.jpg)
As we rely more and more on wireless technology, a weak Wi-Fi signal can be a frustrating and common problem for many of us. A weak Wi-Fi signal can cause slow internet speeds, connection drops, and buffering issues, making it difficult to browse the web or stream content. If you are constantly waiting for Netflix to buffer or stuck with slow download speeds you could have a weak Wi-Fi signal.
A very common sign of a weak Wi-Fi signal is slow internet speeds. If you are trying to stream Netflix and get constant buffering or if you notice things like Instagram taking longer to load this could be because of slow internet speeds. You can easily check your internet speed with an online speed tester. We like to use Ookla for reliable speed tests.
Another sign of a weak Wi-Fi signal is frequent connection drops. You will notice this happens on devices like your phone because it will switch from using Wi-Fi to using your data from your phone provider. This can be frustrating if you are watching a high definition video or downloading an app.
Wi-Fi from devices like your router provided by companies like Bell, Cogeco or Rogers is good to provide Wi-Fi coverage but can often have weak zones around the home. You may notice that your Wi-Fi signal is only strong in certain areas of your home, this is a sign of a weak signal. Wi-Fi needs to pass through obstacles so things like walls, furniture, and other obstacles will weaken the range. The farther you move away from your router, the weaker the signal will be. If you find that your Wi-Fi signal is only strong in certain areas of your home, it may be time to consider installing a Wi-Fi extender or moving your router to a more central location. A professional home networking technician will also be able to provide you with resolutions to the problem with the Wi-Fi.
If you live in an apartment building or densely populated area, you may notice multiple Wi-Fi networks when searching for available networks on your device. This is common in high density cities such as Toronto or Montreal. Multiple networks can interfere with each other, leading to weaker signals and slower internet speeds. One thing you can try is changing the channel on your router to a less crowded one to improve your signal strength.
Most devices such as your smartphone will have a Wi-Fi signal strength indicator. This can be helpful in determining the strength of your Wi-Fi signal. The signal strength is usually represented by bars, with more bars indicating a stronger signal. If you notice that your device only has one or two bars, it may be a sign that your Wi-Fi signal is weak.
What can you do if you are experiencing any of these signs of a weak Wi-Fi signal? We have compiled a few tips to improve your Wi-Fi signal:
The location of your router greatly affects the strength of your Wi-Fi signal. We often see a router placed in a basement in a corner. This is usually the worst possible place for the router. Your router has to send out wireless signals so if you place it in a corner or in a basement, the router will have a hard time supplying a healthy signal all around the home. Ideally, your router should be placed in an open space away from walls and obstructions. We recommend this space being on the main floor of the home for the best results.
If you have limited Wi-Fi coverage around your home from a limited Wi-Fi range you could try a Wi-Fi extender to help extend the range of your Wi-Fi signal. Wi-Fi extenders are not the best option to get Wi-Fi coverage around your home but they are typically inexpensive and easy to install. The Wi-Fi extender or booster as they are sometimes called will receive the Wi-Fi signal from your router and then broadcast it to a wider area.
Oftentimes the router that is provided by your ISP (internet service provider) is not the best. Upgrading to a more high end router will help provide more coverage and in best case scenarios, also improve your speed.
If you are still using an old router that is 6+ years old, it may be time to upgrade to a newer model. Newer routers have better technology and can support faster speeds and more devices. A new router can also help improve your Wi-Fi signal strength. Try calling your internet service provider to see if you can get a free router upgrade before you go out and buy a new one.
A professional networking technician will be able to provide the best solutions for your unique situation. Each home and home network is different from another. Different homes have various layouts, device usage and construction materials.
A professional can ensure that your home network is set up correctly and efficiently. They can provide advice on the best hardware and software to use, and can provide the right cabling and equipment for your specific needs.
Hiring a professional can also save you time and stress. Setting up a home network can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, especially if you don't have experience in this area. A professional networking technician is experienced in this field and can take care of all the technical details, ensuring that everything is up and running smoothly.
Overall, hiring a professional for home networking is a smart investment that can save you time, stress, and money in the long run.
Display Your Way is the best choice for all of your home networking needs. Our experienced home networking technicians can provide customized solutions that are tailored to your unique home and networking needs. We use only the highest quality CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a for your home networking installation. If you have a plan for your home network please let us know and we can help make your home networking dream come true.
We provide warranties on all networking installations completed.
St. Catharines | Niagara Falls | Hamilton | Burlington | Oakville | Niagara-on-the-Lake | Grimsby | Thorold | Welland | Niagara Region.
*All installations are backed by a warranty so you can enjoy with peace of mind