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Wi-Fi Speeds 101

By: Westman Communications Group
Posted: August 28, 2024 15:33Internet and Wi-Fi

Understanding Your Wi-Fi: How to Optimize Your Home Network

Understanding Wi-Fi speeds and how they work can help you make the most of your Internet service. In this guide, we'll break down the essentials of Wi-Fi speeds, offer some helpful tips for optimization, and show you how to keep your home network running smoothly.  

What Exactly Are Wi-Fi Speeds?  

Think of your Wi-Fi speed as a pie. The "pie" is the total speed provided by your Internet subscription, and each device in your home takes a slice of that pie. The more devices you have connected to your network, the more your total bandwidth is divided.  

For example, a household with multiple smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and gaming consoles all connected to the Internet simultaneously will see each device eating away at the overall pie. Some tasks, such as checking email or browsing social media, take smaller slices, while data-heavy activities like online gaming, video streaming, and large file downloads need much larger slices.  

When you notice your Internet slowing down, it's usually because too many devices are taking large chunks of your Wi-Fi pie simultaneously. Understanding how your Wi-Fi is distributed across your devices is key to managing your network.  

Optimizing Your Wi-Fi: Make the Most of Your Pie  

To get the best performance out of your Wi-Fi, it's important to optimize how you use it. Here are a few tips:  

Hardwire Data-Hungry Devices  

Some activities require more speed and stable connections than others. If you're into online gaming or 4K streaming, connect those devices directly to your modem or router with an Ethernet cable. Hardwiring gives these devices priority access to your full Internet speed without competing for bandwidth over Wi-Fi.  

Place Your Router Strategically  

Where your Wi-Fi router is placed in your home can impact its signal strength. Place it in a central location and avoid areas with thick walls or electronic interference. By positioning your router in an open, elevated space, you can ensure a more even distribution of Wi-Fi throughout your home, reducing dead zones and weak signals.  

Prioritize Your Devices  

Some routers allow you to prioritize certain devices over others. For instance, prioritize your work computer during the day and your smart TV in the evening. This ensures that the most important devices get a bigger slice of the pie when needed.  

Conclusion  

Understanding Wi-Fi speeds and their distribution among your devices is crucial for maintaining a smooth, efficient network. By hardwiring data-hungry devices, placing your router in an optimal location, and prioritizing devices when necessary, you can get the most out of your Internet service. Remember, your Wi-Fi is like a pie—make sure everyone gets their fair slice!  

Ready to upgrade your Internet plan or optimize your home network? Visit Westman Communications Group: Westman Enhanced Home Wi-Fi today to find the perfect fit for your household's needs! 

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