At Home
Can I improve my Wi-Fi at home?
We know that some of you may be having some challenges with technology services. There are many factors involved with Internet and Wi-Fi experience at home, and it all starts with your provider. In general, the types of providers are listed below in fastest speed order:
- Cable
- DSL
- Cell
- Dial Up
Note that DSL and Cell are almost neck-in-neck, depending on what is available to you and what providers are in the area. Also, when configuring your network, make sure you have an internet connection available to Google information. This can be a cell phone, or even a computer hard-wired to the cable modem or new router while you tweak Wi-Fi configurations. Google is your best friend for information during this process. If you need help getting into your equipment, just type in the manufacture and model number and your question to Google. And remember, you can always call the manufacturer for help - they are usually happy to walk you through and make recommendations.
Example Google query to find info quickly:
- Call your provider and ask for free speed increases and data cap removals during the COVID-19 situations (while you have them on the phone, ask for the admin password to your modem so that you can manage Wi-Fi setting).
- Ensure you have a password set for all the Wi-Fi options you are broadcasting (even guest Wi-Fi setting). You may be accidentally providing free Wi-Fi to neighbots who are using your bandwidth to stream their movies. Even if they have their own service, the devices could have seen a stronger signal from you Wi-Fi and used it, so don't assume it is intentional use. A password protects you from this.
- Use your own router and not the Wi-Fi built into the equipment provided from you provider. Not all equipment is of the sam quality and quantity of internal components to handle numerous devices and network streams. When you have your router installed and set up, be sure to go into the settings for the providers equipment and disable Wi-Fi so the signals don't interfere with each other. The IT Department prefers the Netgear home routers and the Linksys lines from Cisco.
- Name your 2.5Ghz and 5Ghz channels the exact same name with the exact same password, and turn off the quest network (more on that later). Not all devices work on both channels, and 5 is faster. So rather than you figuring what to connect to what, this will allow your device to pick which is the best for you with no work or decisions on your part - so fast devices will used the fast speed and you will spread out the load on your router.
- Enable QOS option if it is disabled, but don't provide your own rules. This is quality of service and the router will likely have some built in rules that handle prioritazation of traffic for performance increase and still have quality in the service. These rules can be counter intuitive and are very complicated, so resist the urge to tinker.
- Lastly, test the signal strength in locations where you are using service, then relocate your router to be closer to important locations. Wi-Fi speeds decrease with distance. After you relocate the router, test the strength again. You will have new obstacles between your device and router after you move it that may interfere with the signale strength so always post test. A good free app for this is the Netgear Wi-Fi Analytics app for your phone - just make sure you are connected to your Wi-Fi when you use it since it will test the signed in Wi-Fi.
Guest Wifi:
If you have your home network working as desired, you might consider adding a new layer of security. Many home routers are coming with a guest network, so you don't have to give out your Wi-Fi password to short-term visitors. Be sure to always use a unique password! You can also use the guest network to separate your non-personal and IOT devices (such as Alexa, smart devices, TVs, game consoles, etc...) from your personal devices (like computers, tablets, and phones). The same rules apply for set-up as above.
TIP: Name the Wi-Fi the same as your home network with an "apps" at the end and use a different password. So, if you call your home Wi-Fi "mynetwork", then call your guest Wi-Fi "mynetwork apps" or something similar. Also, make sure you DON'T allow cross talk between the main network and guest network (usually disabled by default). After you move you non-personal devices to the guest Wi-Fi, you will have much less to worry about if you IOT devices get hacked. It will keep your personal systems and information just a little more protected.
Back to Questions