Take advantage of the security already built into your router and select a password (or better yet, a passphrase) that is a hard-to-figure-out combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. īecause home Wi-Fi speeds are (slightly) dependent on how many people are using it at one time, a strong password is key: It will ensure that only authorized people are using your network. If you don’t want to use a beer can, you can use simple household tinfoil to create the same effect. Although your router might look messy, your signal strength should greatly improve (at least in certain directions). Stick one of the router's antennas through the mouth of the beer can and use a small piece of duct tape or blu-tack to keep it in place, then repeat the process for the other antenna. Fan out the flaps to create a curve or parabola and turn the can upside down to stand it up. Then, from the bottom, cut down the middle of the can on the opposite side of the space. Repeat the process for the top of the can, just below the mouth, but don’t cut all the way around-leave about 1 to 2 inches of space at the top to make sure the mouth of the can is still attached. Then, remove the pop top and, using a pair of scissors or a utility knife, cut around the bottom of the can to remove it. Step one: Have a beer and wash out the can. Typically, a beer is something best enjoyed after a home improvement project is complete, but in this case, it's necessary to drink one before you even get started: The aluminum in beer and soda cans reflects and extend the signal farther than the router itself. Keeping a router’s antennas perpendicular to each other will ensure a solid connection between your home network and your smartphones and laptops. Internal antennas vary in mobile devices, depending on how you’re holding them (in portrait or landscape mode). Wi-Fi works best when signals are parallel to a device’s internal antenna, which are horizontal in laptops and vertical in desktop computers. If yours are parallel, it's time to switch things up and go perpendicular. Most routers have two adjustable antennas on top. And remember: It's best to buy a new router every seven or eight years. But if you have an older router, those updates ensure your router's software is running at its best and most efficient. Yes, we know-running firmware updates is annoying and time consuming. (It's also probably the first thing your Internet provider will ask you to do when you call to complain, so head them off at the pass.) And if you buy an outlet timer, you don't even have to worry about it: Set the timer to reset your router once a day at an off-peak time. It sounds simple enough, but a majority of tech support problems can be cleared up by simply resetting or rebooting your router or modem on a regular basis. You should also avoid placing your router near metal objects, which can absorb signal strength. If you want an easier fix, most routers have an automatic option to find the best channel for your location. Using online tools- Acrylic Wi-Fi for Windows and AirGrab Wi-Fi Radar for Mac, for example-can help you find the right wireless channel with the least amount of interference. To reduce interference, place your router away from household appliances and set it to a different wireless channel and frequency. Microwaves, cordless telephones, flourescent lights, and even other routers in your neighbor’s home or apartment may interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
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