WiFi is one of the most important technologies of today’s computer networking. Whether you can’t respond to emails, stream a video, or connect to an online video meeting, a WiFi failure can be incredibly frustrating and inconvenient.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the reasons why your WiFi may be slowing down, and a few of the ways you can boost the effectiveness of your connection.
Why your WiFi connection may be slow.
- Outdated security protocols – Ideally, your network should use WPA2 or AES security. Older protocols like WEP and WPA limit the speed of your network to about 54 mbps, which is not ideal for homes and businesses that use a lot of connected devices. In addition, WPA2 and AES are more resistant to hacking.
- Using the 2.4GHz band instead of 5GHz – The 2.4GHz band is outdated and slower. If your router supports a 5GHz wireless connection, you should use this band. It minimizes interference and maximizes speed, and has more available channels.
- Range of the WiFi interface – The farther away you are from your router, the more packets will be lost when trying to connect to WiFi – and the slower your connection will be.
- Interference from other devices – Some devices like microwaves and Bluetooth devices can interfere with your WiFi, particularly if you are still on 2.4GHz networks.
- Unsecure WiFi – If your WiFi network is not secure, or you do not use a guest network for non-registered users, chances are it’s overloaded with too many devices, which negatively impacts its speed. Also, make sure to password-protect your network!
How Can You Speed Up Your WiFi Connection?
There are a few other steps you can take to speed up your WiFi connection, and get a more consistent network performance.
- Purchase a new router – If your router only supports WEP or WPA security, or only supports the 2.4GHz band, invest in a new router that can handle WPA2 connections, and supports dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi.
- Move your router – Moving your router to the center of your home or workspace can help improve the quality of your connection in the areas where you use the internet the most.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for configuration – When setting up a new router, make sure to follow the recommendations and instructions of the manufacturer to ensure your connection is fast and secure.
- Use a WiFi scanner to choose an unpopulated channel – A WiFi scanner app can help you choose an unpopulated channel, which will allow you to enjoy faster speeds. Remember – the 5GHz band has more unpopulated channels!
Contact Us Now For WiFi Help!
If you need help with your WiFi, and don’t know where to start, please give us a call directly at 303-770-8050. We can help you assess, analyze, and restore your WiFi connection.
