Boost Your Internet Speed - Get Tips and Tricks from Internet Experts

The way we work changed a lot due to the pandemic. Many of us started working from home and spending more time online. Having fast and good Wi-Fi at home became really important, not just something nice to have. Even after three years, having a good internet connection at home is still really important. Recent surveys tell that 58% of Americans can still work from home at least once a week. 

With important meetings and presentations happening online, nobody wants to deal with a bad network and slow Wi-Fi. But don't worry, there are things you can do. Even if you don't know much about your router, there are simple things you can do to make your internet faster. Let's go through them and see if we can help you speed up your internet. However, high-speed Fiber Internet in my area is offered by Top Internet plans.

1. Perform Some Internet Tests

If you want to change your home internet, it's best to know what's going on. A good way to do this is by doing speed tests. These tests help you find out if your Wi-Fi is weak. There are many free services on the internet that can help you do this. One of the best options is the Ookla Speedtest. It's used by many people and I suggest you start with this one. It has lots of servers all over the world. You can pick one nearby to test how fast your Wi-Fi is. And it's easy to use, just press the big "go" button and wait for about a minute.

When you do the test, you'll see how fast things go when you send and get data on the device you're using. It also tells you the "ping," which is how fast data goes back and forth to the server you're using. First, look at the upload and download speeds. Do a few tests in different parts of your home where you'll use the internet. Then, find the average of all the tests to see how fast your internet is. If a room has speeds that are much slower than when you're close to the router, that might be a place where you can make things better. If unable to process, contact your internet service providers.

2. Shift Your Router or Workspace

If you can be near your router while working, using a wired connection with an Ethernet cable is the best way to get really fast internet. But if that's not possible, you might need to work in a room where the Wi-Fi isn't super strong. This can happen if you're far away from the router or if there are lots of walls or things in the way.

Before you buy anything, try moving your router to make the connection better. It's best to keep it in an open area and higher up if you can. If your router has antennas, try changing their positions too. Sometimes, just moving them differently can make the internet faster. For example, if your router is downstairs and you want the signal to be better upstairs, try moving one antenna to the side. This can make the signal go in a better direction.

One more thing to check is the channel your router uses. Your router sends its signals on different "channels," kind of like TV channels. If you and your neighbour use the same channel, it might slow down your internet.

To change the channel, go to your router's settings on your computer. The best channels are 1, 6, and 11. They don't interfere with each other. Your router might also have an "auto" setting that finds the best channel for you.

3. Update Your Router or WiFi

For high-speed Fiber Internet in my area, I always connect with internet providers. If those ideas don't help, you might need to get new stuff. You can get something called a plug-in range extender. They're not expensive. It's a good idea to get one from the same company that made your router. It doesn't need to be super fast. If it can keep your internet speed above 50Mbps, you can use the internet normally, like for video calls.

I did a test at my home and at CNET Smart Home, which is much bigger. The internet there is not super fast, around 150Mbps. In rooms far from the router, the speed dropped below 50Mbps. But when I used a good-range extender, the speed got much better all over the place.

The best one I tried was the TP-Link RE605X. It gave download speeds of at least 130Mbps to both Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 devices all over. You can get it for $100 at Target, and it's my top pick. If you want something cheaper, you can try the TP-Link RE220. It doesn't work with Wi-Fi 6, but it still worked well in my tests at home. It usually costs less than $30.

You can also get a new router if you want. If you want a better range, look for something called multipoint mesh routers. They come with extra devices that make the range bigger. You have many options to pick from. We tested and checked many of the new ones. I like the TP-Link Deco W7200, which costs about $233. But there are other good ones from Asus, Eero, Netgear, and Nest that you should check out too.

Don't want a mesh router and want something simple and not too expensive? The Asus RT-AX86U is a good choice for $250. If you want something cheaper, you can check out the TP-Link Archer AX21, which costs less than $100. Both work with Wi-Fi 6 and worked well in my tests at home.

4. Make Your Work Stuff First 

Let's think about a situation where your kids are at home watching Disney Plus and playing Fortnite, while you're trying to work. There are a couple of things you can do to make sure their internet use doesn't slow down your work.

First, make sure you use different "bands." Routers have 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. They might show up as two different networks. The 5GHz one is faster, while the 2.4GHz one covers more area. If you use one of these bands only for work stuff, it can help you have better internet even if others are using the other band.

Most routers can make a separate network for guests. You can set the speed for this network, so your kids don't use up all the internet. Some routers even let you decide when this network works, so you can stop your kids from using it at certain times. Your router might also let you pick times when certain devices or groups of devices can use the internet.

Another thing to check for is Quality of Service. This helps some routers give more internet to certain devices or activities. For example, the Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 lets you say that video calls are more important than playing games. If your router can do this, you should try it out. If unable to get high-speed internet, check with your internet service providers.

Final Words 

In a world where remote work and online activities have become essential, a robust and speedy internet connection is paramount. Whether it's for crucial virtual meetings or uninterrupted streaming, optimizing your home network is key. Conducting regular speed tests using tools like Ookla's Speedtest can unveil your Wi-Fi's performance. Relocating your router, adjusting antenna positions, and selecting optimal channels can significantly enhance signal strength. For more details regarding boosting your internet speed, contact your internet service providers.

If problems persist, consider upgrades such as range extenders or advanced routers like the TP-Link RE605X can provide remarkable improvements. Prioritizing your work-related activities through separate bands, guest networks, and Quality of Service settings ensures smooth connectivity even amidst shared internet usage. By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the digital landscape with confidence, staying ahead in a world where high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.