Locate and select the Network Name setting, then enter a unique network name. Locate and select the Network Password setting, and choose an Encryption option. There are several types of encryption you can use, but we recommend WPA2 , which is generally considered to be the most secure.
Enter your desired password. Make sure to use a strong password to help ensure no one else can access your network. That's it! Now you're ready to connect to your Wi-Fi network and make sure it's working. The process for connecting to a Wi-Fi network will vary slightly depending on what type of computer or device you're using, but any system will require these basic steps.
If the connection is successful, open your web browser and try navigating to a webpage like www. If the page loads, it means your Wi-Fi connection is working correctly. Devices that don't need quite so much bandwidth, like smart thermostats, don't have to be a priority in terms of physical proximity. If you don't have a flat surface near the best spot, you can mount your router halfway up a wall.
If possible, keep it away from other devices that use electromagnetic waves; that includes baby monitors, wireless keyboards, and even microwaves. We sometimes forget: Wires still exist! You don't need Wi-Fi. A wired connection to your router is usually preferable to a wireless one.
It's faster and more stable and can't be affected by other devices or large fish tanks. The downside is that it limits where your devices can be, and it's less convenient overall.
Still, for hardware that needs the fastest internet possible—a gaming console, desktop PC, or a streaming box, for example—it's often well worth the effort to run a wire.
The router will have a handful of Ethernet ports to spare, so all you need is a cable. To do a really tidy job and avoid having wires trailing across your floor, you'll need to deploy some cable management. For one or two gadgets, it can be worth the extra setup. Wi-Fi signal is divided into channels. Your router uses a particular Wi-Fi channel to communicate with the devices around your home, and if you have neighbors living very close who have routers using the same Wi-Fi channel, then everything can get congested quickly.
Switching channels can solve this problem. Every router will handle this differently. Check its documentation or look up the instructions online if you're not sure, but you should be able to find the option somewhere in the device settings. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are the ones to try, as they'll have the least interference when multiple devices get hooked up. Most routers now use dual-band technology, broadcasting at the 2. If your router settings allow you, you might be able to prioritize one or the other for certain devices—the 5-GHz band will get you a faster connection to the internet, though it has a shorter range than 2.
We suggest leaving both frequencies enabled since older devices will often work only on 2. Routers vary significantly in functionality and price, but in this case, the upgrade to make is generally in terms of how far your Wi-Fi is broadcast. If you have a large house, you're likely better off with a router that can pair with "repeaters" that broadcast signals into the farthest reaches of your home. Smaller homes and apartments can generally get by with a simpler system.
Read our router buying guide for more details. For larger homes, we recommend a mesh network, where you install multiple router nodes around your house. The downside is there's no support for Wi-Fi 6. If you have a lot of brand-new devices that support Wi-Fi 6, that might be a deal breaker. Prices may be higher or lower depending on the type of Internet you have installed and the location in which you live.
Many stores and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi for their guests. Just remember that unsecured networks can make your wireless devices susceptible to interference from outsiders. Your Wi-Fi may slow down for many reasons. If your Wi-Fi is not configured properly, it may run more slowly. Household appliances can also cause signal interference, which can hinder your high-speed.
Finally, overloading your wireless network with too many devices or users can also slow down your connectivity. Read More. Internet technology continues to evolve and new players are always entering the market. Therefore, the best deal you could find five years ago may not be right for you today. Also, many internet providers offer limited-time reduced pricing, which can cause […]. View Deals WiFi speed refers to how fast you can transfer data between the internet server and your device at any given time.
This speed determines the kinds of activities you can do with your internet connection and also […]. Advertiser Disclosure. By Courtney Martin Updated August 28, Get your electronics promo code! Courtney Martin is a freelance copywriter whos has worked as a writer since She has composed blogs and articles spanning the financial, home improvement, travel, and hospitality industries.
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