Slow internet and connectivity problems causing a headache? It might just be your router setup that is the problem. Linksys provides 10 tips for properly setting up your network.

1. Router placement is key

For the strongest signal, optimal performance, and widest coverage area, place your router in the center of your home away from walls and other obstructions. Avoid installing routers in a closet or back office.

2. Shorten the distance between your router and wireless devices

Too much distance between your router and notebook, smartphone, or wireless printer can be an issue. If you have a larger house, your router’s wireless signal may not reach all areas of your home or yard. Adding a wireless range extender will amplify your wireless signal, boosting speeds, and extending coverage to areas furthest from the router.

3. Upgrade to the latest Wi-Fi technologies

With the proliferation of wireless devices in the home, heavy-bandwidth activities such as video streaming can drag network speeds. If you’re experiencing this and your router is running on Wireless A, B, G, or N, consider upgrading to Wireless AC. It can make a huge impact in overall wireless network performance.

4. Look at your modem or internet service package

It might be that your modem probably came via your internet service provider during installation. If you have had your modem for a long time, it could be time to upgrade. If you regularly game or stream video or audio, you will likely want to upgrade your service. Your router’s speed is only as good as the speed coming from your modem and/or service plan.

5. Reduce wireless interference

Neighbouring wireless networks, cordless phones, microwaves, and baby monitors can mess with your signal and cause dropped coverage. You can move your router away from these devices to see if that remedies the problem, or change the channel and SSID on your router. These steps could help.

6. Separate bandwidth-hogging applications

Video streaming and gaming can hog a ton of bandwidth making wireless speeds slower for everyone else in your home. Try using the Media Prioritization tool on Linksys Smart Wi-Fi to prioritise your most needed applications. Find out how to do this on your Linksys Router.

7. Optimise router and adapter settings

Best-case scenario, Wireless-N routers would be paired with Wireless-N adapters and Wireless-AC routers with Wireless-AC adapters. Most homes, however, have a mix of G, N, and AC devices connecting to their network. If that’s your situation, set your router’s wireless network mode to Mixed. If you have a dual-band router, simply place legacy devices on the 2.4 GHz band and newer technology on the 5 GHz band.

Learn more about optimising connection speeds.

8. Upgrade your firmware

Sometimes outdated firmware can cause poor performance or dropped wireless signals. Also, device manufacturers may send wireless updates through their firmware/software updates. Upgrading your firmware is as easy as updating the apps on your smartphone. Watch this quick video to learn how.

9. Bump up your wireless security

If someone is stealing your Wi-Fi, it can cause drops in speed and connectivity within your home network and compromise your personal information. Even if you have a password, hackers can still find their way into your network. It’s important to use WEP, WPA or WPA2 as your wireless security mode keep your connection private.

Learn more about wireless security.

10. Set up automatic restarts

Do you have to unplug or reboot your router often to solve problems with speed or dropped signals? If yes, place your router on an outlet timer so that it automatically restarts once a day, week, or month. Schedule this while you are at work or school for uninterrupted wireless when you are home.