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Monday, April 24, 2023

How to optimise your Wi-Fi router for maximum speed 

Are you frustrated with slow internet speeds and a poor Wi-Fi signal? In many cases, you don't need to completely change your internet service provider, your subscription plan, or even your router; you can simply try some of these tips to optimise your Wi-Fi router for maximum speed and better performance.

By changing up some of your router's settings and optimising your Wi-Fi router, you can get a better wireless signal with maximum internet speeds, as well as better coverage and improved Wi-Fi signal. This can make a huge difference to your life - you will be able to access faster internet speeds and have fewer interruptions while streaming, working, or gaming.

At Best Internet, we believe everyone should have access to the best internet connection, which is why we offer an easy way to compare internet deals by budget, location and speed requirements. But what happens when your internet slows down? Here we unpack how to choose the right router for you, set it up and get the best internet speeds possible. Keep reading!

Selecting the correct Wi-Fi router

Choosing the best router is a super important decision because it heavily impacts the quality of your internet connection.  Newer routers are designed to handle higher speeds than traditional wireless routers. That said, you should aim to get a new model. Newer models are optimised better for faster internet than older models. If you find that your Wi-Fi is slow, it might be that your router is a bit outdated, and you need to upgrade to a newer router that's better equipped for your internet. In most cases, your internet service provider would be happy to provide one for you (usually at a small price alongside your monthly fee).

You should also take into consideration the router's range, Wi-Fi network, and signal strength when making a purchase. This just means how far your Wi-Fi signal can reach and the overall quality of it.

Speaking of which, using Quality of Service settings (QoS) on your router can improve your Wi-Fi speeds and get you a better internet signal. QoS allows you to prioritise devices for better streaming, gaming, and other activities which require high speeds and consistent performance.

If you are still not getting the best internet speeds, you may need to increase the range of your Wi-Fi signal. To do this, look for a router with external antennas or an inbuilt amplifier system that can extend the range of your connection.

Getting set up on your new router

Setting up a router? Sound complicated? Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think. First, check the Wi-Fi router to make sure all connections are secure and that all cables are connected properly. Next, set up a strong password to protect your router from hackers or other malicious activity. Nothing like "123456" or "Password1". Sorry.

You should also consider changing the SSID (Service Set Identifier or the name of your home Wi-Fi network) if you haven’t done so already. Changing this to something unique to yourself will help in avoiding any issues with neighbours using the same Wi-Fi name as yours. Once your router is set up, it is important to check your connection speeds to make sure your internet activities aren't interrupted.

Using a speed test to check your internet and Wi-Fi speed

It’s important to ensure that your internet connection is working as expected and that you are getting the optimal speeds promised by your internet provider. To do this, use a speed test to check both your Wi-Fi speeds. Through this method, you can determine how well your router is performing and make adjustments if needed.

How do you do a speed test? It’s simple – just visit any internet speed testing website (a simple Google search will get you a number of usable results) and run a test. If you aren't happy with your speeds, you can either a) contact your service provider, b) try our router optimisation tips and see if that helps, or c) find a new internet plan on Best Internet's website.

Why you may have a slow internet connection

Slow internet speeds can be caused by a variety of factors. It could be due to an outdated modem and router, poor signal strength, or faulty wiring in the house. If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, first check your cables and connections to make sure everything is secure. Then run a speed test to determine if the issue lies with your fibre connection.

If these check out and you're not happy with your current internet experience, browse around Best Internet's website to find an internet plan more suited to your needs in minutes.

Ways to optimise your wireless router for increased Wi-Fi speed and faster internet

Once you have set up your router, there are several ways to configure your router to improve your internet connection. Some of our tips involve physically checking it, while others include changing the router's settings to increase and boost the signal so you can get the speed you need.

Here are our 7 tips to improve signal and increase your internet speeds without spending any more money:

1. Reboot your router

Sometimes, simply rebooting your router can make a huge difference! It will help clear any network issues and let the system work at optimal conditions.

2. Check your router settings

Make sure that all settings on your router are configured correctly. This includes things like setting up your password (make your Wi-Fi password strong and difficult to guess) - you never know who has guessed your password and is enjoying an internet connection at your expense. You could also update the router firmware.

Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritise certain types of traffic, like video streaming or gaming, over other types of traffic, like web browsing. Keep your security settings up to date by regularly changing your Wi-Fi password and downloading the latest firmware updates.

3. Re-position your router

Placing your router in the right place can have a huge impact on signal strength and speed. Find an open, central location to get optimal performance, instead of a corner or behind furniture where walls and floors might cause interference in the signal. If you want maximum coverage from your fibre router, place it in different areas around your house to see where you get maximum coverage.

The placement of your router is perhaps one of the best ways to improve speeds and Wi-Fi. Start by positioning your router in an optimal location, preferably one that’s close to the centre of your home. This will ensure that the Wi-Fi signal is evenly distributed throughout your living space.

4. Get a new antenna

A new antenna (or range extender/wireless repeater) may boost signal strength and range and help speed things up. It is best used in cases where the modem or router is far from the devices connected or when there are obstructions between them (like walls and floors).

Make sure you buy one that is compatible with your router model so that you get maximum benefit. You should also consider using range extenders or wireless repeaters if you have a large home and need extra coverage. These devices can help extend the reach of your fibre connection so you can enjoy fast internet speeds no matter where you are in your house.

5. Opt for the right router

Choose a router that is compatible with your internet connection for optimal performance. Some routers are specifically designed to work best with fibre internet, so they can get the bandwidth they need and offer faster speeds and better performance. Get one that is designed for the type of internet connection you have to ensure that you're getting the best speeds possible.

6. Choose the right connection for maximum speeds

Use a wired connection, such as an ethernet cable, to connect to your router. The speeds you get with this type of connection are perfect for important activities such as gaming or streaming video – it will give you an uninterrupted and reliable connection that can be faster than a wireless connection.

7. Choose the right internet

If you don't have the right kind of internet deal for your specific needs, you will always have wireless connection issues. Find the right internet provider with the best fibre deals in your area to always get maximum speed and performance from your router. Also, remember that it might not be your router but your internet type. Some areas have a stronger Wi-Fi signal than others. So, ensure that your current plan is the right one for your location and internet usage.

If not, you could always visit our website to find and compare the best internet deals from top internet service providers in South Africa. In just a few clicks, you could be better connected.

To wrap up, by following these steps, you can get maximum internet speeds as well as better coverage and an improved Wi-Fi signal. This can make a huge difference to your life, allowing you to access faster internet and have fewer interruptions while streaming or gaming.

Optimise your router to boost your Wi-Fi signal for better internet speed

Having super-fast internet bandwidth and speeds can make a huge difference in how you consume your everyday media, but that doesn't mean you need to spend large amounts of money to make this happen. Sometimes, simply shifting the placement of your router might make all the difference. You can also try connecting your devices to your router via ethernet for enhanced gaming speeds and video streaming or switching your router for something newer and better capable of handling the faster internet speeds available.

We hope that this guide has been helpful in optimising your Wi-Fi connection. If you are still struggling to get the best fibre deals, don’t worry, Best Internet is here for you! Our quick and simple platform makes it easy to compare internet plans by budget, location and speed requirements and with our help, everyone can have access to the best internet connection available. Visit our website to get started!

Digital Storyteller
Aspen Henriksen
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