What other tech tips will improve your daily life? Call my national radio show and click here to find it on your local radio station. Plug in the modem first and wait for it to come fully online. If your network seems sluggish, unplug both gadgets for at least 30 seconds. Most users have to reboot their cable or DSL modem from time to time. This is essentially like having two routers in one. By enabling dual bands, you could keep older devices that only support the slower G specification on the 2.4GHz band and newer devices on the beefier and speedier 5GHz band. Newer routers usually have dual-band capability. Unlike B/G routers that only transmit on the crowded 2.4GHz spectrum, N and AC routers could transmit on 5GHz as well. Newer N or AC routers typically support this band. If you have a newer router, check to see if it supports the 5GHz band. Some top-of-the-line routers are even starting to roll out support for the newer AD protocol, also known as Wi-Gig. Look for specifications like beamforming, Multiple-In-Multiple-Out (MIMO), multiple USB 3.0 connectors and Gigabit Ethernet ports. Newer AC routers also have advanced features not found in older routers. This is like having multiple routers in one. In other words, the increased bandwidth allows more data to be transmitted without slowing down.Īdditionally, by having multi-bands, you could keep older 2.4GHz devices on their own bands while keeping newer devices that support the latest Wi-Fi standards on the higher bands. If you’re in the market for a new router and you want improved Wi-Fi speeds and reach across your home or office, aim for at least an 802.11 N or AC router with dual or triple-band capabilities.ĪC routers have a maximum spectral bandwidth of around 8 x 160 MHz, compared to the 4 x 40 MHz standard of N routers. Just check your router’s support site for information on what each one does. If you prioritize Skype, for example, other software will down, ensuring your call is smooth.ĭifferent routers have different ways of handling QoS, and most consumer-level routers have more simplified ways of enabling it by having presets available. You could set latency-sensitive applications like Skype, IP telephony, streaming media, and online gaming to have higher priority over other types of activity. QoS is a feature on some routers that will let you prioritize traffic according to the type of data getting transmitted. You can also use QoS (Quality of Service). Put the kids and guests on their own network Click here for more details and download information. Similar to the Mac’s Scan tool, this application will instantly give you information about the Wi-Fi signals in your area including the channels they utilize.įor Android users, there are a many Wi-Fi scanning tools available, but a popular one is Network Analyzer. To check the optimum 2.4GHz channel for your area or the least used channel, try using a Wi-Fi scanner.įor Macs, Apple provides a free tool called “Wireless Diagnostics.” To access it, hold the Option key while clicking on the Wi-Fi icon on the right-hand side of the menu bar, then choose Open Wireless Diagnostics.įor Windows, download the free Wi-Fi utility, Acrylic Wi-Fi Home. Moving from one channel to a less crowded one may help speed things up. This is especially helpful if you’re tuned to that 2.4GHz frequency. You can also select a different channel for your router. By the way, Netspot works for Macs. You can also use an app like the free Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android that has a real-time signal strength meter. To help you pinpoint issues, you can create an actual Wi-Fi “heat” map of your area using a free tool like HeatMapper. Rival devices such as cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers, microwave ovens, and baby monitors can impact your Wi-Fi network. Routers often compete for airwaves with other household devices. More: Why you should never hide your router in a closet: 5 steps to speed up your slow Wi-Fi Look for interferences
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