6 Ways to Make Sure Your Home is Provided the Best Internet Experience

Home Internet is one of the most important utilities to have as a consumer today. Undoubtedly, it keeps you connected to the world with instant news and entertainment. In addition, the Internet also keeps you safe with connections to security cameras, alarms and local police enforcement. As a result, learn about how you can ensure top-notch performance from your Internet service by trying these tricks of the trade.

1. Research Local Providers

The best Internet experience starts with a reputable provider. Although one provider might be dominant in your community, look further for cable, fiber optic and 5G services, reports CNET. Each company should have an extensive list of features, specials and speeds on their respective websites.

Undoubtedly, each company will have promotional prices to draw you in. Although they might be attractive offers, be aware of the real price after the promo period. Truthfully, some companies have huge price hikes after one or two years of service. For this reason, base your decision on reputation and customer reviews rather than price alone. In the end, a good deal can turn out to be a poor connection every day.

2. Consider Router Location

Your router creates the Wi-Fi signal throughout the home so that you have a wireless connection to the Internet. Ultimately, every router requires an open space for signal projection. If you place the router in a tight corner, for example, the location hampers the signal's strength. Alternatively, locate the router in a centralized area of the home. Then, the signal can reach every device.

Also, consider any other obstructions, such as walls, poles or doors. Wi-Fi signals bounce off these materials, which leads to poor connectivity. Ultimately, concrete walls will block more signals than drywall interiors. Because your home will have a unique layout, carefully plan out the router's position before installation.

3. Be Aware of Provider Limitations

The best Internet experience might include data limitations. For example, data caps are common in rural areas where entire communities must share a provider's services. If you don't stream too much content, then the caps may not be an issue. However, busy households streaming and downloading a lot of content would generally require an unlimited plan.

In reality, data caps don't translate to service outages until the next billing cycle. Instead, the provider throttles the speeds so that any data movement is slow. Luckily, most urban providers offer unlimited data. Reading the fine print helps you determine which provider has these caps in the long run.

4. Stay on Top of Cybersecurity

The National Security Agency suggests using a mixture of cybersecurity resources for the best Internet experience. For example, make sure your Wi-Fi has WPA3 or WPA2 security features. Verify this information with your provider so that you know the system is protected.

In addition, there might be integrated firewalls built into the provider's modem and router. Because providers want their customers to have a secure experience, they typically keep up with the latest security measures. At home, you can stay secure by updating any software when necessary. Procrastinating with software updates leaves the system open to hacking and potential identity theft.

5. Try a Wi-Fi Repeater 

With all your best efforts, the best Internet experience may still lack coverage in the household. Boost your interior signal with a Wi-Fi repeater or extender, recommends WIRED. These devices plug into a standard outlet with your Wi-Fi device nearby. With the signal entering the repeater, it amplifies the Wi-Fi and sends it out to all your devices.

Ideally, repeaters work well in homes with multiple floors or concrete walls. Other homes may have a lot of wall obstructions, which makes a repeater a great investment. Although you can use multiple extenders on your Wi-Fi, it's better to rely on one extender for a single household.

6. Remove Unused Devices From the System

Many households have multiple devices per person. Naturally, they might all be attached to the Wi-Fi. In addition, security cameras, lights and other automatic devices may also be passively attached to the service. If you notice your service slowing down, too many devices may be the culprit.

Ideally, take stock of which devices must be on the system, such as smart TVs or doorbell cameras. Turn off Wi-Fi connectivity on devices not in use, such as tablets when kids are at school. The simple act of turning one or several devices off can make a huge difference in the Wi-Fi's speed. Alternatively, selecting a faster speed or wider broadband for your household might help with multiple devices being used simultaneously.

Truthfully, there will always be some outages and slow speeds with your home Internet. However, reputable providers strive for uninterrupted service 24 hours a day. Do your part to enhance your Internet signal at home so that you have connectivity with no delays.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for CMIT Solutions