(Based on: https://www.rcn.com/hub/wifi/optimize-your-speed/)



1. Prevent WiFi Interference

Walls and appliances are physical barriers that can affect your WiFi speed. Concrete, metal, and plaster are especially difficult for the WiFi signal to penetrate. Minimize the number of barriers by placing your router in the open area where the internet is most commonly used, such as the living room.


2. Move Closer To The WiFi Router 

To get the most out of your internet, create a direct line from the WiFi router to your device(s). Avoid placing the router in an upstairs office, basement or attic. In doing so, you make it more difficult for the WiFi signal to reach the device.

 

Instead, position the router in the center of the home, preferably on the 1st floor. In addition, place your router at an elevated position such as a desk or shelf and never hide your router behind walls or in a cabinet. 


3. Reduce The Number Of Connected Devices 

Multiple devices connected to a router will affect WiFi performance. For each device using the internet, the bandwidth is divided between devices, distributing the speed. As a result, the more devices you have connected to your internet, the smaller portion of the WiFi pie is distributed to each device. You can boost your WiFi speeds by limiting the number of devices you connect to your network.

 

In addition, your internet is only as fast as your slowest device. Most wireless routers will slow down to the speed of your slowest device. For example, if you have an older laptop using the same broadband as a brand-new device, the WiFi speeds on all devices can be slowed down to match the older device’s speed. For details on the speeds your device can support, consult your owner’s manual (for your tablet, smartphone, laptop, tablet, television, gaming system, blue-ray player, etc.), or manufacturers website.


4. Password Protect Your WiFi

Protect your WiFi by always requiring a password to join the network. If your network is open, you leave your WiFi vulnerable to cyber threats or neighbors and adding their devices to your broadband, further bogging down the internet speeds. Prevent others from using your WiFi without you knowing and secure your WiFi network with a password to optimize internet speed.


5. Keep Your Devices Clean

Just like you need a regular check-up so do your devices. Overtime, your smart phone, laptop, or tablet’s performance is slowed down. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to clean up your devices:

  • Close browsers: The more tabs you have open on a computer, laptop, or tablet, the harder your WiFi has to work. Close browsers to free up WiFi for other devices.

  • Clear cookies: Old searches may be slowing your device down. Clearing cookies is fast and easy, but the steps vary by browser. Search the web for a guide to clearing cookies on your specific device.

  • Turn off devices: It’s an easy step, but often forgotten. Improve home WiFi functionality by turning off devices when you aren’t using them. This frees more room for devices actually in use.


6. Work only on the stuff you really need

When having videoconferences it is recommended that you stop other processes like downloading videos, video playback, music playing among others.


7.  Check your broadband speed using these tools: 


8. Use your mobile data if you have it when you have  internet issues.

When you have internet issues at home with your current plan, you can always use your mobile data if you have it. Use it as a B plan to connect your computer with the Internet. This way the internet demand is distributed among the Internet vendors and it usually works pretty well.


9. If a website takes a lot of time to load, or it doesn’t load at all; try with a different browser. Google Meet 


10. Work with cable instead of WiFi 

If you have the option to work with cable instead of WiFi (most of the home routers allow it), it’s recommended that you use it. Wired Internet is much more stable than WiFi.


11. Check your current Internet broadband

Check your current Internet broadband and ask your vendor to increase it for the same cost. Internet Companies are offering very good plans and prices during these contingency times. Some of them are even offering a 60MG broadband plan for home use.


Finally, remember to contact the #TechTeam if you have any questions or need further clarification of any of the information on this document.