In recent months, working from home and using other online services have become an essential part of life for many people. If your home’s internet is slow, it can make streaming shows, participating in video conferences, and playing games difficult and frustrating. Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can try to improve your download and upload speeds before working with a computer IT support service to upgrade the system. 

How to Increase Internet Speed at Home

1. Reboot the Router

Your router is the middleman between the internet modem and every network device in your home. Routers are essential if you plan to connect more than one device to the internet at the same time or want to use a wireless access point. 

The router stores specific instructions for every device in its memory. If the wrong information is stored, such as an outdated IP address (a unique number linked to a device’s online activity) for your phone or laptop, the internet connection to the device could drop significantly or be severed. Restarting the router clears its memory cache so that it can be updated with the new information.

2. Take Advantage of Router Channels

Modern routers are often equipped with multiple frequency connections. This allows you to divide up where your devices are connected, so they aren’t placing heavy demands on a single internet channel.

Most routers have at least one 2.4 gigahertz and one 5 gigahertz frequency. Ideally, use the shorter-range 5 gigahertz band for connecting devices that are close to the router, and save the slower but longer-range 2.4 gigahertz band for those in other rooms or on the other side of the home. 

3. Limit Wi-Fi Access

A typical router can potentially handle 200 or more devices, but each device will take up a specific amount of bandwidth. Keep neighbors and random guests from accessing your internet bandwidth by setting up Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security that will require every new device to enter a password.

You can also control the number of devices that are allowed to connect to your router and the time of the day they are allowed to connect.

For help implementing these steps in your home or office, contact the computer IT support experts at ComputerWerks. For two decades, this business has provided IT service, computer repairs, and network installation throughout the Fairbanks, AK, region. Their licensed, certified, and insured technicians can assist with everything from computer and software installation to network design and maintenance solutions. Call them at (907) 451-4888 to schedule a free consultation and visit their website to learn more about their computer IT support services.