Maria Diaz/ZDNET
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Before you dive into complex network troubleshooting, begin by examining your incoming Internet connection. There are a series of simple yet effective actions you can take to enhance the performance and stability of your Wi-Fi network. However, to truly maximize what your system can deliver, you will need to adjust and fine-tune various router and device settings with deliberate precision.

Even with an advanced setup such as the **Netgear Orbi 970 mesh Wi-Fi network** paired with a **2Gbps AT&T fiber-optic Internet connection**, occasional slowdowns can still occur. The underlying reason lies not in the quality of the hardware but rather in the unique configuration of the physical space. My property includes two separate structures—one serving as a home office and the other as my residence. The office is a newly constructed 1,000-square-foot building, while my house is a 3,000-square-foot historical structure characterized by dense, thick walls typical of older architecture. Those walls make the transmission of wireless signals challenging, and even premium network technology cannot entirely circumvent these physical barriers.

As autumn arrived, problems began to appear in the network—a familiar occurrence for anyone who manages their own system. I dedicated a weekend to rebuilding and optimizing every component of my network infrastructure. The following steps document what I learned, and while your situation may differ, these recommendations can benefit nearly anyone seeking faster and more dependable Wi-Fi service.

### 1. Test Your Internet Speed
Before attempting to improve your Wi-Fi performance, it is essential to determine your baseline connection quality. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might advertise a particular bandwidth—say 500Mbps—but verifying that speed in practice is crucial. You can initiate a test simply by typing “speed test” into a browser such as Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, though these native tools can be imprecise at higher speeds. A more reliable option is **Ookla Speedtest**, an industry-standard platform recognized for its accuracy and ease of use.

When evaluating the results, pay close attention to your download speed, as this metric most directly affects the experience of streaming, downloading, and general browsing. Remember that any network performs only as well as its slowest component. For example, a PC connected through an outdated 100Mbps Ethernet switch will never exceed that limit, no matter how fast your ISP connection may be. If observed speeds consistently fall short of what you pay for, contact your provider to investigate potential external bottlenecks before blaming your internal Wi-Fi configuration.

### 2. Upgrade Your Hardware
Always keep in mind that a network’s performance is constrained by its weakest element. If you are using a modest 300Mbps cable connection, investing in high-end **Wi-Fi 7** gear offers no tangible benefit. However, if your Internet plan provides gigabit-level speeds or higher, hardware upgrades make a substantial difference. Consider options such as the **Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 7** or the **Amazon Eero Outdoor 7** mesh system for extensive coverage, or a **TP-Link BE3600** or **Asus RT-BE86U** if a single access point suffices. Compatibility is crucial—your computer must support the same Wi-Fi generation to fully leverage these upgrades, though backward compatibility ensures older devices still function, just at reduced speeds.

For those not ready to replace a computer, external Wi-Fi 7 adapters like the **Asus RT-BE58 Go** or the **Acer Wave D7** can provide next-generation speeds via a USB port. Similarly, upgrading an older router to a **Wi-Fi 6** or **6E** model can deliver a major performance boost—Wi-Fi 6E devices often reach near-gigabit throughput at a lower cost than Wi-Fi 7 setups.

### 3. Keep Firmware Updated
Even without new equipment, updating firmware remains a crucial step. Firmware enhancements not only close security vulnerabilities but may also introduce optimizations that improve connection speed. Most router manufacturers offer email notifications for updates—enroll in these to stay informed.

### 4. Optimize Router Placement
Proper router placement has a dramatic effect on Wi-Fi performance. Situate your router centrally, in an elevated position, with minimal barriers or walls between it and your main work areas. In mesh systems, maintain as much line of sight as possible between your router and satellites, since obstacles like doors or dense walls reduce range. Avoid placing routers in closets, corners, or near metal appliances, cordless phones, baby monitors, or microwaves—all of which generate interference.

If signal coverage remains inconsistent across large or complex spaces, supplement your setup using Ethernet connections. A direct **Cat 6 cable** connected via a **Zyxel 2.5 Gigabit Switch MG-108** can drastically enhance connection stability. In my own case, replacing a 6GHz wireless backhaul with cable improved speeds by over 100Mbps at the far end of the coverage area.

### 5. Adjust Antennas
Where external antennas exist, positioning them strategically can enhance signal reach. Set one vertically and another horizontally so that broadcast patterns intersect and reinforce one another—a technique reminiscent of adjusting old television antennae for better reception.

### 6. Select Optimal Channels and Frequency Bands
Crowded networks often cause congestion, particularly in urban or multi-tenant environments. Most modern routers automatically scan for the least congested channel when first powered on but rarely rescan thereafter. Restarting your device periodically may help. Advanced routers use intelligent systems such as **Dynamic Channel Selection (DCS)**, **Automatic Channel Selection (ACS)**, or **Dynamic Channel Assignment (DCA)** to manage channels efficiently.

When possible, manually select channels in your router’s advanced settings. The 2.4GHz band, though longer in range, is highly congested and slower. Conversely, the 5GHz and 6GHz ranges offer higher throughput at shorter distances—ideal for most households seeking faster speeds.

### 7. Analyze and Map Your Network
After implementing these changes, assess performance visually using signal-mapping software. Tools like **NetSpot** generate detailed coverage heatmaps, while simpler apps such as **WiFi Heatmap** quickly highlight dead zones. Address weak areas by installing compatible repeaters or access points that rebroadcast your main signal. For extensive homes, a complete **mesh network** is usually the best long-term solution.

Periodically review your device list to ensure all connected hardware is legitimate. Unrecognized devices may indicate security issues such as bandwidth theft.

### 8. Monitor Network Activity
While you need not become a full-fledged network administrator, consistent monitoring is beneficial. Utilities like **Ubiquiti WiFiman** or **InSSIDer** allow you to track traffic distribution, detect bottlenecks, and identify potential intruders. Occasionally, diminished speeds may result not from technical faults but from unauthorized users consuming your bandwidth.

### 9. Fine-Tune Network Performance
For users comfortable with technical configuration, delve into advanced settings to unlock further improvements. Enable **Quality of Service (QoS)** to prioritize essential tasks like video conferencing, VoIP calls, gaming, or streaming. Some modern routers manage this automatically, but manual configuration allows greater control. Similarly, activate **beamforming** if supported—this feature directs Wi-Fi signals toward devices, enhancing performance and range.

Experiment carefully with 20/40MHz Coexistence on the 2.4GHz band. Disabling coexistence forces wider channels and increases theoretical speeds but can cause interference if neighboring networks are dense. Additionally, switching your preamble to “short” can enhance performance on modern devices by reducing data overhead, although legacy hardware might operate more reliably with “long” preamble selection.

### 10. Maintain an Ongoing Routine
Wi-Fi optimization, like cybersecurity, is not a one-time task but a continuous process. Conduct routine checks using speed-test tools and signal-analysis apps. While few users consistently perform monthly maintenance, occasional evaluation prevents small inefficiencies from compounding into major disruptions. Moreover, each time you replace or upgrade your networking equipment—whether adding a faster router or a new switch—take it as an opportunity to re-evaluate your system configuration. Investing this effort now ensures that your digital connectivity remains robust, efficient, and ready for whatever future technologies arrive next.

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/bad-wifi-10-fixes-for-better-internet/