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Boost Your WiFi Signal And What Your ISP "Fails" Tell You.

Tired of sluggish internet speeds? Despite all that money you're paying for what you think should be fast internet, is it just too slow? It is highly likely you are not taking full advantage of your router. I'm not going to lie to you, you can't really change the listed internet speed without paying more to your ISP (internet service provider) but, these tips will help you take advantage of your maximum speed. 

The problem with your ISP (internet service provider) (Don't like to read? Click to reach an easy outline)

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Although some providers "throttle" connections, it usually does not make a huge impact and isn't usually the main issue when it comes down to making the most of your internet connection. The main issue with service providers is a huge lack of communication and education to their clients. We mindlessly walk into a contract, expect a "plug and play" problem free connection, and expect to get the maximum stability and speed possible from the provider. You might get lucky and the installation technician will provide some advice, but it's pretty unlikely.

Why do providers not provide education, tips, or suggestions? To be quite honest, I don't really know. We probably speculate it is for them to take advantage of us and revolve around money. To me, I think it takes time and money to explain things, so they just don't do it.

Why is my internet slow?

The most common issues with internet speed are oftentimes, either the computer itself, an unstable connection from your router to your computer, or both. We cannot completely rule out that the ISP isn't the issue, however, I would strongly suggest trying the tips in this article before you get yourself frustrated with hold times and automated phone options.

Boosting that signal (Here come the tips!)

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With the common "plug and play" mentality or just being limited in computer and/or network knowledge, it can be hard to find a starting point. The internet is flooded with advertisements of half-truths or lies about making your internet faster. Some, with little to no information as to why or how the product will even help. Hopefully, I can help with filtering through the falsehoods and make this as easy to understand and follow as possible. Let's start with the easiest solutions to the harder ones.

The simplest solution we don't want to hear, go wired. Wired versus WiFi.

Going Wired

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We'll start with the easiest solution to get you the max internet speed. Although it is not 100% in touch with this post, I feel it is essential to advise the benefits of a wired connection. Plugging your router directly into your computer creates little to no interference, the highest speed to what you are paying for, and the most stability. Imagine, this connection as if you are riding on a non-stop airplane. There's no traffic and the fastest way to travel.

The downside to an Ethernet connection, however, would boil down to convenience. Having to run a line from one room to another, inability to use your internet anywhere in the building, or the cost of the cable and labor could get expensive if you don't do it yourself.

Here comes the WiFi 

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So you don't want the inconvenience of dealing with Ethernet cables. That's why you are here right? Here is my WiFi guide to get the most out of your connection.

Step 1 - At the minimum: If you want to maximize your WiFi connection, a general rule of thumb is to be as close to your router as possible. Ideally, you would have the internet router in the same room at minimum or one room away maximum. 

The reason for this is that any amount of walls will lower your signal strength. Imagine trying to talk to someone in the same room. Easy right? How about one room away? It could be pretty hard. Two rooms away? Now we're down to mumbles.

Step 2 - Connect to 5 GHz: The most common WiFi connections out there right now are 2.4 Ghz and 5 GHz. The differences? As of speed goes, they are pretty much the same. Without going into too much detail however, you are going to want to connect all possible devices to 5 GHz or buy an adapter that allows you to connect to a 5GHz band. Luckily, for most devices, especially newer ones, you are already pre-equipped with the ability to use 5 GHz.

Why 5 GHz? Simply put, you should connect to a 5 GHz band versus a 2.4 GHz because, interference and traffic. Imagine it like this, 2.4 GHz is like a two-way single lane street. It's a long, well known street everyone likes to use. Congested right? This can lower your internet speed significantly depending on where you live, as most devices and most routers default their connections using 2.4 GHz. Now there's 5 GHz which is like a super high-way with 100 lanes in both directions, but less known and sometimes hidden (not default), so people don't know how to use it. No congestion equals faster/matched speeds.

As 2.4 GHz connections are more common, the signal channels (lanes) overlap a lot and slow things down. Since 5 GHz has way more channels (lanes) the congestion is more spread out which can prevent congestion all together in some cases.

Here's a video guide of how to set up your router for 5 GHz, how to see if your computer has 5 GHz capabilities, and how to connect to a 5 GHz connection.

Step 3 - using a repeater/extender: The Myth: Companies will tell you that this will increase your internet speed and it is a must have. They will tell you that it will surpass the speeds you are paying for. Sorry, but it isn't true. The truth and how it works: What a repeater/extender does is make your connection travel further by playing "piggyback" with your connection. It connects the router to the extender, then to your computer.

I only recommend this if you are limited on where you can use your computer. If you, 100% do not have a choice as to where your computer is in regards to distance between the computer and router, then a repeater/extender might be a good idea. There  are downsides however.

One downside would be that some repeaters/extenders are limited and either do not offer 5 GHz or say they have a 5 GHz connection, but truthfully don't. The repeaters/extender must be positioned at a halfway point between your router and computer but not too far from the router otherwise it would render the repeater/extender useless. Lastly, as most devices use the 2.4 GHz band, if your repeaters/extender is limited to 2.4 GHz, it may cause congestion with your router, slowing down your connection. 

Here's a few suggestions for repeaters/extender and wireless adapters.

Repeaters/extenders:

NetGear 5GHz capable
NextFi 5GHz capable

WiFi Adapters:

NetGear (this one I personally use)
TP-Link

Overall, with the right distance, the right connection, and the right devices, you'll achieve your true internet connection. If these don't help, you may need to do some troubleshooting for your connection which can be found at the following link:  Fix Your Internet Without Leaving Your Seat! (Mostly)

Easy Outline! The moment you've been waiting for. (Click To Top)

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1. Problem: ISP doesn't have time to educate you on how to get the most out of your connection and router

2.  Why is my internet slow: Most of the time either the computer itself, an unstable connection from your router to your computer, or both.

3. Best internet results: Plug in with a wired Ethernet connection.

4. Minimum effort for the best WiFi connection: Be in the same room as your router and at max, one room away.

5. Connect to your router using 5 GHz. It's less congested which provides a smoother speeds. Here's a "how to" video. Click Here!

6. Too far from your router? Use a repeater. I would still suggest trying to get closer to your router.