DETROIT – You might not know it, but there are things you can do around your home that can help speed up your Wi-Fi.
The process starts with the decision on where to put the router in your home. Most technicians will certainly try to put the router in the best possible spot, but you should not be afraid to talk about where the router is going and share key information with the technician.
Consumer Investigator Ruth Spencer asked Comcast installation supervisor Bill Babbitt where the optimal place for a router is.
"You're gonna need to look at the locations you're going to use it. Upstairs bedroom? Basement? Kitchen? You're going to centralize it between those spots," Babbitt said.
You should also try to avoid any interference.
"Your microwave over operates on 2.4 gigahertz. So, having a computer close to your microwave over, or even in the kitchen while it's in use, can cause some pretty serious problems with your Wi-Fi," Babbitt said.
Cordless phones should also be docked away from the router.
Other Wi-Fi issues built into a home include granite counter tops, thick glass pane windows, or walls with chicken wire inside. All of those factors can cause some interference, so if you move your laptop around the house, be aware of those obstacles between the computer and the router.
Don't forget to care for your router, too.
When your technician comes to install the router, don't be afraid to ask some questions about good habits that will help it run smoothly.
"I like to tell my customers that your wireless router is a computer," Babbitt said. "Good maintenance on a router is once a month, once every couple of weeks, you should be unplugging it and letting it recycle and boot back up."
Another common issue is using your older electronics on the same band with your newer devices. The combination is hazardous to the speed of your Wi-Fi.
"In my house, I put my kids on a 2.4 gigahertz band with their older devices and I put all my newer devices on the 5 gigahertz, so they don't slow each other down," Babbitt said.
No matter who the provider is, ask questions about steps you can take around your home to maximize Wi-Fi speed.
- Give Your Router Space-- Many household appliances like DVD players, baby monitors, and Bluetooth headsets can interfere with your WiFi signal when placed right next to each other
- Beware Fish Tanks-- the water in fish tanks can act as a signal barrier, so keep any aquariums on the other side of the room from your router.
- Keep newer and older devices on separate frequencies
- Older routers can slow your WiFi speed. Check your internet connection to see if it might be time for a new router
- Keep you router in a central area of your home, avoid corner rooms, basements, cabinets, and window sills.
- Restart your router and modem about once a month. That move allows your the devices to accept updates from your carrier that you might otherwise miss.