Some of the tips you’ll read here may not work in your house due to its construction, if you live in a 1 bed flat you might have no dead spots or problems at all, but by implementing some of the tips here you’ll definitely your steaming, gaming or uploading will thank you!

Yes, my network sucks, give me the best wifi hacks please

Upgrade your router:

If you’ve had the same router for a few years, it may be outdated and hindering your internet speed. Consider upgrading to a newer model that supports faster connections.

You might think it’s everything but your router, but as new tech comes out in components and data transfer speeds maybe your free router just isn’t up to the job.

Just compare what you used to use the internet for 5 years ago when your isp might of either limited your data usage (yes that used to happen!!) compared to now when in 1 room someone is watching a HD film through Netflix and in another your son is playing a next-gen game online your data demand will be massive, so its fair to say your old router might not to be up to the job!

Even a decent-priced router from Netgear like this one will amp your wifi coverage massively

Update the routers firmware

You might not think this is important or belongs on a best wifi hacks list, but when a device’s firmware is outdated if won’t work at it’s optimal performance, its like telling a footballer just to run up and down the pitch without telling him who to mark or whereabouts to play.

Nearly every piece of tech will update its operating system either automatically or will let you know via a push message or text but when was the last time you logged into your router management page and checked its firmware? Probably the last time you opted for the healthy option for your chippy tea and before that it would of been when you got it right???

How do you check this?

• Open up a new browser page and type in your router’s address which will probably be 192.168.1.1 ( if you didn’t get an app with it ) you might have a login when you signed up or most probably the routers login might be on the back of your router.
• Go to settings or maintenance
• Click check or update firmware
• If it needs updating, the process is done automatically and your router will restart.

Optimise your routers placement

This best wifi hack is a free one! But its a biggy,

The best place for your router is a central one if at all possible but your router placement will be determined by the phone socket in the house, so unless you’re at the development stage of your house or you can run an extension from your phone socket ( not ideal because your extension will be dog slow copper cable)

Ideal Placement tips

• Central place in your home
• High up
• In a room with the least amount of connected devices.

Use an extender/ booster

Sometimes you can’t move your router to the optimal place and you may be a dead room where the signal just won’t reach.

This wouldn’t be the best WiFi hack list without a cheap, simpler option, would it?

The best solution to this problem is to buy a wifi extender, which is a simple device that your plug into a power socket, connect to your network and your dead spot is gone!! Check this cheap one from Netgear here it’s only £35.

Depending on the layout of your house and its power sockets, it’s possible to cover your entire house and garden with extenders, some of the higher-end ones have more coverage than the routers themselves for instance this Netgear nighthawk is £300!! so it will probably extend your signal to the moon!!

Use a power line adapter

‘What’s that?” I hear, a power line adapter defo earns its place on a best wifi hacks list as it will provide uninterrupted internet to a device at your current connections maximum speed

As you’re probably aware your wifi speed and coverage is controlled by a number of factors.

• Router placement
• Number of devices demanding bandwidth
• House set up
• Electrical interferance

So what if you could create an ‘office-like’ home network that you can literally plug into the ethernet port of your regular devices like your smart telly, ps5 or set-top box?

” Yeah I’m up for that, but my wife will kill me if I try running metres of ethernet cable along the top of the skirting boards or try pulling up the carpets to bury the cable”

No probs, a power line adapter will solve this, you /plug the sender unit near your router and plug the supplied cable into your router, then plug the receiver unit near the device you want to feed via ethernet. The starter kit which lets you connect 1 device costs about £35 and you can add up to 15 devices on one network

This solution is perfect for gaming or streaming, the 2 most bandwidth-heavy devices you can install into a home network. You will notice a massive difference in your speed and connection, it may also solve the problem you may have with your in-game chat created by NAT-type issues.

Consider a Mesh Home Wifi

What if you want a super quick, state-of-the-art powerful top-of-the-range wifi system? Money no object, A mesh system is the way to go.

A mesh system should be seen as the ultimate wifi system rather than just the best wifi hacks solution. If you’re bang into your gaming, streaming or you require a super fast stable wifi system for working from home, then this is the system for you.

For a more detailed explanation on mech check my post here

But beware, they’re not cheap This expandable wifi 7 system starts £1499 check it out here

The benefits are as follows

• NEW: Orbi ^® 970 Series with WiFi 7 unleashes speeds up to 27Gbps for unparalleled performance and coverage for your whole home, from the front door to the back yard and the basement to the rooftop
• NEW: WiFi 7 delivers 2.4x faster speeds than WiFi 6 and is fully backward compatible with older WiFi devices
• From 8K streaming to video conferencing, gaming, VR, and more, Orbi ensures your family can accomplish it all at once
• NEW: Exclusive, patented Quad-Band technology with Enhanced Dedicated Backhaul ensures WiFi stays fast across all devices simultaneously

Secure Your System……Please!!

This sounds like a given, and you may ask why I’m putting this into a best wifi hacks list but the amount people I know that haven’t even changed the SSID and/or password of their router AND the router admin password.

If you have weak security on your home wifi this can be the digital equivalent of leaving your bank details, passwords, PIN and credit card blu tacked to the back of a public toilet door! If i can access your wifi unchallenged, the least i can do if piggy back on your wifi for free, the worst i can do is log every keystroke and any data sent to your bank, credit card or investment company, then off to Barbados I go all thanks to you!!!

For more detailed info on securing your home system or smart tech check this post

Change Your Wifi Channel

Here’s free tip for the best wifi hacks list!

If you have a good network management app, it can tell you the SSId of your neighbour’s wifi and the channel it broadcasts on. So you could change the wifi channel of yours to try and keep interference to a minimum.

If your closest neighbour system is on channel 9 then select yours to channel.

Access this setting in your router management page in the wifi section.

Try This, but don’t blame me if it doesn’t work!!!!

This could be at the top on my best wifi hacks list or one to be deleted!

I have read and watched this on various posts online and was sceptical but interested in this principle to basically create a reflective aerial.

Place a tin foil ‘aerial” behind your router and apparently this will amplify your signal and help illuminate dead spots in your house.

I tried it and it didn’t do a thing, but you’re welcome to give it a try maybe just my tinfoil was shite!!

The post The 7 Best WiFi Hacks For Your Home appeared first on toptech7.com.

Table of Contents

I’m getting asked this often, “What is Mesh wifi and do i need it” I personally have around 60 -70 different pieces of kit that connect to the internet in some way or form and that used to create a major slow down when we were all home home simultaneously streaming, gaming, shopping and downloading, i needed a solution and fast as lagging and ‘this wifi sucks’ complaints were becoming regular!

Check my post on simple wifi hacks here

We all love our Wi-Fi, but sometimes it gets a little finicky. Have you noticed that there are spots in your home where the Wi-Fi signal is weak or even disappears? It’s like your devices are playing hide-and-seek with the internet! That’s where mesh Wi-Fi comes to the rescue. In this blog post, we’re going to talk about how mesh Wi-Fi is like a superhero for your internet, making sure it’s strong and steady everywhere in your home.

What’s the Problem with Regular Wi-Fi?

Okay, so imagine your Wi-Fi router is like a lighthouse. It sends out signals, just like the light from a lighthouse, to help your devices connect to the internet. But sometimes, those signals can’t reach every corner of your home. They might get blocked by walls, furniture, or even magic invisible barriers (just kidding about the magic part!). That’s why you might notice that in some rooms, your Wi-Fi is fast and awesome, while in others, it’s slow or nonexistent. These sad places without good Wi-Fi are called “dead zones.” We are all increasing the amount of devices connected especially if you have a lot of smart tech ( read my post on smart tech here) So a new system could change your house into a wifi speedway!

Here Comes Mesh Wi-Fi to Save the Day!

Now, imagine you have a bunch of Wi-Fi helpers all around your home. These helpers are called “nodes,” and they’re like little sidekicks for your main router. They work together as a team to make sure every nook and cranny of your home gets the best Wi-Fi signal possible. No more dead zones! These nodes talk to each other and decide the best way to send your cat videos, homework assignments, and online games from one corner of your home to another.

Benefits of Mesh Wi-Fi

No More Dead Zones:

With mesh Wi-Fi, every part of your home gets a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal. You can use your devices wherever you want, even in the basement or way up in the attic.

Easy Setup

Setting up a mesh Wi-Fi system is like playing with building blocks. You put the nodes in different spots, and they start talking to each other automatically. No need to be a computer genius!

Smooth Roaming

: If you’re watching a video on your tablet and you move from the living room to your bedroom, mesh Wi-Fi makes sure your video keeps playing without any annoying interruptions. It’s like a magic carpet for your internet!

Better Speeds:

When lots of devices are using the internet at the same time, things can get a bit slow. But with mesh Wi-Fi, the load is shared between the nodes, so everyone gets a piece of the internet pie without slowing things down.

Downsides

While mesh Wi-Fi systems offer numerous benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the potential disadvantages of mesh Wi-Fi:

1. Cost: Mesh Wi-Fi systems tend to be more expensive upfront compared to traditional routers or Wi-Fi extenders. You’re paying for the convenience and advanced features they offer, which might not be necessary for smaller spaces or basic internet needs. For a cheaper fix read my post on simply swopping out your free standard router for a new dedicated model here or check netgears none mesh routers here
2. Complexity for Small Spaces: If you have a small apartment or a single-story home, a mesh Wi-Fi system might be overkill. Setting up and managing a mesh system an be more complex than a standalone router, and you might not experience a significant improvement in coverage.
3. Compatibility: Some mesh systems might not be compatible with certain devices or older hardware. Ensure that your devices support the Wi-Fi standards and features offered by the mesh system you’re considering.

Do I Need It?

If you have a large amount of data hungry devices that you are reliant on, then I’d say Yes, however only you know if you can justify the cost, as you’re looking at £300-£1600!! you could say if you house is big that its a small price to pay.Mesh Wi-Fi is like having your own team of Wi-Fi superheroes making sure you’re always connected. No more dead zones, no more frustration – just smooth and reliable internet all over your home. Whether you’re playing games, streaming movies, or just browsing cute animal pictures, mesh Wi-Fi has got your back. So, say goodbye to weak signals and hello to the wonderful world of mesh Wi-Fi! Your devices will thank you.

Where Can I get Mesh Wifi

My go to company for super reliable routers has always been netgear their mesh system has won many awards and you’ll be safe in knowing you’re getting a premium product from a company thats been around as long as we’ve needed routers. Netgear ask you a few questions about your home setup to recommend the best system for you.

The post What Is Mesh Wifi And Do I Need It appeared first on toptech7.com.