If you've been working or studying from home for a while, you may have noticed your internet turning you into an intergalactic alien while on video calls.
Whether you have additional people in the house using internet bandwidth or faulty modem issues, you may be left feeling frustrated. Here are a few practical tips you can use to boost your home internet speed.
One of the best places to start to ensure your internet is as fast and reliable as possible is to look at the heart of your home network – the Wi-Fi modem.
Just like our computers, sometimes our modems need to restart to refresh their memory. Turning it off and on again may help fix internet connection problems and boost your internet speed.
When's the last time you upgraded your modem? If the answer is, 'I can't remember' you may be working with vintage hardware. If your modem is more than a few years old it might only support WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), one of the oldest wireless security protocols. Look for modems with WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access version 3) which can offer increased security and internet efficiency.
Your internet speed may be affected by the position of your modem and how many interfering paths are in the way. Try repositioning your modem in a central location, ideally in a high-up place.
It's also worth checking things like your microwave, cordless phone or baby monitor to see if these are affecting your connection as some appliances can interfere with the signal. If so, consider using a different Wi-Fi frequency channel.
Having proper security in place keeps your information private and secure. It can help stop hackers from gaining access to your shared files and using up your bandwidth or download limit. You can do this by:
To prevent your neighbours from watching Netflix on your bandwidth, make sure you set a complex password. Better yet, set a unique passphrase that’s long, unpredictable and uses spaces and punctuation. Failure to keep your network secure might provide strangers with a bit too much control over your coffee machine, air conditioner or smart home system.
Just like upgrading your phone's software, your wireless modem's software may need to be updated. You can do this by visiting your manufacturer's website. This might help fix any problems and speed up your internet. Make sure you regularly check for updates and use antivirus software.
Go unnoticed and stop your SSID (service set identifier) from broadcasting and announcing its presence to the world. This will help to protect your network from any hackers who want to use your internet.
So, you've tried most things to speed up your Wi-Fi? If you're still having trouble with your Wi-Fi coverage, you might like to try these hacks:
Wireless modems can operate on several different channels, so finding the right one will save you plenty of headaches. Consider switching to one with little interference from other in-home devices or neighbours. You can use your computer to locate the best channel and then log into your modem/router and test the channels against Wi-Fi speed.
As mentioned earlier, some physical obstructions may interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Also, the larger your home, the more space your Wi-Fi signal will have to cover. Investing in a Wi-Fi extender may help to improve your modem's coverage and penetrate through any thick objects, helping to speed up your internet. If all fails, choose an extender that better suits your needs and the size of your household.
The number of devices you have and how you use them will affect your internet speed. Here are a few tips on managing your devices to speed things up.
Bandwidth is a finite online resource. If everyone in your house uses up your download or streaming bandwidth, your internet speed will be impacted. Certain applications use more bandwidth like gaming, HD, Netflix, and video chats. Be aware of what devices are connected. Plug anything you can into Ethernet and unplug anything you have connected but don't need (like that "smart" tea kettle you never once got to work).
With the rise of smart home technology, the ability to connect more devices and use voice commands is increasing. Asking your device to 'disconnect this device' or 'turn off Jack's Wi-Fi' can be useful in managing and prioritising your household's internet bandwidth.
Here's what you need to know:
These steps may help boost your internet speed across streaming, browsing and other online activities. If these steps don't help and your internet speed is still slow, find an nbn plan that better suits your needs and the size of your household.
You can save on your internet plan when you combine with AGL energy.
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