Chances are you’ve hit the limits of your Wi-Fi reception in recent months. How could it be otherwise when you have to deal with home schooling, telecommuting and a lot of entertainment going over the Wi-Fi network. Fortunately, there are simple and powerful solutions to solve this kind of problem.
SO OFTEN A PROBLEM
After a hard day’s work, you want to relax on the terrace with some music. Headphones and Spotify are connected and then… Everything seems to malfunction. Nine out of ten chances it’s your wireless network. Your patio and garden are just at the edge of the Wi-Fi router’s coverage, so some data sometimes comes in and sometimes it doesn’t. In recent weeks, you may have discovered another phenomenon. It works seamlessly with one or two devices, but as soon as the whole family comes online, connections drop and video calls fail. Unless you had to set up a new workstation in the last bedroom during the lockdown and noticed that the internet there is unreliable. Wi-Fi issues everywhere. But, no more complaining: what is the solution?
THE ROUTER IS NOT WELL PLACED
The first step is to find out what is wrong. In most cases, you have a bad Wi-Fi network in some places in the house because the router only has a limited range. Your ISP’s technician has placed it in the basement, away from the bedroom, attic, and yard. Also, the basement and downstairs are often filled with items that interfere with Wi-Fi, such as metal water pipes or bundles of electrical wiring. It may look nicer, but this typical router and associated cables often don’t work well.
TRAFFIC JAM
In the countryside, you see only a few cars; on the ring of Antwerp, it is always blocked. It’s the same problem with Wi-Fi. In a city or in the center of a village, there are many Wi-Fi networks in the air: in all the houses, in some schools and in many businesses. and even through ISP hotspots. These networks all use the same frequencies, which means that data packets can get stuck in the traffic and the range is limited. And just like traffic jams, the problem is more severe at some times than at others. Newer routers solve the problem by searching for a new channel, but there aren’t many options. You can combat them by installing an even more powerful router. But if everyone does it, you are back to square one. Mesh devices are a better option because they create a bubble in your home.
DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS
One solution is to place the router centrally. Unfortunately, this is often not possible, because the cable from the provider enters the basement or the technical room. But there are several solutions:
- Place a Wi-Fi repeater i between the provider box and where the Wi-Fi is slow. You can do this multiple times, with the downside that your network will slow down as a whole.
- Buy a Wi-Fi router or access point and place it in a central location. The connection between your service provider’s router and the new device is made using a network cable. Pick the right router and you’ll have all the pieces covered. Some technical knowledge will make this solution easier to implement.
- Install a Powerline solution . No works necessary. And don’t worry: the operation of your electrical devices will not be affected.
- You opt for a solution called Mesh. You place one or more devices in your home that together create a strong Wi-Fi network. Your devices automatically connect to the fastest signal. Mesh devices are more discreet and compact than full Wi-Fi routers. They are sold cheaper as a package.
IT HAS TO COME FROM BOTH SIDES
In general, a router update is enough to get up to speed. Is it still disappointing? You should then take the equation the other way around. Old laptops and mobile devices cannot benefit from new Wi-Fi technologies. Need to replace a computer? You might then benefit from a better connection. A new laptop will often perform better in other areas as well, especially when compared to an older device. With machines that are too new to replace, you can only change the network part. The easiest way is to use a USB Wi-Fi adapter. Of course, you will opt for the newer Wi-Fi version than the one you already have.
NEW BUT NOT FASTER
Different versions of Wi-Fi have appeared over the years. Technically, there are many differences, but it’s not always easy to know what’s new or better. Although it’s only a drop in the bucket, all Wi-Fi versions work with each other. A ten-year-old laptop will still connect to your new Wi-Fi router. It won’t speed up your connection. However, really old devices can slow down the entire network, causing your new smartphone to behave slower while you surf. However, it is very exceptional.
RELEASE 6
Wi-Fi technologies have always been marked with the IEEE802.11 label, then with one or two letters. On the packaging of routers or laptops, you will see, for example, “IEEE802.11ac”. Until recently, “ac” was the fastest version. But “ax” will make its appearance. To make things a little clearer for the consumer, manufacturers are going to use the name “Wi-Fi 6” instead of IEEE802.ax. Good to know: not all versions of Wi-Fi were as fast. Sometimes new techniques have been introduced to solve problems in order to achieve wider range or better connections in homes.
WHAT INTERFERES?
- Appliances: Store a Wi-Fi router in a cupboard, but if the microwave or refrigerator is nearby, your Wi-Fi will suffer.
- The mirror: Who is the prettiest? The answer will not be able to be found on Google, since a mirror is a serious obstacle to the Wi-Fi network.
- Glass: Some glasses block Wi-Fi, laminated glass and UV filters do not just block the sun.
- Hearing aids: Some hearing aids can interfere with Wi-Fi if the person approaches the router.
- Electric cables: An extension cord of dubious quality also threatens your live stream on YouTube.
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