Millions of Irish households are now dependent on a reliable broadband connection for streaming, gaming and remote working.
However, many are still not receiving the download speeds they need or deserve. This can be a frustrating issue, but there are some straightforward steps you can take to ensure your Wi-Fi keeps up with your daily digital demands.
While your download speeds will be determined by your provider and how much you're willing to pay, positioning your router in the wrong part of your house can disrupt those crucial speeds. A few quick adjustments could potentially boost your connection for free.
If your internet connection feels like it's moving at a snail's pace, here are some top tips for getting things back on track. If your downloads are disappointing, the first thing to do is check the location of your router.
If it's hidden away in a cupboard, tucked behind the TV, or placed under the stairs, it's time to make some urgent changes, reports the Express. To achieve the best signal, ensure that the flashing black box is out in the open, centrally located and, if possible, elevated off the floor.
It's also a bad idea to place it near devices such as baby monitors or cordless phones, as these devices emit their own signals that can interfere with Wi-Fi and slow things down. While it's advised to keep your router in an open space, that doesn't mean you should pop it on the window sill.
Glass can interfere with the signal, sending some of it outside instead of bouncing it off walls and back into your room. And then there's the issue of heat. Like all tech, Wi-Fi routers aren't fans of getting too hot.
If they overheat, they can slow down or even shut down completely. So if your router is perched on the window ledge, it might be time to find it a new home. The kitchen isn't a great spot for your router either. It's full of metal objects that can mess with the signal.
And if you're constantly using your microwave to whip up dinner, this could seriously affect your internet speed. Microwaves operate on the same 2.4 Ghz frequency as Wi-Fi routers, which can cause interference and even disrupt your connection.
Your pets probably won't affect your download speeds, but if you have fish...watch out. Wi-Fi really doesn't get along with water. If your router is near a big tank of water, this could be why your streaming keeps buffering. Keeping your router away from any aquatic life could give your internet speed a quick boost.
Giving your Wi-Fi router a reboot every so often can work wonders. Yes, the old trick of switching it off and on again really can fix issues, clear bugs, and get speeds back on track. Most ISPs recommend switching off the router, waiting one minute, then turning it back on again.
Just be aware that the full reboot can take up to five minutes to finish, so don't tap the power button if you are about to join the weekly work Zoom call. Although a restart is a good idea, it's not recommended to turn the router off overnight as it won't get vital upgrades. Constantly turning things off and on again can also send signals to the ISP that there's an issue with the line, which can then mean emergency speed restrictions are put in place and actually slow things down.
Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Story Saved
You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
