How to get the best from your internet this Christmas

How to get the best from your internet this Christmas

Christmas is almost upon us – which for many people means the family descending upon them for days packed with fun, festivities and online surfing.

But with more people than usual logging on to your Wi-Fi are you getting the best out of your router?

Here are ten steps to follow to make sure you are getting the best out of yours.

1) Wherever possible, it’s best to place your router in a central location, plugged into your main broadband socket, which for all you tech lovers out there is also called the ONT or Optical Network Terminal. (What does my socket look like?)

2) However, there are exceptions to every rule. It's sometimes best to place the router nearest to where you're likely to use it most, even if that’s not central. If your needs change and you need to move your router to somewhere more appropriate, give our team a call on 01482 602555.

3) Always keep your router off the floor, in the open, well-ventilated on a solid surface and ideally away from other electrical appliances.

4) If required, make sure your microfilters are fitted correctly. Not all Lightstream connections require microfilters - check the guide with your router.

5) Did you know it’s best to leave your router switched on all the time? This will mean less disruption to your service and keeps drivers connected.

6) Wi-Fi is a radio signal that allows you to connect your internet device to your router without wires. As with all radio signals the further away you are from the source – in this case your router – the less powerful the signal is and the greater chance of interference.

7) Wi-Fi operates on different frequencies – 5GHz which uses tightly bunched wavelengths that are powerful but may not travel far and 2.4GHz that uses shallow wavelengths that can travel further. That’s why the 2GHz network may be available in your garden but the 5GHz isn’t.

8) Interference is a pesky thing. But do you know what can cause it? Electrical devices including baby monitors, radios, TVs, microwaves and even Christmas tree lights can all affect your Wi-Fi, so make sure your router is well away from them.

9) Your router works on one of 12 or 13 channels. If your neighbour’s Wi-Fi is operating on the same or a nearby channel it can affect your Wi-Fi. Changing your Wi-Fi channel may reduce interference.

10) Wi-Fi signals find it harder to travel through solid walls than partition walls. They may also be disrupted by steel beams and loft insulation material.