How Can I Make My Internet Faster? Tips and Tricks for a Faster Connection

Optimising Router Placement

Router placement plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal internet speed and reliability. The position of your router can significantly affect the strength and reach of your Wi-Fi signal. Here are some practical tips for placing your router for the best performance:

1. Central Location: Place your router in a central location within your home. This helps distribute the Wi-Fi signal evenly throughout the house, reducing dead spots and ensuring a stronger connection in all rooms.
2. Elevated Position: Position the router on a higher surface, such as a shelf or wall mount. This elevation helps the signal travel more freely and avoids obstructions that can weaken the signal.
3. Avoid Obstructions: Keep the router away from large metal objects, thick walls, and electronic devices that can interfere with the signal. Common culprits include refrigerators, microwaves, and cordless phones.
4. Open Space: Place the router in an open area rather than inside a cabinet or behind furniture. Enclosed spaces can block or weaken the Wi-Fi signal, reducing its effectiveness.
5. Orient the Antennas: If your router has external antennas, adjust them to maximise coverage. Position one antenna vertically and the other horizontally to cover a broader range of devices.

Auckland Geeks once helped a client whose internet was slow in certain parts of their home. By relocating the router to a more central and elevated position, they significantly improved the Wi-Fi coverage and speed throughout the house. Proper router placement is a simple yet effective way to enhance your internet experience.

Selecting the Right Internet Plan

Choosing the right internet plan is essential for achieving the speed and reliability you need. Different plans offer varying speeds, data limits, and prices, so it’s important to select one that fits your usage requirements.

1. Assess Your Needs: Consider the number of devices connected to your network and the activities you engage in online. Streaming, gaming, and video conferencing require higher speeds than basic browsing and emailing.
2. Check Speeds: Compare the download and upload speeds offered by different plans. Higher speeds are beneficial for households with multiple users or for those who frequently stream high-definition content or play online games.
3. Consider Data Caps: Some plans come with data caps, which limit the amount of data you can use each month. Choose a plan with sufficient data to avoid overage charges or throttling, especially if you use data-intensive services.
4. Evaluate Providers: Research different internet service providers (ISPs) in your area. Look for providers with good reputations for reliability and customer service. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or neighbours.
5. Negotiate and Bundle: Contact your current provider to see if they can offer a better deal or if there are any promotions available. Bundling the internet with other services like TV or phone can also save money and improve value.

Auckland Geeks advised a family who was experiencing slow internet during peak hours. By switching to a higher-speed plan with a more reliable provider, they noticed a significant improvement in their connection stability and speed. Selecting the right internet plan tailored to your needs is crucial for a seamless online experience.

Reducing Interference

Interference from other electronic devices and networks can significantly impact your internet speed and reliability. By identifying and minimising sources of interference, you can improve your Wi-Fi performance.

1. Identify Interference Sources: Common sources of Wi-Fi interference include microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and Bluetooth devices. Place your router away from these devices to minimise their impact.
2. Choose the Right Channel: Wi-Fi routers operate on different channels. Using a less congested channel can reduce interference from neighbouring networks. Access your router’s settings to change the channel. Tools like Wi-Fi analyzers can help you find the best channel.
3. Use 5 GHz Band: Modern routers offer dual-band frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 5 GHz band is less prone to interference and offers faster speeds over shorter distances. Connect devices that require higher bandwidth to the 5 GHz network.
4. Update Firmware: Regularly updating your router’s firmware can help improve performance and reduce interference. Manufacturers release updates to enhance stability, security, and efficiency.
5. Limit Bandwidth-Hungry Applications: Applications like streaming and gaming can consume significant bandwidth, causing slower speeds for other activities. Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritise essential activities and devices.

Auckland Geeks assisted a local business struggling with slow Wi-Fi in their office. By identifying interference from nearby networks and adjusting the router’s channel, they significantly improved the network’s performance. Minimising interference is key to maintaining a fast and stable internet connection.

Using Network Extenders

Network extenders, also known as Wi-Fi boosters or repeaters, can help expand your Wi-Fi coverage, ensuring a strong signal throughout your home or office. Here are some tips for effectively using network extenders:

1. Understand the Types: There are various types of extenders, including plug-in models, desktop units, and mesh systems. Mesh systems, such as Google Nest Wi-Fi or Eero, provide the best coverage by creating a network of interconnected nodes.
2. Optimal Placement: Place the extender halfway between your router and the area with poor signal. Ensure it’s within the router’s range to receive a strong signal and extend it effectively. Avoid placing it near potential interference sources.
3. Same SSID vs. Different SSID: Some extenders allow you to use the same SSID (network name) as your main router, making it easier for devices to switch between the two. Others use a different SSID, which can be beneficial for managing specific device connections.
4. Configure Properly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up the extender. This usually involves connecting to the extender’s setup network, accessing its configuration page, and linking it to your main router.
5. Test and Adjust: After setting up the extender, test the signal strength in different areas to ensure optimal coverage. Adjust the placement if necessary to improve performance.

Auckland Geeks helped a homeowner who had poor Wi-Fi coverage in their backyard. By installing a network extender and optimising its placement, they extended the Wi-Fi signal, allowing for seamless connectivity outdoors. Network extenders are a practical solution for enhancing Wi-Fi coverage in larger spaces.

Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

Maintaining and monitoring your network is essential for ensuring consistent internet speed and reliability. Regular upkeep can prevent issues and help you address problems quickly when they arise.

1. Restart Routinely: Regularly restarting your router can help clear its memory and resolve minor issues. Schedule periodic reboots to keep your network running smoothly.
2. Monitor Usage: Use your router’s built-in monitoring tools or third-party software to track bandwidth usage. This helps identify devices or applications consuming excessive bandwidth, allowing you to manage and optimise usage.
3. Check for Updates: Regularly check for firmware updates for your router and other network devices. Updates can fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance security.
4. Secure Your Network: Protect your Wi-Fi network with a strong password and use WPA3 encryption. Regularly update passwords and review connected devices to ensure only authorised users have access.
5. Review ISP Performance: Periodically test your internet speed using tools like Speedtest.net. Compare the results with your ISP’s advertised speeds. If you consistently receive lower speeds, contact your provider for support or consider switching ISPs.

Auckland Geeks advised a small business on regular network maintenance, including periodic router reboots and monitoring bandwidth usage. This proactive approach helped them maintain a stable and fast internet connection, even during peak hours. Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential for a reliable and high-performing network.

By following these tips and tricks, you can significantly improve your internet speed and reliability. Auckland Geeks is dedicated to helping clients optimise their networks, ensuring a seamless and efficient online experience. Whether it’s through better router placement, selecting the right plan, reducing interference, using extenders, or regular maintenance, these strategies will help you achieve a faster and more reliable internet connection.