Place your modem in the best possible location
Where you place your modem can have a big impact on your Wi-Fi performance.
To get the best signal:
-
Position your modem in a central location in your home to ensure even coverage.
-
Place it on a high shelf or wall mount, rather than on the floor or in a cupboard.
-
Minimise the number of walls and floors between your modem and devices
-
Keep it away from large metal objects and electronic devices that may interfere with the signal, like microwaves and cordless phones.
-
Avoid placing it near water sources, like fish tanks, as water can absorb Wi-Fi signals and weaken them.
Reduce interference from other devices
Many household devices can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, including:
-
Microwaves
-
Cordless phones
-
Baby monitors
-
Bluetooth devices
-
Smart home gadgets
To reduce interference, try moving your modem away from these devices, especially if they operate on the 2.4GHz frequency, which is commonly used for Wi-Fi.
Limit the number of connected devices
Every device connected to your Wi-Fi network uses bandwidth. If too many devices are connected at the same time, your internet speed can slow down.
To optimise performance:
-
Disconnect devices that are not in use.
-
Prioritise important devices, like your work computer or smart TV, over less important ones.
-
Consider upgrading to a router that supports more simultaneous connections if you have a lot of smart home devices.
Restart your modem regularly
Just like a computer, your modem or router can slow down over time. Restarting your modem every few weeks can help clear any temporary glitches and refresh your connection. Simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on.
Use a wired connection
Wi-Fi is convenient, but a wired connection using an Ethernet cable can provide a faster and more stable connection. If you do a lot of video calls, gaming, or high-definition streaming, consider plugging in devices like your computer, gaming console, or smart TV directly to the modem.
Upgrade your equipment if needed
If your modem is more than a few years old, it may not be keeping up with your internet plan. Newer modems and routers support faster speeds and better coverage. Check with your internet service provider (ISP) to see if your current equipment is still suitable.
Check your internet plan
Not all internet plans offer the same speeds. If your household has multiple people streaming, gaming, and working from home at the same time, you may need a plan with higher speeds and more data. Contact your ISP to discuss whether your plan is meeting your needs.
Use Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks for large homes
If you have a large home, your Wi-Fi signal may not reach every room effectively. A Wi-Fi extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system can help distribute the signal more evenly throughout your house.
Reduce background internet usage
Many apps and devices use the internet in the background, which can slow down your connection.
To free up bandwidth:
-
Close apps that you’re not using, especially those that stream videos or download large files.
-
Turn off automatic updates on devices that don’t need them immediately.
-
Set large downloads to occur overnight when fewer people are using the internet.
Check for network congestion during peak times
Internet speeds can slow down during peak usage times, such as evenings when many people are streaming. If your connection is slow at these times, you may need to upgrade to a faster plan or switch to an ISP that offers better peak-time performance.
Contact your ISP if problems persist
If you’ve tried all these steps and your internet is still slow, contact your internet provider. They can check if there are network issues, suggest a better plan, or even send a technician to investigate.
