It is quite a headache for many to have a fast and effective internet connection at home. One in which the image and voice do not freeze when in the middle of a meeting over a video call at work, or that allows another member of the family to download all the information they may have while enjoying a movie on a streaming platform. you need to study without any jolts.
And this scenario has become even more prevalent with the pandemic, when millions have had to replace offices and classrooms with the corners of their homes in order to work or study. Which, without a doubt, has meant a greater demand for the internet they have.
And although it is very common to point the finger at the operator that provides the broadband service in the home to blame him for the problems, the truth is that there are many points that are involved when the signal that reaches him is the most optimal. This guide will help you identify what the problem is.
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1. The technology of the equipment
Do you know what technology your device supports? This can be an important factor when shopping for a tech gadget for your home.
Currently, most computers or cell phones come with Wi-Fi standards that allow for an optimal connection – either Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6; but nevertheless, If you have a computer with more than a decade, it is likely that the solution to your network problems is to find a new one And the fault is not on your operator, or the quality of the signal that your router emits.
On the other hand, it is true that there are devices on the market that can offer you better connectivity, either by supporting a more modern Wi-Fi protocol or by having a more powerful reception antenna.
2. Check the wifi protocol
It is likely that if you have a router that your operator gave you 8 years ago, it has an old and obsolete protocol that is the cause of your connection problems. The best option, if you don’t have your own router, is to call your internet provider for an update. The most recent Wi-Fi protocol is Wi-Fi 6, and although it does not represent a giant change in speed, it does allow more devices to work simultaneously.
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Note that the country’s operators do not yet provide routers with this protocol, so the option to obtain it is buy it on your own. Do not forget that both your router and your devices must support this protocol for them to work optimally.
3. Buy a router
A good option to improve your internet connection is to buy a router that distributes the Wi-Fi signal in your home, that is, connected to the modem-router that your operator gives you. In the market there are not so expensive options that are better than those offered by operators. These routers can be between 160,000 and 450,000 pesos, the important thing is that the wifi protocol is at least 5; that operates in 2.5 Ghz and 5 Ghz; that has MU-MIMO technology and that it is from a recognized brand such as Linksys, Netgear or Tp-Link. There are also those with wifi 6 and suitable for mesh systems.
4. Wire
The best way to have a stable connection with the highest speed that your provider offers is to wire. If you can, wire the apartment or the whole house, do not hesitate, but if that is too difficult in your case, at least have your main computer, the one you use the most, connected to the cable modem-router.. You will notice the difference. And the rest, by wifi.
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5. House materials
If it works over Wi-Fi, it is key that you pay attention to the materials that surround your router and / or that your signal will have to pass through to provide a good connection: concrete, a metal door or a mirror can significantly affect the correct distribution of our wireless signal at home. Wood, on the other hand, is not a great enemy of our signal. And the brick is somewhere in between. Consider this when deciding where in your home to distribute your wireless signal.
6. Modem-router location
Finding an open and central space in your home, to install the router, and in height, is the general recommendation. The other option is to put it near where most of the devices that are going to use the internet are concentrated and cover the rest with signal repeaters. The closer your computer or device to the modem the more speed you will achieve.
7. Do signal extenders work?
They can be a cheaper solution if more coverage is needed, especially in large houses with two or more floors, since it is very possible that the signal given by the router will not be enough to effectively reach every corner.
“Although it is a coverage option, there is the possibility of having jumps in the network. That is, if I am on a video call and go up to the second floor, it is possible that due to the jumps between the router and the extender the communication will drop”, Indicates Jorge Rueda, commercial manager for the Andean Countries of Linksys, who explains that in this case a degradation of the signal and “If on the first floor I have 100 megabytes, on the second I can have 50 megabytes.”
8. Measure your signal
Currently there are several free applications to download on your cell phone or laptop that allow you to measure the strength and stability of your Wi-Fi signal at different points in your home. An example is WiFi Analyzer, but there are many more like Ookla, Fast.com, SpeedCheck, Speakeas. This will let you know the best position for your router or if you need to change transmission channels because there are many neighbors on your channel.
9. More speed in loading and unloading
It is important to know what you need your network for. For example, download speed is important to download files faster or stream content without problems. On the other hand, if you need higher quality live broadcasts or uploading content, upload speed is the key. Some operators offer symmetrical upload and download speeds, ask yours for better plans with higher speeds.
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10. Mesh or mesh wifi systems
It is the latest technology and allows not only multiple simultaneous connections without any loss of speed, but they come in independent modules or stations that can be located in different parts of the house, with which the ‘dead zones’ (with poor signal, unstable or null) will end forever.
According to Hamilton Mattias, Product Manager for Qualcomm in Latin America, “This is a more expensive alternative, but it guarantees excellent Wi-Fi throughout your home. And the best: without forcing your equipment (cell phone, tablet or laptop) to jump from network to network as you move, as it happens with old signal repeaters. Internet operators sell them, but also in Unilago and on the web. “
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MARÍA FERNANDA ARBELÁEZ
Tecnósfera Newsroom
Twitter: @mafearbelaezmen
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