Is your Wi-Fi painfully slow or unreliable? Does it sometimes take you minutes to download a simple picture or document? There is nothing more frustrating than weak Wi-Fi, especially when you have a deadline looming or a million other things on your To-Do list. Fortunately, there are many ways to your boost your Wi-Fi signal, from new technology to simple router placement. These are some of the great technologies that can help in boosting your Wi-Fi signal.
How To Boost Your Weak Wi-Fi Signal
Check the Placement and Setting First
Before you go and spend money on boosting your Wi-Fi signal, first check the placement. A wired router can be hidden in a cupboard and out of sight, but a wireless router needs an open space with limited obstruction. There are also other electronic devices that can often interfere with Wi-Fi, such as cordless phones, certain televisions and microwave ovens. So, look around for other electronics that might be causing the problem.
The next thing to do is to check the settings on your router. For example, if you are using a dual-band router, you’ll probably experience an improved performance by changing it to the 5GHz band instead of using the typical 2.4GHz band. Hopefully, you still have the manufacturer’s instructions to check for the optimal settings, but if not a simple internet search can help.
Most current routers are multichannel, meaning they are able to shift to different channels when communicating with your various devices. You are probably unknowingly using the router’s default channel set by the manufacturer, but if there are other wireless networks in close proximity to yours also using the exact same channel, then you may experience signal congestion and weak Wi-Fi.
Upgrade Your Router
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You wouldn’t run a marathon in an old pair of worn out shoes, so why would you expect top performance from an outdated router? If you purchased your router a few years ago, you are probably still on the old 802.11g standard. The maximum amount of throughput on an 802.11g router is only 54Mbps. Compare that with a current 802.11n model with a maximum throughput of 300Mbps, or the 802.11ac at 1Gbps, and it’s quite obvious why it’s time to upgrade your router.
Get a Wireless Range Extender
The further you get from your router, the weaker the signal. If the router is in your bedroom and you are trying to stream music on your device in the backyard, you may have a problem. A wireless range extender can be the answer to your prayers. Sometimes a range extender is referred to as a repeater or expander, but they all do the same thing, extend the distance capability of your Wi-Fi. It might also help with any structural issues creating weak Wi-Fi, like thick walls in your home.
Replace the Antenna
If your router doesn’t have an antenna, or if it’s internal to the device, adding an external antenna can boost your weak Wi-Fi. External antenna typically has a stronger signal. Look for an omnidirectional antenna, which directs a signal in all directions. Point your new external antenna in the direction of your weak signal, and it should help. It’s always a good idea to research your router manufacturer’s guideline’s before buying an antenna, for any specifics information for your make and model of router.
Personal Cell Spot
A Personal CellSpot by T-Mobile can help boost your Wi-Fi signal when you experience weak Wi-Fi. It’s free of charge and easy to get to all T-Mobile customers. Keep in mind that your Internet service provider will need to support a minimum of 220 KBPS of throughput in order to get a good quality call over your Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi System
If you need seamless connectivity throughout your entire home, a Wi-Fi system might be ideal. A Wi-Fi system includes several networking components. It needs a core router connected right to your modem, and also a set of additional nodes, placed throughout the rest of your home. All components make up a single wireless network and will share the same password. Wi-Fi systems generally come with user-friendly mobile apps and detailed instructions that guide you easily through the set-up.
As you can see, there are many options to boosting your Wi-Fi. If you have additional questions or need help, a T-Mobile specialist in your local area is always happy to assist you.