Often, WiFi issues stem from interference, outdated equipment, or ISP problems. Firstly, consider the placement of your router again; it’s good that you moved it to a central location, but ensure it’s elevated and free from obstructions like thick walls or appliances. Those can significantly impact the signal.
Check the frequency band your WiFi is using. Many devices default to the 2.4 GHz band, which is more crowded and susceptible to interference (microwaves, cordless phones, and even your neighbors’ WiFi can cause issues). If your router supports it, switching to the 5 GHz band can provide a less congested, faster connection, though with a shorter range.
Updating the firmware on your router is another crucial step. Manufacturers periodically release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. You’ll usually find the update option in your router’s settings, accessed via a web browser using the IP address provided by the manufacturer.
Then there’s the possibility of bandwidth hogs on your network. If multiple devices are streaming, gaming, or even downloading large files simultaneously, the overall performance can take a hit. You can prioritize certain devices or applications via Quality of Service (QoS) settings in your router’s configuration, ensuring that work and critical tasks get a larger share of the bandwidth.
Interference from other electronic devices can also be a culprit. Things like baby monitors, microwaves, and wireless security cameras can wreak havoc on your WiFi performance. Try turning them off one by one to see if there’s any improvement in your connection.
If none of these steps help, it’s worth measuring and analyzing your WiFi environment using specialized tools. NetSpot
is particularly great for this. It’s a site survey software providing a visual map of your WiFi coverage, identifying weak spots, dead zones, and sources of interference. You can download it from ‘https://www.netspotapp.com’.
Lastly, it’s possible your ISP’s service is at fault. Outdated infrastructure or issues outside your home can lead to unreliable connections. It’s a good idea to run an internet speed test with a wired connection to see if the problem persists. If your wired speed is also low, contact your ISP. They may need to address issues on their end or provide a new modem.
Hope this helps and good luck resolving those WiFi woes!