CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — If you are experiencing slow or inconsistent internet speeds in your home or business, it may have nothing to do with your service from your provider. In fact, there are easy things you can do to improve your Wi-Fi speeds. TDS Telecom Manager of Consumer Data Product Management Brandon Laufenberg has some DIY tips and tricks to improve your internet experience.
Router placement
Where you place your Wi-Fi router matters. Wi-Fi routers connect your home network to the internet, and where the device is located can impact performance.
“If possible, keep your Wi-Fi router centrally located,” Laufenberg said. “If that’s not possible for your home, consider utilizing a mesh Wi-Fi system with multiple wireless access points throughout the home.”
Keep the router off the ground and not inside cabinets or behind things that can cause interference. Closed doors, walls and other physical barriers can affect your network’s speed.
Monitor network usage
A Wi-Fi network is like a highway. It only has the bandwidth to handle so many “cars” (data) before a traffic jam. The more devices using a network’s available data, the more prone you are to a proverbial internet traffic jam.
Disconnect old devices you no longer use or don’t recognize. Many Wi-Fi-connected devices have apps to help manage your network. There are different methods to disconnect devices, including blocking devices via your router’s online control panel or changing your Wi-Fi password.
Update your equipment
Wi-Fi routers, like any piece of technology, can quickly become outdated. Often, the key to faster Wi-Fi speeds is simply keeping your equipment current. The devices you are connecting to the internet, like your laptop, smart TV or smartphone, all need to stay up-to-date as well to benefit from a newer router.
Update your firmware. If you use your own equipment, keep it up-to-date to help with stability, but also to help avoid security vulnerabilities. With TDS equipment, we take care of maintaining the firmware of your equipment, leaving you with one less thing to worry about.
Change your frequency
Wi-Fi routers primarily operate on two different frequencies, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Each frequency has its advantages: 2.4 GHz has more range and is better equipped to pass through walls and obstacles, while 5 GHz is the faster frequency and less likely to be interrupted by competing technologies. Depending on router placement, number of devices on a network and where you live, one frequency may have faster speeds.
Each frequency has a few channels which operate at a slightly different center frequency. Channels can suffer from congestion if too many Wi-Fi routers in close vicinity are using the same channel.
“If you have a lot of neighbors who live close by, try changing to a less congested channel,” Laufenberg said. “With most equipment, it’s automatic, but sometimes doing it yourself helps.”
Some Wi-Fi routers and modems have apps to help manage your network. To manually change your router’s frequency or channel, log in and access your router’s configuration page.
Following this advice will improve your internet experience. However, having the right internet provider can assure you of a strong connection. TDS was named the gold winner for Telecom Provider in the Best of Southern Utah 2024 contest conducted by Canyon Media.
Along with its reliable and fast internet speeds, TDS has a next-generation TV service called TDS TV+ and feature-rich phone plans. Learn more by visiting HelloTDS.com or calling 1-844-322-8834.
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