Introduction
Wireless routers are essential for many wireless devices to connect to the internet. They can be used in homes, offices, cafes, and many other places. Wireless routers allow multiple devices to connect to the same network over the same wireless frequency. Unfortunately, many wireless routers can suffer from poor signal strength, high latency, and slow speed. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to improve network speed with a wireless router.
Securing the Network
One of the first steps to take to improve network speed is to secure the wireless network with a strong passcode. Hackers can easily access a wireless network if the passcode is weak. You can easily create a strong passcode by using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Moreover, you should also enable network encryption on the router. Common encryption protocols include WPA2 and WEP.
Router Frequency and Channel
You should also check the frequency and channel. Many routers use either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies to deliver signals to devices. The number of channels can range from 1 to 11. It is best to use the 5 GHz frequency if possible as it is less congested and offers higher speeds. However, if other devices are using the same channel as yours, your connection will be slower. To remedy this, either switch to a different channel or configure your router to use the Automatic Channel Selection feature.
Signal Strength
Signal strength can also be an issue with wireless routers. Weak signals can cause slow speeds, dropped connections, and even range issues. To improve signal strength you can use a range extender or an external antenna. Range extenders receive the signals from the router and transmit them to other parts of the house. External antennas receive signals from the router and amplify them.
Updating Firmware
You should also regularly update the firmware on your router. Firmware updates are essential for security and performance. New software fixes bugs, adds new features, and improves existing ones. You should check for firmware updates every few months or so.
Optimizing Network
You can also optimize your network for higher speeds by making changes to your router’s settings. These changes can include disabling features such as SIP ALG, disabling web access and UPnP, and changing the Wireless Mode. You may also want to prioritize certain services or applications by using Quality of Service (QoS) and network bandwidth monitoring.
Using a Second Router
You can also use a second router to improve network speeds. This is especially useful if you have multiple devices connected to the same network. By using a second router, you can split the devices over two networks. This will reduce the amount of devices on each network and result in better speeds.
Other Tips
You can also improve network speed by disabling unnecessary services, such as web access and UPnP. Additionally, you may want to buy a new router or a repeater/range extender. Lastly, you should check for and install any available firmware updates.
Improving network speed with a wireless router is not a difficult task. There are many steps you can take to improve your connection, including securing your network, changing frequencies and channels, improving signal strength, updating firmware, optimizing network settings, and using a second router. These steps can help ensure fast and reliable speeds for all of your devices.
