[imagesource: Hello Tech]
Can you hear me now? What about now?
Is anybody there?
Pulling off a WhatsApp video call or Zoom call with terrible WiFi signal can quickly start to resemble a séance.
Add in an older participant who doesn’t understand the optimal face from camera distance and you have yourself a recipe for disaster.
We can’t help you with a ballie who insists on a close-up of their nostrils but we can help you improve your home WiFi signal.
A stronger signal equals faster internet speed so let’s not muck about.
Industry leaders RSAWEB have listed their tops to improve WiFi signal, starting with where you put the modem:
- Place your router in a central position in your home, in a place where you use the internet most is best.
- Make sure that your router is not locked away in a cabinet, cupboard or shelf as this will weaken the WiFi radio signals it emits.
- The more walls or furniture the WiFi signal needs to travel through, the weaker it will be, and the slower your speed will be.
- All materials reflect the WiFi signals emitted by your router, BUT some materials absorb a portion of them. Concrete absorbs a notable portion of your WiFi signals, so refrain from mounting your router to your wall.
- Just like with concrete walls; keep your router away from plants, trees, aquariums, fish bowls and water containers – as they too absorb WiFi radio signals, rather than reflect them.
You’ll also want to make sure you’re using the best channel for your router.
I know that sounds like it could be complicated but it’s actually relatively simple
A common cause of poor WiFi performance in your home is signal interference. Most WiFi home networks use a narrow radio frequency range of 2.4GHz for radio signal transmission, and the channel that your router is using may be congested.
Before you look at doing a speed test to determine which channel works best for you, make sure you only have one device connected to the WiFi.
Then follow these steps:
- Log into your router’s interface through your web browser, usually by typing 192.168.1.1 in your browser.
- Go to WiFi Settings, find the WiFi Channel option, and choose your new WiFi channel.
- Change the WiFi channel in your router’s settings as follows:– If 6, change to 11
– If 11, change to 6
– If Auto, change to 11 or 1
Toggle between those, conduct a speed test on each setting, and choose the one that provides the best results.
You can also watch this video for more on how to change your wireless channel.
There are also a number of other factors worth considering:
- The condition of internal wiring and phone jacks in your home (if you have DSL Internet) can affect the signal strength produced by your router.
- The distance between your router and your device will affect the signal strength it emits. That’s why we recommended above that you place it in a central position in your home.
- The number of devices connected to your network can affect your signal strength – the more devices connected, the slower your Internet speeds will be.
Even if you take all of the above into consideration, it won’t help if you have a sub-par internet provider.
Go with somebody tried and tested, like RSAWEB which was recently named MyBroadband’s top ISP, and you know you’ll have speeds you can rely on.
There’s also the added bonus of on-site support should any problems arise.
[source:rsaweb]
