HAVING a slow Wi-Fi connection can be frustrating for anyone, whether you are catching up on the news, streaming your favorite movie, or completing homework.
There are several reasons why your network may be running slower than usual.
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Some include a poor broadband plan, overcrowded Wi-Fi channels in your area, or a malicious virus.
However, there are three main reasons why your Wi-Fi performance could be slow, and many homeowners are guilty of forgetting the first one:
1. RESET YOUR MODEM
Getting a stronger internet connection on your device can be as simple as turning your modem and router off and on.
This quick step can be easily forgotten as homeowners fear the worst for their devices.
Before resetting the Wi-Fi, check several devices in your home connected to the network to determine how many are experiencing a slow connection.
Be sure to check the same devices after turning it back on to see if it made a difference.
Ryan Hansen, a Verizon Business internet specialist, told Readers Digest that if only one device is slow, it might be a “hardware problem” rather than a network issue.
If you are still having a slow Wi-Fi connection after resetting the modem, Hansen suggested taking the ethernet cable given to you when installing the network and connecting your computer directly to the device.
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“Reset the modem again,” Hansen said.
“If you have Internet after this, it’s a router problem. If not, it’s time to call your [Internet Service Provider.]”
2. DEVICES ARE IN THE WAY
The second main reason why your internet connection may be slow on your device is that other devices in your home are causing an interference with the network.
Mike Khorev with Nine Peaks Media told Readers Digest that any electronic devices that emit a radio frequency, such as a radio, television, or computer monitor, can block your Wi-Fi signal.
“Try removing them from your space to check whether they are the issue,” Khorev said.
This could take some trial and error, moving items to different rooms, or moving rooms yourself.
However, once you find the device that is in the way, you can move your router and modem accordingly for smooth internet connections.
3. USING A CHEAP ROUTER
Finally, the third reason why your network is having poor performance could be due to the quality of your router.
Using a cheap and poorly made router or modem will hurt your Wi-Fi connection’s longevity.
One way to tell if your router is good quality is checking its weight, according to Trevor Textor, an IT infrastructure specialist.
Textor told Readers Digest that it is important to invest in a router that costs at least $200, as anything else “will likely not function well.”
“This is because routers are essentially PCs with purpose-built software,” he told the outlet.
“They make them cheaper by putting in less expensive CPUs and less memory. A router above $200 will actually weigh more.”
For Textor, the heavier a router is, the better connection you can get.
“This is a good sign. More CPU and memory takes more metal.”
