Router

A seamless WiFi connection has become an essential part of our everyday life. Any sort of glitch in your router’s performance can greatly hinder several things, especially given the current scenario. Our dependency on the internet has increased exponentially, with almost everything from work to school transitioning to a virtual model. A sluggish and unstable network connection can be extremely frustrating to deal with. So it goes without saying that a lot relies on how efficiently your router functions. Here are some simple yet effective ways in which you can ensure an uninterrupted performance from your WiFi router.

 1. First Things First, Reboot:

The simplest solution can often turn out to be the best. More often than not, a simple reboot can jolt your router back into action, giving it a quick refresh. This applies to your modem as well. Rebooting your WiFi and Network equipment is typically considered a sensible place to start when attempting to troubleshoot. It is wise to proceed to more advanced solutions only if a reboot doesn’t seem to bring about any change.

2. Find The Ideal Location:

Where you decide to place your router significantly affects the quality of the WiFi signal. While it may seem convenient to tuck your router away into a dark corner of your house, you are potentially diminishing its ability to provide coverage. The more barriers that the signal has to pass through, the more feeble it becomes. Therefore, the ideal location for your router would be to place it at more or less the central point of your house. It is also best to avoid placing it near other appliances that transmit electromagnetic waves, such as microwaves, Bluetooth speakers, and washing machines, since these tend to interfere with the router’s signal. Tools like Heatmapper and mobile apps such as Netgear’s WiFi Analytics can help identify your network coverage’s weak and strong spots. With 192.168.1.1 you can check for seamless wifi connections.

3.  Switch to A Different Channel:

Since WiFi routers use radio frequencies to transmit and receive data, these frequencies are split into various channels. If you happen to be living in a densely populated region, you might be experiencing signal congestion. This generally tends to occur when too many routers in and around your vicinity are on the same WiFi channel. Most modern routers can automatically figure out the channel with the least amount of traffic, but it can be a bit of a challenge for the older models. To change the channel manually, you can download WiFi Analysers such as Netspot and Vistumbler. These tools will help identify routers in your proximity and display their respective channels. You can then log on to your router’s web interface and accordingly choose a less congested channel.

4.  Upgrade To A Better Antenna:

Most routers come with an inbuilt antenna, and some have a detachable external one. However, investing in a stronger antenna can exponentially boost your signal. For this purpose, you can invest in a high-gain antenna. There are various options to choose from when it comes to antennas, but you must ensure that it is compatible with your router.

5. Ensure Your Router’s Firmware Is Updated:

Failing to update your router’s firmware can lead to a plethora of problems. Outdated firmware not only worsens your router’s performance, but it can also make your network more susceptible to malware and threats. The ease with which the firmware updation process can be done depends on many factors such as the router’s brand, make and model, etc. Most modern routers are equipped to automatically download updates. Other models might pose a bit more of a hassle, where you will have to download the firmware file from the router’s support page. Whatever might be the case, it is always best to keep your router up to date for performance and security-related purposes.

6. Invest In Range Extenders and Mesh WiFi Systems:

If you still seem to be having trouble getting your router to effectively reach every nook and corner of your house, a range extender might be a good idea. These extenders can help amplify your router’s signal coverage beyond its actual capacity. It boosts the range of your router without requiring you to create a new network name. If you want to take it further up a notch, you can consider investing in a mesh WiFi system. In layman’s terms, it is a system where the router and several satellite units work cohesively to provide you with optimal coverage. These are particularly useful when you have a large house and therefore a lot more area to cover. However, this would require completely replacing your existing router. While mesh systems are extremely effective, they are also quite expensive compared to just adding an extender to your router.