Listed below are a few tips for getting optimal networks speeds at home. Having a bad or slow connection might not necessarily be on your end. Keep in mind that, for example, if only services like Zoom, Skype, and Hangouts are experiencing lags and choppiness, but all other pages and connections that you have open are working fine, then it is very likely that your network is not the problem. In either case, the tips below could provide a bit of help. Items noted with an asterisk (*) are a bit advanced and should only be attempted as a last resort and if you feel absolutely comfortable making these alterations.
- If possible, use a physical cable to connect directly to your router rather than connecting wirelessly through Wi-Fi. Physical connections are always faster and more reliable than wireless, though less convenient in terms of mobility.
- Stay mindful of the amount of tabs/applications you have open at a time. If you do not need a tab open or an application running, close it. Initiated connections can keep running in the background, using up valuable bandwidth. Eliminate non-essential network traffic.
- If possible, prevent using streaming services on the same network/Wi-Fi that you’re connected to while you’re working. Services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video for example are bandwidth hogs and are very demanding on a network.
- Stay as close to your router as possible - Signal strength degrades as distance increases. If you work in an area further away from your router, you can consider purchasing a wireless range extender.
- Consider repositioning your router to a more central area of your home, if applicable.
- Avoid being next to devices like microwaves and refrigerators or reinforced walls and metals which can cause wireless interference.
- If using a router with these capabilities - connect to the 5GHz frequency band instead of the 2.4 GHz band. It should be noted that though this connection is faster, it also has less range so you will need to be physically closer to your router.
- If your router does not have a 5 GHz frequency band, consider logging into your router and changing the channel that your 2.4 GHz band is using. It could be the case that the channel currently assigned is crowded. Use either 1, 6, or 11. If your router has an AUTO option, chose this and it will select the best channel for you, automatically switching if necessary. (*)
- Use QoS to prioritize network traffic. Most modern routers come with a tool named Quality of Service, which will allow you to select what type of internet traffic you would like to give a higher priority to. If this is an option, create a rule for Video conferencing/VOIP and set the priority to High. (*)
- Do some research on your account contract speeds and run a speed test to find out if what you’re receiving is appropriate. It is important to point out here that if your contract is for up to 100 Mbps, you will very likely not see those speeds. Rather you will see something at about 70 Mbps, for example. Speed tests can be run here https://www.speedtest.net/. If you are well below your contracted speeds, you may consider getting in contact with your internet service provider (*)
- Consider upgrading your router. 802.11ac routers are recommended. (*)