Denali Tech: Pioneers in Home Automation and Theater Systems in Chicago
Check Your Wired Internet
Connection
Before you blame the Wi-Fi, ensure the internet coming into your house performs as it should. Find an Ethernet cable and plug your computer directly into your modem—you may need a USB to Ethernet adapter if your laptop doesn’t have an Ethernet port.
Run a speed test to see your internet speed. ( www.speed.net ) If it doesn’t match the rate on your internet bill, you may need to call your ISP or replace your modem. If your speed test does match your internet bill, but it still seems slow, it may be time to pay for a better plan. (My grandmother was convinced her Wi-Fi was faulty, only for me to tell her she was subscribed to a 3Mbps connection.)Denali Tech
Start with the proper equipment
It all starts with choosing the right router or other equipment. Not all routers are made equal, and the size and layout of your home will determine what type of wireless network you need.
For most apartments and smaller homes (under 1,500 square feet), a single wireless access point should suffice. That said, if your router is several years old, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer model with support for wireless 802.11ac and dual-band support. This will give you the fastest wireless speeds possible and the best overall coverage. Denali Tech
The best location for your router for actually good Wi-Fi
Buying a new, fancy router won't solve all your problems, but where you put it might.
Paying for the fastest package your internet service provider (ISP) offers doesn't mean you're going those speeds. For starters, those are theoretical speeds under ideal conditions with the recommended equipment.Denali Tech
Pick a central location
Routers send the signal out in all directions, so if it's left in the corner of your home, a significant percentage of your wireless coverage is sent outside your home. It's best to move the router to a central location to optimize the signal.
Installing a router across the house from the modem may prove troublesome. It may require manually running a CAT5 cable under the floor or enlisting the help of powerline network adapters. But the improved wireless coverage will be worth it. Denali Tech
Where should you place your router?
When you first move into a new home or apartment, the modem is usually installed along the wall in one of the far reaches of the house. This is because that is where the line comes into the house, and the technician's job is to set up the connection, not optimize your network. That part is on you.
It's tempting to leave everything where the technician set it up. But it's unlikely that this is an optimal location for your router. Denali Tech