Is your internet feeling slower these days? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There’s a good reason for this – and you can fix it.
Sean Carroll, a Wi-Fi expert from Spacelink Installations, explained that as the weather gets colder and the nights get longer, Wi-Fi tends to get busier in the evenings. But giving a bit of attention to your router will keep your internet running smoothly.
Sean said: “As the weather gets colder, people tend to spend more time indoors, which means more internet traffic. So, you might notice your internet slowing down as people stream movies, play games, and scroll online more in the evenings.”
How to fix slow Wi-Fi
Always keep your router on
“Keep your router always on to ensure it is up to date and optimised. Router updates are usually scheduled in the mornings, so if the router is unplugged it will not be able to receive the updates and will be vulnerable to cyberattacks,” warned Sean.
Reposition your router
Poor placement can severely reduce the range and speed of your Wi-Fi signal.
“Move your router to a more central location in your home. Ideally, it should be placed high up and away from obstructions such as walls, metal appliances, or thick furniture,” said Sean.
Minimise interference
Household devices like microwaves, baby monitors, and even some cordless phones can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
“Try to keep your router away from these devices and any other electronics that may cause interference,” Sean suggested.
Restart your router periodically
Many people forget that routers benefit from a regular reboot. This simple trick can often improve performance noticeably.
“Restarting your router every few weeks can clear out any temporary issues and ensure it’s running optimally,” said Sean.
Limit the number of devices connected
With the growing number of smart devices in our homes, from phones to thermostats and lightbulbs, it’s easy to overload your Wi-Fi.
“Try disconnecting any devices that aren’t in use, especially during peak times,” Sean advised. “This can free up bandwidth for the devices that truly need it.”