We love the internet and we love it, even more, when we can access it from any point in the house. But sometimes due to a range of reasons you can’t quite get it to where you need it! If this is something you’ve found yourself struggling with, we are here to share with you some tips on getting the most out of your internet connection!
Wifi extenders
Wifi extenders (sometimes called Wifi repeaters) are a great way to extend your wireless internet connection throughout your house! They usually plug into a wall socket, connect to your wifi signal and then extend that signal out. It is important to note that the signal coming from an extender won’t be as strong as the one coming from your router so make sure to place it near where it will be used most.
We recommend this Linksys WiFi Extender.
Powerline Kit
Much like a wifi extender, a powerline kit can extend your wifi signal through your house, but this time using your electrical wiring to transfer the digital signal. Here’s how it works: you will connect one powerline plug to your router and then plug it into a nearby wall socket. You can then place another powerline plugin in another part of your home and it will be able to provide that area of your home with both a wired and wireless connection.
We recommend this one from TP-Link.
Routers
Routers play a huge role in the strength of your connection and it is important to find one that keeps up with the speeds that you are paying for. If you pay for 1 Gbps but have a router that can only handle 250 Mbps then you won’t be getting the speeds you are paying for. Check out our list of recommended routers here.
If it’s your wireless connection that you are struggling with you might try moving your router to a new location or restarting your router. If you decide to restart your router make sure that it is your router you are restarting and not your Yellowstone fiber equipment that we install in your home. Restarting your Yellowstone Fiber equipment can interrupt your connection and make it more difficult for our team to diagnose any problem with your connection on our end.
Change your router channel
Much like a remote or walkie talkie routers send your wifi signal out on different channels. If you live in close proximity to other people or businesses there is a greater likelihood of your neighbor’s router using the same wifi channel as yours. This can cause congestion and slow your connection down. Every router is different when it comes to changing your channel but you can often look it up on the brand’s website or on the directions that come with your router.
Change your router band
Most routers nowadays operate on what is called dual-band technology. This is where your router has two different frequencies that it sends your wifi signal, usually a 2.4-GHz and a 5-GHz. Here’s the difference between the two:
2.4-GHz – Gives you a longer range but is not as fast. Often older devices will only work with a 2.4-GHz connection
5-GHz – Gives you a fast internet connection but has a much shorter range.
You can check your router settings or manual to see if you can prioritize one frequency or the other for certain devices. Choosing the best one for your devices will help increase your wireless connection!
Protect your wifi with a password
It goes without saying that the fewer devices on your internet the better your connection will be and the more secure your internet! That’s why it is important to password protect your internet connection so you know the devices on your network. It can also help to remove any used devices from your wireless connection such as that “smart” kettle in your kitchen that you never use.
Consider a wired connection – ethernet cable
The best way to get the most out of your internet connection is to opt for a direct wire connection to your router. This will ensure that you are getting the speeds that you are paying for. Having a wired connection is not only more reliable but also more stable as it won’t be affected by other devices on your network. Routers generally have several ethernet ports that can be used for direct connection and you can buy ethernet cables online or at any tech store.
Here’s a 2 pack that we found on Amazon.
Contact your ISP
If you notice a significant drop in your speed or complete stop of connection and troubleshooting methods aren’t working, the next course of action is to contact your ISP. Oftentimes there could be a hiccup with their network that they will be able to fix. You can find their contact information on our website here.