garages, or basements. They're easy to set up and can be a quick fix for eliminating slow spots.
For more seamless performance, a mesh network is the modern go-to. Systems like TP-Link Deco, Google Nest Wi-Fi, Eero, or Netgear Orbi use multiple units (called nodes) that work together to create a single, unified Wi-Fi network throughout your entire home. No more switching between networks as you move from room to room.
Mesh systems offer consistent coverage, even in complex layouts.
They handle multiple devices more efficiently — perfect for smart homes.
You manage everything from one app, with built-in tools for parental controls, speed tests, and device prioritization.
If you’re constantly losing signal in certain areas or struggling with slow speeds on other devices, upgrading to a mesh system may be the most effective way to maximize coverage and boost your Wi-Fi performance across the board.
A secure Wi-Fi network isn't just about protecting your data — it also helps ensure you're getting the internet speed you’re paying for. If your network is open or poorly protected, unwanted devices could be using your bandwidth, slowing things down for everyone in your home.
Here’s how to lock down your home network and keep things running smoothly:
Make sure your router is using WPA2 at a minimum — or even better, WPA3, the latest and most secure encryption standard. This prevents outsiders from accessing your wireless network without permission.
A strong password should be long, unique, and hard to guess — avoid using names, birthdays, or “123456.” Changing it every few months helps keep intruders out, especially if you've shared access in the past with guests or neighbors.
Use your router’s admin dashboard or companion app to view all devices running on your network. Look out for any unfamiliar connections and disconnect them. Some routers even let you block unknown devices or set up guest networks to keep things separate.
Bonus Tip: Many modern routers support features like network intrusion detection, auto-blocking suspicious devices, and guest networks to keep your main system secure while still allowing visitor access.
A secure network doesn’t just protect your privacy — it ensures that your Wi-Fi signal, speed, and overall performance stay consistent and reliable.
Just like your phone or computer, your router can slow down over time as it handles more tasks, stores temporary data, and manages multiple devices. Giving it a regular reboot can help maintain its performance and keep your Wi-Fi signal strong.
Here’s why you should make restarting your router a weekly habit:
Restarting clears temporary data and cache that can clog up your router’s internal memory, especially if it’s been running non-stop for weeks.
Devices that were once connected — but didn’t properly disconnect — can sometimes hog bandwidth or interfere with traffic flow. A restart wipes those connections clean.
A fresh reboot helps reestablish stronger, cleaner signals, especially if your wireless network has been feeling unstable, sluggish, or prone to random dropouts.
Bonus Tip: Plug your router into a wall outlet timer (the kind used for lamps or holiday lights) and set it to power cycle the device once a week — for example, at 3 AM when no one is using the internet. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it way to keep your router healthy without lifting a finger.
A quick restart every week can go a long way in boosting Wi-Fi speed, ensuring consistent coverage, and extending the life of your router.
Not sure if your slow Wi-Fi is caused by your setup or your service? Running a quick internet speed test can help you figure out what’s going on behind the scenes.
Use free tools like Speedtest.net, Fast.com, or your router’s mobile app to:
Check your download, upload, and ping (latency) to get a clear picture of how your network is performing in real time — compared to what your plan promises.
If you're paying for 500 Mbps but only getting 90, something’s off. Your internet providers may be throttling your connection, or you may have an outdated plan or equipment.
Run tests at different times of day and in different rooms to spot patterns. If your results vary wildly, the issue may be with wireless coverage, network congestion, or your router's performance — not just your ISP.
Bonus Tip: Run a test both wired (using an Ethernet cable) and wirelessly. This will help you determine if the slowdown is due to the Wi-Fi network itself or a broader issue with your internet signal.
Whether you're already using modern routers or just beginning to explore the world of Wi-Fi technology, know that improving your internet setup doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive.
From switching Wi-Fi channels and using a wired connection to adding a mesh network or optimizing your home for multiple devices, even small changes can lead to faster speeds, stronger signals, and a much more reliable internet experience.
Try a few of these steps today — and enjoy smoother streaming, lag-free gaming, and crystal-clear video calls throughout your home.
Yevhenii Kuznietsov
[email protected]Yevhenii Kuznietsov blends journalism with a passion for travel tech. He explores eSIM's impact on communication and travel, offering expert interviews and gadget reviews. Outside of writing, Yevhenii is a hiking enthusiast and drone hobbyist, capturing unique travel vistas.
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