So, you’ve just unboxed a shiny new tablet, a next gen PC or console, or a gorgeous new smart TV. The money is spent, you’re excited; You’re ready to dive into 4K streaming, smooth gaming, and instant web browsing. But then… reality hits. Brutal buffering times, lag spikes, that spinning wheel of bitter disappointment. But how? You’ve got the latest devices, and a high-speed nbn® plan on a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connection, so what gives?
It’s a common, soul-crushing scenario; your exciting, brand new tech being held back by a slow or unreliable internet connection. You can spend a fortune on the latest gadgets, but if your Wi-Fi router is hiding in a dusty cupboard (or worse, is older than your dog), those brand-new gadgets could feel just as slow as your old ones.
If your Wi-Fi setup is outdated or poorly configured, even the most powerful processor and the clearest display may not save you from a sluggish online experience. In particular, if your Wi-Fi router is more than five years old, it may be time to consider whether it’s still suitable for the rest of your tech. Don’t let your new gear get held back by a tired old Wi-Fi signal. Let’s fix that!
Location, location, location: Where your wi-fi router sits matters
Think of your Wi-Fi router as a mini broadcasting station. Just like a radio station, its signal needs a clear path to reach you effectively. And just like a radio, it struggles with interference and distance. This is why placement is often the easiest win when it comes to optimising your home connection. Here are some quick fixes that can help improve your browsing and streaming:
Bring it out of hiding
While your Wi-Fi router might not match your aesthetic, it doesn’t belong tucked away in a cabinet, behind the TV, or under a pile of magazines. These obstacles can act like signal blockers, weakening your Wi-Fi. Give your router some breathing room!
Keep it elevated
Wi-Fi signals spread out and tend to go downwards. So, placing your Wi-Fi router on a shelf at about waist height, mounting it on a wall, or even just putting it on top of a desk rather than underneath it can help its signal reach further and with less interference, bypassing floor-level clutter.
Go central
If your Wi-Fi router is tucked away in a back room, it can struggle to reach devices at the opposite end of your home. Aim for a central spot, ideally where you use your internet the most, to help ensure a more even and stronger signal distribution throughout your entire living space.
Beware of Signal Bullies
Some household items are notorious Wi-Fi disruptors. Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and even large metal appliances (like your fridge) can interfere with your signal. Try to keep your router clear of other electronic signals to prevent interference.
How big is the area you’re covering?
In bigger or multi-storey homes, a single Wi-Fi router might not be enough to give you the coverage you’re looking for. If you’ve got dead zones, consider whether you’d benefit from a Wi-Fi mesh system. These clever setups use multiple units or ‘access points’ to create a single, streamlined network that can help with signal strength around your home.
The answer could lie in your device’s updates and settings
Beyond the physical placement of your router, there are also some digital tweaks that can possibly make a huge difference. If moving your Wi-Fi router hasn’t solved your connectivity woes, these device optimisations are all about ensuring your gadgets and your Wi-Fi router are properly working together to help get you the best download and browsing speeds.
First up, your Wi-Fi router’s firmware. This is basically the operating system for your Wi-Fi router. Manufacturers regularly release updates to improve performance, boost security, and enable compatibility with newer, faster internet standards. An outdated Wi-Fi router firmware can actually prevent your newer devices from reaching their full potential. Most modern Wi-Fi routers have an auto-update feature, but it’s worth logging into your router’s settings occasionally (usually via a web browser) to make sure everything is current.
Next, there’s your devices themselves. Just like the Wi-Fi router, your laptop, phone, tablet, and smart TV all benefit from regular software updates. These can provide network driver improvements and performance enhancements that can directly impact your Wi-Fi speed and stability. Don’t hit “remind me later” forever, download those updates!
Finally, a quick pro tip: sometimes, simply switching Wi-Fi channels on your router can make a difference. These Wi-Fi channels can get congested much like lanes on a highway. If too many cars (devices) are using the same lane, traffic (your data) slows down. You can try changing your Wi-Fi channel in your router’s settings to a less congested one, and there are online resources you can use to scan for the least crowded channels in your area.
By taking these simple steps – optimising your router’s location, keeping its firmware updated, and ensuring all your devices are compatible with your needs – you’ll help ensure smoother browsing, faster downloads, and a better online experience across all your devices. So go forth, update, move things around, and give your gadgets the best chance to perform at their peak!
To find out more tips on improving your internet setup, visit the nbn website.