The COVID-19 pandemic’s reach now includes a strain on our technology—with internet traffic jams creating sluggish and spotty access for scores of students and staff working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.
Here are 10 ways you can improve your internet speed and Wi-Fi connections while we’re working from home.
1. Go Back To Wire
Wired connections perform better than Wi-Fi. Can you use an Ethernet cable to connect directly to your internet router? Look for a few extra ports on the modem or router. Ethernet ports look like overgrown phone jacks. Ethernet cables are available at most stores for less than $20.00.
2. Disconnect Some Devices, Appliances
Smart devices including TV’s and personal assistant devices use the internet even when turned off. Knock them offline by unplugging them from the wall outlet, or plug them into a surge protector and power-down the smart devices. Also, be aware that home appliances like microwave ovens, mixers, and other devices can give off electromagnetic “noise” that interferes with your Wi-Fi signal.
3. Get Closer To Your Wi-Fi Router
Closer is Faster – move as close as you can to your Wi-Fi router. Water pipes, metal duct work, brick chimneys and electrical wiring hidden inside walls cause interference. Move your router and yourself so there are fewer walls between you.
4. Upgrade Your Wi-Fi Router
If you are still using your 5, 7 or even 10+ year old Wi-Fi router, you would probably benefit from an upgrade. Look for a router that has multiple transmitter/receivers (MIMO) and is at least Wi-Fi “AC.” The fastest Wi-Fi available is Wi-Fi 6E, older versions such as AC, N, G, B and A are slower. Note: Most of your devices will only support AC or N / G, so WiFi 6E may not be worth it.
5. Try Alternate Frequencies
Every Wi-Fi enabled device competes for bandwidth. Home security systems, wireless thermostats and the like may use the same frequencies as your home Wi-Fi, causing interference. Ask your installer if they can move to alternate frequencies.
6. Try A Different Website
Telecom systems are optimized to find the most efficient route from you to the website you want, but failure or congestion anywhere along the way will cause you to have performance issues. Try picking a different website to use; for instance, try Bing instead of Google. Netflix instead of Hulu, Acme instead of Giant.
7. Work During Off Hours
Your home internet system and all of your neighbors connect to a shared node near you. As the number of users increases, everyone on the node slows down. Try to work during off hours when most users are offline.
8. Set Separate Hours For Online Work, Fun
Set separate hours for work/homework time vs fun time so fun does not interfere with work.
9. Ask For More Speed
Check with your service provider to see what speed you are receiving. Consider increasing speed, but remember most service providers can only guarantee “speeds up to… ,” so you may pay for more speed but still suffer from congestion at the shared node in your neighborhood.
10. When All Else Fails
Call a technology specialist. They are there to help your technology work, and also uncover trouble areas, or suggest ways to integrate your technology in a more efficient way. We are using more technology everyday, and expect more from it. Ensuring it all works together is key.
For more information, visit www.monnen.com or contact Monnen Technology, Inc., 8737 Brooks Drive Suite 208, Easton, MD 21601, 410-770-8885
