I Tried Four Essential Tips to Boost My Wi-Fi Speeds at Home
Slow internet can be a source of headaches when streaming, gaming, or doing work from home. With gigabit internet now available in over half of the US population, it's crucial to ensure your home internet is working smoothly. As someone who writes about broadband daily, I've learned that troubleshooting your speeds doesn't have to be complicated. Here's what I discovered.
When I was experiencing internet trouble despite being on Verizon Fios' second-fastest speed tier, the gigabit plan, I realized that there could be other minor issues causing my slow speeds. My family and I also noticed that streaming our favorite shows had become a pain due to our fluctuating speeds. So, I contacted my internet service provider, Verizon Fios, for help.
The Fios agent was shocked that I was experiencing internet issues since I was on the company's second-fastest tier, the gigabit plan. "You shouldn't even be experiencing fluctuating speeds with your plan," the Verizon Fios agent said over the phone. This sparked my interest in exploring ways to boost my Wi-Fi speeds at home.
Here are four expert tips to help you boost your internet speeds:
1. Conduct a few internet speed tests
Your internet speed is measured in megabits per second. To understand where you stand, conduct a few speed tests online. I chose Ookla's speed test because it's the format I'm most familiar with. The image above shows one of my speed tests near my workspace.
Speeds of 248 to 275Mbps aren't bad, but being on a gigabit plan supported by a fiber connection makes them surprising and disappointing. After conducting a speed test in an area where we experienced the most internet trouble, I found that our speeds dipped to 76Mbps in downloads and 19Mbps in uploads.
This area is the farthest from my router, so it only makes sense that the signal is weaker. According to the FCC, the minimum mark for broadband speeds is 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. My speeds were missing this mark, but conducting speed tests helped me identify areas where I needed improvement.
2. Move your router or workspace
This next step requires you to experiment a bit with your router's location or your workspace. I moved my router closer to my existing workspace area instead of uprooting my entire workspace.
You should ideally move your router to a central location, using an Ethernet cable if necessary. Moving your router too far from the modem might prove troublesome. Raising your router and mounting it to the wall can also help optimize your internet connection.
3. Seek out a Wi-Fi extender
If moving your router is not an option, try contacting your internet provider for additional equipment. I discovered that a Verizon Fios Wi-Fi extender came with my plan at no extra cost to my monthly service bill.
The extender came with a small guide and seemed pretty simple. Obtaining equipment from your ISP is not the only option — many Wi-Fi extenders currently on the market support Wi-Fi 6. The TP-Link RE605X was previously recommended as the top pick for its affordability and easy-to-use controls.
4. Prioritize your work traffic
If you cannot obtain a Wi-Fi extender, you can try managing how much bandwidth your household consumes through your router settings. Some routers allow customers to set up parental controls or schedule access to the network for certain devices.
The average American household uses 564Mbps downstream and 34Mbps upstream, according to OpenVault's first quarter report of 2024. In other words, if you can access gigabit speeds, that should be plenty fast for your household. Having faster speeds than that might be overkill for the average household.
Understanding how much speed you need for your home is crucial. The FCC states that the minimum benchmark for broadband is 100 megabits per second in download and 3Mbps in upload. But even if you're on a gigabit plan, there's no guarantee you'll see those exact speeds promised by your ISP.
Many conditions can impact your internet speeds, including outdated equipment, poor router settings, bad weather, or hacking/malware. Optimizing your connection at home is not just about having the right speed; it's also about finding the best Wi-Fi band for your router and investing in a good-quality network switch.
Fixing your internet doesn't have to be complex. These four expert tips outline simple steps you can take to boost your internet speeds. Remember, different household activities require different internet speeds. For example, online gaming requires at least 25-35Mbps, while streaming in 4K needs at least 35Mbps.
Conclusion
In conclusion, boosting your Wi-Fi speeds at home is easier than you think. By conducting a few speed tests, moving your router or workspace, getting a Wi-Fi extender (or upgrading your router), and prioritizing your work traffic, you can significantly improve your internet connection.