Improving Your Home Wi-Fi
support TCC Mar 24, 2022
Factors that affect your Wi-Fi network
1. Device Age & Quality
Newer devices offer faster Wi-Fi speeds than older devices. If you’re getting slower speeds and have an older device, the device might be the problem. For example, a laptop even just 3 years old could experience up to 4x slower max speed range.
Quick Tips on Improving Your Network Speed
- Power your device off completely and power it back on after 30 seconds.
- Clear your browser history and cache [if applicable].
- Remove any unused apps. Apps can run in the background, slowing down your device.
2. Signal Interference
All Wi-Fi signals compete with each other. There are certain sources of interference that may be contributing to slow Wi-Fi speed to your device.
Factors that can Affect Your Internet Connection
- High Density Living Area: Impacts are worse in apartments and condos with several neighbours in all directions.
- Peak Activity Hours: Impacts are worse in apartments and condos with several neighbours in all directions.
- Older Devices: Older devices have a harder time dealing with Wi-Fi interference.
- Other electronics: Other electronics in your home can also interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
3. Number of Devices
The more devices connected to your Wi-Fi network, the bigger the demand on the network and the greater effect this has on speeds to your devices. Higher-speed Internet packages deliver better Wi-Fi to many devices. You may have more Wi-Fi devices than you think!
How Your Devices Can Affect Your Wi-Fi Connection
- Devices may still use your Wi-Fi even when you’re not using them.
- Disconnect from Wi-Fi or turn devices off when you’re not using them.
- Certain activities use a lot of bandwidth, such as streaming videos in 4K, try reducing your viewing quality to HD
- You may have more devices connected to your Wi-Fi network than your Internet package case effectively support.
4. Location of Modem
Wi-Fi signal strength is strongest close to the modem. As Wi-Fi radio waves travel from the modem, they are affected by: distance from the modem, obstructions such as walls, furniture, etc., signal interference from other electronics (small appliances, microwaves, etc.)
How You Can Test Your Internet Speed
High Test the reach of your Wi-Fi signal by running multiple speed tests as you move away from your modem. Use the device that is experiencing slow speeds.Run a speed test standing next to the modem and note the results.
Move to the location where your device is experiencing slow speeds and run another speed test. Compare the speed test results.
