10 recommendations to optimize your WiFi router

Essential tips to optimize your router

The router is the device that allows you to connect many other devices both wirelessly and via cable. However, this means that any problem that appears can compromise the operation of the entire network.

Keep firmware up to date

The first thing to keep in mind is that it is very important to always keep the router up to date. This is something that must be applied with any system or device, but especially those that are permanently connected to the Internet.

Therefore, we must make sure to update the router periodically to optimize performance and also avoid certain security problems that may affect us.

Choose the best channel

Another issue is to use the best possible channel. If we use a saturated channel, which can happen when there are neighbors who have many devices connected to the same channel, this can hinder the operation and prevent us from navigating at the maximum speed.

Our advice is to make sure you always use a clear channel. This will undoubtedly help the network speed to be better and reduce problems.

Change the antenna

We can do this if our router has an external antenna. It does not always happen, but if it does, we can take it into account. Changing to another antenna with higher power will help the signal reach further.

This alternative will avoid (or at least reduce) the dreaded dead zones that prevent us from connecting to the router from some areas of the house.

Take advantage of the two bands

Most modern routers have two bands: 2.4 and 5 GHz. Are you using the correct one? It is important to take advantage of both options so that the Internet connection is better.

In summary, we can say that the 2.4 GHz band is ideal when we are going to connect away from the router. It is more stable and does not lose as much signal with distance. On the other hand, the 5 GHz is the one that will offer the highest speed, but it is more unstable.

Protect Wi-Fi

Security is also very important to optimize the connection. We must always have the Wi-Fi network secure, in addition to the router itself. It is one more way to make sure that everything works correctly and that no errors of any kind appear.

The first thing to improve security is to use a good password for Wi-Fi. 

Choose a good location

This is very important and sometimes we make the mistake of putting it anywhere. You have to choose the best location for the router so that it can distribute the signal as best as possible. This will allow other devices to connect in the best conditions.

Ideally, place it in a central location in the home. Always away from other electrical devices and walls that may interfere with the signal. Also, it is good to put it in a high place.

Keep the appliance in good condition

Continuing with the location thread, we must also keep the device itself in good condition. Avoid putting it in places where it receives a lot of heat, such as near a window where it is in direct sunlight, for example.

Keeping the appliance clean will also reduce the risk of complications. We must never have it in bad condition.

Restart it if necessary

Although modern routers are designed to be able to last for a long time without restarting, the truth is that sometimes it can be recommended to make it work better or solve small problems that may appear at any given time.

However, it must be done correctly. It is not enough to switch the appliance on and off quickly. We must have it off for at least 30 seconds and then turn it on.

Opt for repeaters

Sometimes no matter how much we have optimized the router, despite it being well configured and in good condition, the connection is not the best. This is especially the case when we surf wirelessly. So what can we do to fix it? We can always turn to other devices.

We can use repeaters, Mesh systems, or PLC devices that help us improve coverage and that the connection reaches other places. In this way, we will be able to expand the range as well.

Switch to a more powerful router

Finally, if after having done everything that we have explained, the router still does not work correctly or you see that there are certain limitations, the time has come to change it and buy another that is more powerful.

There are many options available and we must take into account things such as the ability to connect computers wirelessly, the number of Gigabit Ethernet ports, or the maximum speed it offers.

In short, these are some points to take into account in order to optimize the performance of the router. All this will help to have a better speed and reduce the risk of suffering problems when browsing the network.