Wi-Fi Tips: 9 Ways to Boost Your Internet Speed

Blue paper airplane flying above white paper airplanes and text reads ‘Make Your Internet Reach New Heights’.

Find yourself wondering why your internet is so slow and how you can improve your speed? We’ve gathered some of our top wi-fi boosting tips to help you isolate the issue, increase your speed and enhance your overall wi-fi connection.

Start by looking at what could be causing your internet to become sluggish. Every home or office is different, and each will have its own set of potential speed-reducing factors.

Some common causes of slow internet include:

  • Outdated router
  • Poor router placement
  • Malware
  • Bandwidth overload from too many devices
  • Internet plan isn’t right for your home’s needs

These, among other various causes, can put a damper on your internet speeds that cause frustrating connectivity issues. Luckily, there are several things you can do to improve your internet speed.

Person sitting on chair using laptop.

How can you improve your wi-fi speed?

Here are 9 ways that you can help boost your internet to soaring speeds. Your issue may be resolved by implementing just one of these, or your situation may need attention to multiple items, depending on your equipment, home layout and internet service plan.

Centralize your router

Put your router as close to the center of your home as possible.

Change the channel

Log into your router’s settings by opening a browser, typing in the router’s IP address (found in the router’s manual), and checking the broadcast channel. It should be on channel 1, 6 or 11. If your Wi-Fi is running slow, try changing it to one of the other two channels.

Make sure your ­firmware is up to date

Check your router settings and manufacturer websites for firmware updates. Follow the instructions in your router manual to upgrade the software for your device.

Make your network password-protected

Password-protect your network in your router settings to avoid unauthorized use of your internet connection by those in close enough range to connect to it.

Remove interference

Move cordless phones, microwaves, and other appliances away from your router if possible, because they can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.

Add bunny ears

Most routers will support external signal-boosting technology, much like bunny-ear antennas for TVs.

Consider your bandwidth hogs

Some applications use more bandwidth than others, such as streaming apps like Netflix. Your other applications may be running more slowly when these bandwidth hogs are in use.

Upgrade your router

Routers get used a lot on a daily basis, and over time their ability to produce a strong enough signal deteriorates. If your router is outdated, it may be time to replace it.

Get specialized equipment

At United Communications, we offer Managed Wireless for $5.99 a month. This service uses specialized equipment to amplify your Wi-Fi signal. Plus, with this service you don’t need to upgrade your router or experience surprise maintenance costs – it’s all covered by us with our 24/7 support.

Woman looking at phone with loading symbol.

If you’ve given all of these tips and tricks a try and you’re still experiencing issues with your internet speed, it could be that the service plan you chose doesn’t meet the demands of the devices in your home. The more computers, cell phones, appliances, televisions and other bandwidth hogs you actively use in your home, the higher your speed needs to be.

We have internet service plans ranging from 50 Mbps up to 1 Gbps, the strongest wi-fi connection possible. Get in touch with one of our friendly customer service team members to learn about our plans and some money-saving options that fit your home or office best.