Today people use a lot more than their computers to access the internet. Devices like smartphones, TVs, game consoles, iPods, tablets and more might need a reliable internet connection to function properly. A poor internet connection is not only bad for entertainment; it could impair the productivity of a business. If you’re using an internet connection for business purposes, here are 5 tips to get the most out of your Wi-Fi.
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| Linksys WAG54GS ADSL2+ Modem Router (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Maximize Range with Good Placement
The signal quality on your router would take a nose dive if you’ve hidden the router in an out of the way area of the room. The distance of the router from your connected devices is important if you want to get the best signal. Walls or other objects should not stand between the router and the device since these will affect the quality of the airwaves. Get your router in a central and open position so you’ll be able to access the signal from various places around your home.
Watch Out for Interference
If your office is located in a shared building or if you live in an apartment complex, the noise around you can drown out your network. Most routers are usually preconfigured to one channel. Change your channel to something else to improve your signal. Ideally it should be one that has a higher frequency than wireless phones so you’ll reduce the noise on your network.
Encrypt Your Connection
People in your immediate vicinity can discover your Wi-Fi connection through their own devices. If your network is not password protected, other users can jump on your network and steal your available bandwidth. This will slow down your network, but it will also increase your vulnerability as users can gain access to your unprotected files. Enable a WPA or WPA2 password to protect your network.
Use Your Technology
Newer routers have the capacity to broadcast or receive data over a faster frequency. Enable these bands of higher frequency if you have devices that are capable of receiving them. If you don’t have compatible devices, turn it off to prioritize the channels received.
Simple Troubleshooting Tip For Your Router
Your router might decide to stop working right in the middle of an important download or favorite video. It happens, but there’s no need to panic. A simple trick to restore your router does not involve calling in a technician. It’s this: Unplug your router from the wall and leave it unplugged for a few seconds or so before you plug it back in.
Your router will go through its usual boot sequence, and hopefully at the end of the reboot it would be back to its normal self.
With your router ready to go, you now have to ensure that your internet connection is fast and reliable. You’ll get the most out of your broadband connection if you use these tips to set up a safe and secure Wi-Fi connection that you can use to connect all your devices at home or in your office.
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