Millions of Americans are unhappy with their current internet service based on recent surveys. Some of them are struggling with slow speeds, frequent outages, and additional problems. Others are battling constant price increases and poor customer service. Regardless of their reasons for being dissatisfied with their internet, they’re all searching for better alternatives.
Eliminating all the typical problems people face with their internet service, such as disruptions, network congestion, lag, unreasonably high prices, and lacking customer service can make a world of difference. How can you leave all of those issues behind, though? Keep the following tips in mind to help you enjoy a seamless home internet experience.
1) Get the Right Internet Connection
For one, the internet connection you have dramatically affects your overall experience. Fiber is one of the best at this point. It’s fast, reliable, and consistent. It’s not as vulnerable to interference as certain other connections, and it’s less susceptible to slowdowns from network congestion. That being said, it’s not available in all areas. It’s still growing and spreading, though, so that’s likely to change in time.
DSL is another option. It’s more widely available than fiber right now. It’s also more affordable than some of the alternatives. With a dedicated line, you’re not forced to share bandwidth with your neighbors. As such, you don’t have to worry about slowdowns and interruptions at peak use times. That’s generally not the case with cable internet.
2) Choose the Right ISP
Another way to improve your internet experience is to choose the right service provider. Find one with a customer support team that’s readily available to address your questions and concerns. Choose a provider that strives to minimize disruptions and handle outages as quickly as possible. A provider that offers different plans and solutions to meet different needs is also nice. With the right internet service provider, you’ll get all of those benefits without having to pay dearly for them.
3) Put Your Router in the Right Place
Where you place your router can make or break your internet experience as well. In most cases, setting it up in a central location that’s an equal distance from all the rooms in your home is recommended. That’ll ensure the signal effectively reaches every corner of your home.
4) Reduce Internal Interference
Internal interference can be a problem in some homes. Placing your router a reasonable distance from certain devices and appliances will make a positive difference. Microwaves, baby monitors, and Bluetooth devices are notorious for causing interference that can hamper internet signals. Certain building materials, like metal and concrete, can block signals as well, so try to place your router in an area where those aren’t present if possible.
5) Use a Wi-Fi Extender
Sometimes, even the best internet connections need a little boost. That’s often the case if you have a large home or can’t avoid placing the router near items that are known to interfere with internet signals. In those cases, using a Wi-Fi extender may help. It’ll pick up your signal and broadcast it across a broader range than your router alone. Alternatively, you can use a mesh system to boost your internet’s range and overcome interference and dead zones.
Making the Most of Your Home Internet
Having a slow, unreliable internet connection can be incredibly frustrating. In some cases, it’s downright debilitating. Having a provider with lackluster customer service can be equally maddening. Of course, certain internet disruptions come from within your home rather than outside sources. Remember the points mentioned here to help you overcome the common home internet issues and enjoy a seamless experience.