The internet has become an irreplaceable tool for communications, work, education and other uses such as sources for diversions and entertainment.
Homes, businesses rely on Wi-Fi signals for their phones and laptops in 2020, evolving from the age-old ethernet connected desktop systems with croaking dial-tones in the 1990s. We’ve all become dependent on Wi-Fi signals in the 21st century from daily usage on many devices.
Internet signals can be intermittent in parts of rural Western Canada, including Saskatchewan, but there are many ways to improve a user’s Wi-Fi experience if they’re having problems.
Know the different speeds. The 2.4 GHz band offers coverage at longer ranges, but transmits data slower than 5 GHz. The 5 GHz band provides less coverage, but transmits data faster.
Moving up to 5 GHz bands from 2.4 GHz systems involves a shift into higher radio spectrums and more channels. But older, cheaper routers might not support 5 GHz. Upgrading to 802.11ac standard, otherwise known as Wi-Fi 5 is a favoured option.
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest in internet trends – this speed is said to be 40 per cent more efficient than Wi-Fi 5 and offers lengthier ranges.
Wi-Fi 6 replaced Wi-Fi 5 once recognized as 802.11ac originating from 2013 and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) dating to the dark ages of 2009.
Higher frequencies disappear faster over distances. Moreover, Wi-Fi transmitting inside larger houses or apartment buildings might produce inadequate results, even from stronger routers.
Users operating systems on 2.4 GHz speeds might also have networks congested with neighbours, so updating to 5GHz could be a great option.
But even with stronger signals, the location of a router might be influenced by distance or barriers like concrete walls.
Routers work at their optimal if they’re in the centre of homes where the signals branch in several directions. If routers are hidden in corners or basements, the signals might not have enough strength to travel.
Purchasing 90-metre or larger cables, plugging these into modems than moving the routers could improve signals. Or, users have the option of requesting service providers to reposition modems if signalling issues are ongoing.
Mesh routers are another solution to poor Wi-Fi signals. Mesh routers come in various sizes and prices. A popular system, the Linksys Velop package, give homes uninterrupted internet speeds at all times, but these cost $499 and upwards.
In comparison to mesh routers, Wi-Fi 4 and 5 devices are relatively fast, but lack the technology’s fullest advantages.
