How to Set Up Dual Band Wi Fi for Faster Internet Speeds and Stable Connections Optimizing Your Network Performance

How-To Geek

Is your wireless network speed holding you back? Believe it or not, upgrading to a super-fast internet plan might not be worth it. Heres how to tell if your routers Wi-Fi speed is holding you back and what you can do about it.

How to Test Your Wi-Fi Speed

Comparing your wired speed to your wireless speed can indicate whether or not your router is holding you back. Feeling confused? Dont be. While many think of Wi-Fi and internet as the same thing, theres a clear difference.

Your internet speed is determined by your connection to the broader network, usually over traditional telecommunications infrastructure via a wire connected to your house. You may also have a fixed wireless, satellite, or even 4G or 5G connection, depending on where you live.

Your router takes this connection and shares it among your devices. It does this wirelessly using Wi-Fi, or over wires known as Ethernet cables. Since internet speeds have been steadily increasing as infrastructure improves, many of us are finding that our old routers are now slower than the internet connections we pay for.

You can test this theory by running both wired and wireless tests and comparing the results. It helps if you know what internet speed you should be getting from your service provider, but its not strictly necessary. Youll find it easy to run this test if you have a laptop or if your router is positioned close to a computer for wiring purposes.

First, run a wired test. Take a standard Ethernet cable (you probably received one with your router), plug it into a free slot on your router, then connect it to your computer. Make sure Wi-Fi is disabled on your computer (you can do this in the bottom-right corner of the screen on Windows via the Quick Menu, or from the top-right corner of the screen on a Mac).

Now launch your web browser and navigate to a speed testing website like Speedtest by Ookla. Run the test and make a note of the result. You probably want to run the test a few times to get an idea of your average internet speed. Youll likely get the best results late at night when few people are online.

Disconnect your Ethernet cable and enable Wi-Fi. Once youre connected to your wireless network, its time to run the same internet speed test again. Try testing your speed while standing right next to the router for best results, but also from any areas you frequently use wireless devices: in an office, on the sofa, in bed, and so on.

Now take a look at your results. Do you notice a huge difference between the two? We ran the test on an old router after upgrading to a faster connection. Using a wired connection, we managed to hit around 700Mbps:

We then switched to Wi-Fi and ran the test again, just across the room from where the router is positioned. This time we only measured just over 100Mbps, nearly seven times slower than the true connection speed:

Wi-Fi Slow? Its Time for a New Router

Do you see a large difference between your wired and wireless performance? The first solution to consider is a router upgrade. If its been a few years since you purchased a new router, theres a good chance youre stuck on older (Wi-Fi 5 or earlier) speeds, which means youre not getting the most out of your internet connection.

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is a meaningful upgrade over Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), with speeds of up to 9.6Gbps (compared to 6.9Gbps). Keep in mind that earlier Wi-Fi 5 routers didnt get anywhere near their maximum theoretical speeds, and that routers built on Wi-Fi 6 are more likely to have other technologies that can help maintain performance like MU-MIMO.

Wi-Fi 6 is now available on many of the best budget routers, and there is a huge range of access points available. Some of our favorite Wi-Fi routers hit speeds of 11Gbps and are packed with features, but performance comes at a real cost.

If coverage is your main concern, investing in one of the best mesh routers might be worthwhile. Mesh networks use multiple nodes to deliver unbeatable coverage, and they take a more modern approach to networking using smartphone apps for setup and configuration. Knowing where to place mesh router nodes can help guarantee the best performance (you can buy a pack and split it with some friends, or use a single mesh node on its own).

If money is no object and you want the best possible wireless performance, check out the best Wi-Fi 6E routers and Wi-Fi 7 routers which offer even faster speeds. The more you pay, the faster your wireless experience will be. These routers use an expanded range of channels and often come with more powerful systems-on-chip for handling more devices and higher volumes of network traffic.

Just remember that any devices you want to use with faster Wi-Fi standards will need to be compatible with those same standards. Many devices wont yet be Wi-Fi 6E compliant, though that doesnt mean a Wi-Fi 6E router is a bad idea (it just means youre ready when the time comes). You can always buy an aftermarket Wi-Fi adapter to enable faster connection speeds.

Connect via Ethernet Instead

Where possible, connecting to your network via Ethernet will result in a faster and more stable experience that isnt affected by interference. The downside is that you have to lay cable to make this possible. Depending on your space, this could be significantly cheaper than a new router (or it could be way more hassle).

If you go this route, make sure you understand the ins and outs of picking an Ethernet cable. For short runs to a nearby router, we recommend cheap Ethernet cables. Just like HDMI cables, dont spend money on pricey cables when cheap ones will do the job.

Another option you can consider is powerline Ethernet, which uses the cabling already in your walls to deliver wired internet. Interference and distance can greatly impact your results here, so if youre thinking of going this route it might be worth buying from a retailer that offers a change of mind policy in case the results are disappointing.

Alternatively, Save Some Money and Downgrade Your Internet

If youre happy with the speeds you get on your current network hardware and would rather save money each month, explore cheaper (slower) plans and save some money. Dont pay for internet speeds that you cant take advantage of; you can always upgrade at a later date when its time to invest in a new router.

Just be careful when youre changing your plan that you dont impose additional limits on your internet usage, like bandwidth caps.

Remember: Wi-Fi Can Be Temperamental

Even the latest and greatest routers can fall short of the mark when it comes to super-fast internet connections. Router placement can make a big difference when it comes to performance, and you may still find yourself often needing to reboot to solve connectivity issues.

Lastly, keep in mind that internet speed isnt the be-all and end-all. There are other things you should focus on like keeping your router up to date, poor internet latency, and packet loss.

How to Optimize Your Wi-Fi Network For Maximum Speed and Performance

In todays age of digitization, were more dependent on our wireless connections than ever before. Whether it is for browsing social media or online gaming, streaming movies, or any other online activities, having access to a fast and reliable Wi-Fi network is vital. Unfortunately, various external factors can interfere with the functionality of your network resulting in slow internet speeds, time-consuming, and frustrating buffering delays that may disrupt productivity levels negatively. Therefore optimizing your wireless configuration is imperative if you want steady connectivity for all your internet activities.

With a few simple procedures, you can maximize the speed and performance of your Wi-Fi network. These optimizations will boost reliability and efficiency so you can enjoy seamless connectivity.

1. Find the Optimal Router Placement: The placement of your Wi-Fi router can have a significant impact on signal strength and coverage throughout your home. To find the optimal placement;

• Position the router at a central location in your home, minimizing the distance and obstructions between the router and the devices.
• Avoid placing the router near walls, floors, or appliances that can interfere with the signal. Ideally, position it at a higher elevation.
• Experiment with different locations to determine the best placement for your specific home layout.

1. Update Your Routers Firmware: Router manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that provide performance enhancements, bug fixes, and security patches. To update your routers firmware;

• Visit the manufacturers website or check the routers admin panel for firmware updates.
• Download the latest firmware version compatible with your router model.
• Access the routers settings through a web browser, usually by entering the routers IP address, and navigating to the firmware update section.
• Follow the provided instructions to install the firmware update.

1. Choose the Right Wi-Fi Channel: Wi-Fi routers operate on different channels, and using crowded channels can result in interference and slower speeds. To select the optimal Wi-Fi channel:

• Use a Wi-Fi analyzer tool, such as WiFi Analyzer for Android or NetSpot for macOS and Windows, to scan the available channels and identify the least congested one in your area.
• Access your routers settings through a web browser and navigate to the wireless settings section.
• Manually select the recommended channel or enable the auto-channel selection feature if available.

1. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network: Securing your Wi-Fi network not only protects your personal information but also ensures that unauthorized devices are not connected to your network, which can slow down speeds. Here are some essential security measures:

• Enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on your router. These are more secure than older encryption methods like WEP.
• Choose a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network. Avoid using common phrases or easily guessable information.
• Regularly change your Wi-Fi password, especially if you suspect unauthorized access.

1. Optimize Quality of Service (QoS) Settings: QoS settings allow you to prioritize certain types of traffic over others, ensuring that critical applications get sufficient bandwidth. To optimize QoS settings:

• Access your routers settings through a web browser and locate the QoS section.
• Depending on your router, you may have options to prioritize specific devices, applications, or services.
• Prioritize bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming, video streaming, or video conferencing to ensure a smooth experience.

1. Limit Interference from Other Devices: Other electronic devices operating on similar frequencies to Wi-Fi can cause interference and degrade Wi-Fi performance. Consider;

• Keeping your router away from such devices, especially those known to cause interference.
• Ensure there are no physical obstructions, such as walls or large furniture, between the router and your devices.
• If possible, use the 5GHz frequency band, as it is generally less crowded than the 2.4GHz band.

1. Upgrade Your Routers Antennas: Upgrading your routers antennas can significantly improve signal strength and coverage, especially in larger homes or areas with weak signals. Consider;

• High-gain antennas: These antennas have a higher dB rating, which improves signal strength in specific directions. Replace the default antennas on your router with high-gain antennas for better coverage in desired areas.
• Directional antennas: These antennas focus the Wi-Fi signal in a specific direction. If you have dead zones or need to extend coverage to a specific area, use directional antennas to concentrate the signal where you need it most.

1. Use Wi-Fi Range Extenders or Mesh Systems: If you have areas in your home with weak Wi-Fi coverage, consider using Wi-Fi range extenders or mesh systems. These devices can amplify and distribute the Wi-Fi signal, providing better coverage throughout your home. Heres how;

• Wi-Fi range extenders: Place a range extender between your router and the area with weak coverage. The extender receives the Wi-Fi signal from the router and amplifies it to reach further distances.
• Mesh systems: Mesh systems consist of multiple access points that work together to provide seamless Wi-Fi coverage. Place the access points strategically throughout your home to create a mesh network, ensuring strong signals in every room.

1. Monitor and Manage Connected Devices: Keeping an eye on the devices connected to your Wi-Fi network allows you to identify potential bandwidth hogs or unauthorized access. Heres what you can do;

• Regularly access your routers admin panel and review the list of connected devices.
• Ensure that all devices connected to your network are familiar to you. If you notice any unfamiliar devices, investigate further and secure your network if necessary.
• Consider enabling parental controls or guest network features if your router supports them, allowing you to manage and limit the network access of specific devices.

1. Regularly Restart Your Router: Sometimes, routers can become overwhelmed or experience temporary glitches that affect performance. Restarting your router periodically can help resolve such issues and improve overall performance. Follow these steps:

• Turn off the router by unplugging it from the power source.
• Wait for about 10-15 seconds or even a minute before plugging it back in.
• Allow the router to boot up completely before testing the Wi-Fi performance.

Improving the speed and performance of your Wi-Fi network is crucial in todays digital age. With these simple procedures and optimizations, you can easily enhance your networks reliability and efficiency. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can optimize your Wi-Fi connection to achieve high reliability and speedy results. Invest in equipment selection for peak compatibility, upgrade firmware & software regularly, monitor behavior trends of everyone connected to your network, and safeguard against potential security threats. With these optimizations in place, you can stream, download, and connect to the internet with ease.

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