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Overview
This article provides tips to help you get the most out of your off-campus home Wi-Fi network.
Configuration best practices
Update the router and modem firmware
Upgrading the firmware on your modem and router can significantly improve Wi-Fi speeds. If you own your own equipment, check the product website on how to complete a firmware update, or call their tech support. If you rent your equipment from your Internet service provider (ISP), call their tech support line for help.
Change the default Wi-Fi channel
Wi-Fi routers can broadcast their signal on more than 10 channels. Often, the default broadcast channel is 6. Moving it to another channel, like 2 or 11, will stop your router contending with others in your neighborhood and can greatly improve Wi-Fi performance.
Connect to the 5GHz network
Some routers broadcast both Wi-Fi network names at both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. If your router has the 5GHz option, it’s much faster. Just keep in mind that 5GHz has shorter range than 2.4GHz.
Reboot your modem and router frequently
Just like rebooting your computer, power cycling your home Wi-Fi equipment will almost always help improve performance.
Strategic placement
Keeping your router in the middle of the house, higher off of the ground, away from electronics and other things with motors, and with as few doors and walls as possible, will give you the best possible speeds. Do not leave your Wi-Fi router in a closet, cubby or hidden away as it will greatly reduce the quality of service.
Be aware of usage
Take inventory of what online activities other house members and devices are using. If other family and house members are working or learning from home, it’s important to be mindful of what others are doing on the network during prime usage hours. Downloading large files will saturate a network connection as will streaming high quality (1080p / 4K) videos from popular services like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+.
Paid Enhancements
Upgrade your Internet speed
There is probably no better way to improve the Wi-Fi speed and experience of your home network than upgrading the speed of Internet. This is especially so if there are numerous users within the household that are also regularly using Wi-Fi.
Upgrade your modem
DOCSIS 3.1 is the latest cable modem standard that allows full gigabit Internet service. Gigabit Internet is extremely fast as long as you have modem equipment to support it. To get the full advantage of these speeds, you’ll need the DOCSIS 3.1 modem and a high-speed router that has 5GHz speed. Note: many ISPs like Comcast also rent all-in-one units that feature both the modem and router in one.
Look for the higher end of the range of routers from bands such as Netgear, Linksys and ASUS to name a few.
Upgrade your router
Upgrade to a high end, modern Wi-Fi dual-band router with 5G speed. Consider upgrading to a very powerful router by a trusted brand. Some things to look for when buying a new router: dual band broadcast of 2.4GHz and 5GHz, very wide broadcast range that can easily cover your entire home, and ideally, even past your yard. Also look for a model that is easy to administer so you can update your own firmware regularly, change broadcast channels and even administer from your smartphone and remotely reboot if needed.
Look for the higher end of the range of routers from bands such as Netgear, Linksys and ASUS to name a few.