1. Move your router

Where you put your router can make a huge difference to the quality of your Wi-Fi. The nearer your computer is to your router with a clear view of it, the better your wireless signal will be.


2. Remove interference

When you're figuring out the best place for your router, don't forget about all the stuff in your home that can get in the way of Wi-Fi signals. Other people's wireless routers, cordless phones, microwaves, baby monitors, Bluetooth gadgets, and even fish tanks can interfere with the Wi-Fi and slow it down.


3. Update your router's firmware

Not upgraded your router in a while? You might be missing a few important firmware updates that will improve its performance.


4. Change the wireless channel

Just like walkie-talkies and radios, routers broadcast their signals on different channels - and some channels are clearer than others. Your Wi-Fi will be better if it's broadcasting on the clearest one. Here's how to make that happen:

1. First, find the best channel.

  • On a Windows PC, run the command prompt (search for 'cmd'), and type in "netsh wlan show networks bssid". This'll show you the wireless networks nearby. Make a note of which channel is furthest away from the ones in use.
  • On a Mac, click the Apple logo at the top and select About this Mac - System Report - Network - Wi-Fi. This'll give you a breakdown of the channels being used nearby. Make a note of which channels it says is best.

2. Log on to your router, and look for the wireless network settings. Find the prompt that lets you choose a broadcast channel, and select the number you made a note of.

3. If there's an 'Auto' option, always pick this - the router will do the wireless analytics for you and automatically pick the clearest channel.

4. Wait a few minutes for everything to adjust, and see if your speeds improve.



Contact your provider

Your broadband provider should want to make sure you're having the best experience possible. So, if you've tried the previous steps and your Wi-Fi still seems rubbish, give your provider a call and ask if there's anything they can do to help. They may be able to offer you advice specific to your broadband package, do something from their end, offer you a better router, or even get an engineer to visit you to investigate.