Where to put the router

First things first, find the optimal access point for your Wifi router. If your router is on one side of the building and you are struggling to get a decent connection on the other, try and relocate the router in a more central and accessible position. Sometimes relocating your router is rather impractical logistically though.  Placing it on an elevated surface has been shown to improve the coverage of the wireless signal.

Update Firmware

Not many people are aware of how to update a routers firmware or what the benefits are. It’s important to keep your router up to date and keeping on top of firmware updates is on the top of the list.  From fixing bugs, to adding more controls, to optimising the routers performance, a new firmware update can really make a difference. Instead of simply resorting to the “turn it off and back on” method, it’s suggested you look up how to update your router’s firmware and give it a go.

Interference

Because Wifi signals are fundamentally radio waves, they share the same impediments and limitations as other radio waves.  Interference is when the broadcasted Wifi signal is impaired by signals of a different origin. Many common technologies and appliances used at the home of office can cause Wifi interference.  Anything from cordless phones to microwaves can interfere with your Wifi signal. If interference is a problem, identify what nearby appliances may be causing it position the router where the signal won’t be impaired.

Regulate Bandwidth heavy applications

If an application is demanding a high bandwidth, then the internet speed will slow down significantly. When there is multiple applications all fighting for bandwidth, the internet speed could be rendered effectively unusable.  This calls for a degree of optimisation to provide the router with information as to what applications to prioritise bandwidth.

For example, streaming a high definition video whilst downloading a number of large files could drop the internet’s download and upload speed. This would make playing an online game during this time very difficult.

Extend the range capacity with a range extender

Using Wifi boosters is a reliable way to extend the reach of your Wifi. There are many different types of Wifi extenders on the market and there are different ones for different circumstances. These work by intensifying the Wifi signal, then broadcasting it again. They are usually quite easy to set up and provide great results.

Or another option is that you could use a mesh network. Mesh Wifi networks are like a web if Wifi created by multiple nodes spread around the place. These can cover quite a large area improving the capacity to utilise Wifi throughout a building

Replace the antenna

Replacing the routers antenna with a better aftermarket one can improve the range. This can be done by swapping from the factory antenna to a high gain directional antenna. High gains aren’t only found in the gym, they are also a type of directional antenna that can extend the range in which the Wifi signal can be reached.

Choose the right Wifi Band for you

2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz. There are 2 main bands on which routers broadcast Wifi signals. Depending on the environment, both of these bands have their pros and cons.  5 GHz is faster than 2.4 GHz but looses speed when needing to penetrate walls. 2.4ghz is slower than 5 GHz but doesn’t lose as much speed as the 5 GHz. Because lots of other devices and appliances run on the 2.4 GHz, there is a higher chance of their being interference.

Buying a new router

Ultimately everything has a shelf life and wireless routers are no exception. If the above suggestions haven’t solved the problem then maybe it’s time to upgrade your router to a newer model dual band router. Old routers can start to lack the ability to consistently provide the Wifi distance. In the process of growth, the deadwood needs to burn off. While it may be painful to let go of your once beloved router, there are other routers in the sea.

Conclusion

Getting faster speeds from you wireless network can seem like a monumental task. Hopefully, with this article you are able to be reconnected to the fountain of infinite knowledge and entertainment known as the internet in your home or office without using an Ethernet cable. If however you need additional support, feel free to contact Simply Connect on 0433 107 846 or 0402 637 394 for our Wifi Boosting services. We look forward to speaking with you.

The post How to extend your WiFi signal appeared first on Simply Connect Australia.

If you are reading this article, you have probably encountered this catastrophe before. What i am going to share with you are ways to identify what is getting in the way of you having a smooth and reliable Wi-Fi connection, and ways to mitigate those problems. Because the strength and consistency of your Wi-Fi signal is determined by so many different factors, it can be hard to pinpoint the root cause. The aim of this article is to shine a spotlight on what could be causing your Wi-Fi signal fluctuating freak out.

What is Wi-Fi Fundamentally?

First things first, it’s useful to know what Wi-Fi is comprised of. Wi-Fi facilitates wireless network access through a router by using a radio frequency. This radio frequency is broadcasted from the router to a Wi-Fi compatible device. The data held within the broadcast is then read by the device and then any inputs are sent back to the router through another radio frequency broadcast. These radio waves broadcast information at specific frequencies, most commonly the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band.

Because Wi-Fi broadcasts information through the use of radio frequency transmissions, it shares a lot of the same limitations other radio frequencies. It is these limitations that can cause the signal to fluctuate. In fact it shares the same broadcasting network as a radio station!

Some Reasons Why it May Be Fluctuating

Because Wi-Fi uses a radio based frequency, the signal can be interrupted by Wireless interference. This can occur in multiple ways that all contribute to Wi-Fi fluctuation. A big reason why Wi-Fi signals fluctuate is due to the large number potential physical obstructions in the way. Obstructions such as concrete, bricks, desks and mirrors can all substantially inhibit Wi-Fi signals getting though.

Interference can also be caused by other devices that emit frequencies within a similar frequency band. It could be that cooking up some popcorn in the microwave could be contributing to the manic quality of your connection! Anything from wireless phones to your neighbour’s Wi-Fi could be ruining your online experience. Locating and identifying the potential sources of the interference and eliminating them could definitely stabilize your Wi-Fi connection significantly.

Sometimes the genesis of the problem is the wireless router itself. Old, overheating and outdated, some Wi-Fi routers simply begin to malfunction and struggle to keep up with what is being asked of its weathering hardware. The number of devices using the Wi-Fi can also put a significant strain on bandwidth allocation. Like a bunch of hungry little birds in a nest fighting for their mother to feed them, the mother bird can only provide so much at one time!

How to Fix the Problem

So how can you fix these problems? Going through systematically and eliminating the potential pot holes one by one is recommended. Mapping the surrounding area and writing down any possible obstructive materials, you can proceed to structure the environment appropriately. Does your WI-FIs journey to your device resemble Dante’s journey through the 9 circles of hell? If it does, lightening the burden by moving the router to a more suitable location is a great place to start.

Another thing to check is how far your routers range extends. A lot of the time it could be due to the limited range of the signal. If this is the case, relocating the router to a more optimal location is the way to go. You can also use a wireless repeater to boost the routers effective range. If logistically it is impractical to relocate your router, strategically placing a Wi-Fi booster can provide a more stable connection.

Upgrading to a newer and stronger router that can keep up with the ever increasing bandwidth demands could make a huge difference. Getting familiar with what your individual Wi-Fi needs are and finding a router that can meet them is always a possibility.

How to Stay Connected

Having fast, strong and stable internet connection is more important than ever. Whether using Wi-Fi domestically, at work or in a public place there is nothing worse than being rendered network-less. If you are tired of having an unstable and unreliable relationship with your Wi-Fi, or would simply like to learn more about our WiFi Boosting services, get in touch with Simply Connect now! Contact us online or call us on 0433 107 846 or 0402 637 394.

The post Why Is My WiFi Signal Fluctuating appeared first on Simply Connect Australia.