WHAT CAN YOU DO
• Switch your router to a faster, less congested channel
• Stop the bright lights on your router bothering you
• Get alerts when new devices connect to your network
• Update your router’s firmware to improve its speed
• Ensure your router hasn’t been hijacked by malware
• Extend your Wi-Fi coverage using powerline adapters
• Create a heatmap of your Wi-Fi signal
We’re all guilty of taking our Wi-Fi for granted until the point when it becomes frustratingly slow or starts knocking our devices offline. And, regardless of the connection speeds promised by our internet providers, it’s safe to say that few of us enjoy consistently fast and reliable wireless signals across every area of our homes.
There are plenty of reasons for slow Wi-Fi – from a failing router to network congestion – but the majority of problems are caused by mistakes we inadvertently make ourselves. The good news is that these are usually easy to fix.
In this feature, we explain how you can speed up your Wi-Fi by avoiding and rectifying seven of the most common Wi-Fi errors. Some of these are down to personal choices you may not realise are affecting your connection, such as attempts to hide an unattractive router, while others are more technical and involve tweaking a few hidden settings.
Additionally, we recommend the best new devices you can buy to boost your Wi-Fi speed and coverage.
And finally, we test the best apps for measuring the strength of the Wi-Fi signal around your home, so you can make an informed decision on the best location for your router. Three of our writers, who live in three very different properties, report their findings using our top choice.
DON’T MAKE THESE WI-FI MISTAKES
1 COVERING YOUR WI-FI ROUTER
If your Wi-Fi router has an ugly design, with spiky antennas and bright, distracting LEDs, you might be tempted to cover it with something that disguises its unsightly appearance. The online marketplace Etsy sells router covers made of material including wire mesh, wood and acrylic, which make the device more attractive or hide its presence altogether. Or you may improvise a solution of your own such as covering it with a shoebox.
However, camouflaging your router may reduce its speed, because it’s designed to be in the open so that wireless signals can be transmitted without any obstructions. Metal guards that supposedly block Wi-Fi radiation by encasing the router in a ‘Faraday cage’ (pictured below right) are particularly problematic and significantly cut your Wi-Fi speed and coverage. There’s no scientific evidence that Wi-Fi signals are dangerous and blocking Wi-Fi radiation essentially means blocking
