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-Below is the combination of the refreshed original article and Nield's new article. Nield's work is essentially untouched, except for the first line. Steps 7-13 are what were added. We need to keep the list of tips this high to be competitive.
+Sheltering at home will teach you one thing in a hurry: your internet isn't fast enough.
-I've copied all this markdown into the old URL's copilot link, which is the one we'd like to have published. Everything is optimized, Nield's byline was added (first) along with the original writer (Pierce), and I already swapped out the old art for the new art, so it's ready to go, aside from any potential edits. It just needs a new publication date and the new story (https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-upgrade-your-home-wi-fi-and-get-faster-internet/) redirected to the old (https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-make-your-wifi-better-faster/).
+The good news is that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have have [increased speeds](https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/internet-essentials-low-income-broadband-coronavirus-pandemic){: rel=nofollow} for low-income customers. Others [have suspended](https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/12/21177538/att-broadband-internet-data-cap-coronavirus-suspend){: rel=nofollow} broadband data caps.
+That makes the internet to your front door less of a bottleneck, but eliminating subpar speeds and Wi-Fi dead zones around the house is up to you. To help we've put together some suggestions on ways you can troubleshoot, and hopefully improve, your Wi-Fi reception around the house.
+Be sure to also check out our guide to [securing your home Wi-Fi network](https://www.wired.com/story/secure-your-wi-fi-router/), our [guide to the new Wi-Fi 6 standard](https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-wi-fi-6/), and
+*If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. [Learn more](https://www.wired.com/2015/11/affiliate-link-policy/). You can also support our reporting by purchasing a [1-year WIRED subscription for (Discounted)](https://subscribe.wired.com/subscribe/splits/wired/WIR_AFFILIATE?source=HCL_WIR_EDIT_HARDCODED_0_COMMERCE_AFFILIATE_ZZ).*
+###1. Move Your Router
+That router in the closet? Not a good idea. Walls, cupboards, even bookshelves can potentially dampen your Wi-Fi signal. Physically moving your router can make a real difference to the speeds you get and how far its wireless transmissions can reach. The perfect spot will depend on your home, but try not to hide your router in a corner, or under a cupboard, or inside a drawer—the more central and prominent it is, the better. See our guide to [where to put your router for the best possible home Wi-Fi](https://www.wired.com/2016/03/put-router-optimize-home-wi-fi/).
-Knowing how to make your internet faster is essential—especially as the novel [coronavirus](https://www.wired.com/tag/coronavirus/) continues to spread across the United States and many people find themselves [working or studying from home](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-work-from-home-without-losing-your-mind/). Naturally, that means they're stuck with their home Wi-Fi networks, many of which may not feel up to par.
+You might need to apply some creative cabling to get your router in a better place, but it's going to be worth the effort for the end results. The goal is to get your main devices—consoles, laptops and so on—as close as possible to your router. Devices that don't need quite so much bandwidth, like smart thermostats, don't have to be a priority in terms of physical proximity.
-Some cable companies have [increased speeds](https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/internet-essentials-low-income-broadband-coronavirus-pandemic){: rel=nofollow} for low-income customers. Others [have suspended](https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/12/21177538/att-broadband-internet-data-cap-coronavirus-suspend){: rel=nofollow} broadband data caps. But eliminating subpar speeds and Wi-Fi dead zones around the house will largely be up to you. These tips give you a variety of options for getting more out of your Wi-Fi connection inside and outside the home.
+If you don't have a flat surface near the best spot you can mount your router halfway up a wall. If possible, keep it away from other devices that use electromagnetic waves—that means baby monitors, wireless keyboards, and even microwaves.
-###1. Move Your Router
+###2. Go Wired Instead
-It may seem a little obvious or too basic a fix to consider, but physically moving your router can make a real difference to the speeds you get and how far its wireless transmissions can reach. Try not to hide your router in a corner, or under a cupboard, or inside a drawer—the more central and prominent it is, the better.
+A wired connection to your router is usually preferable to a wireless one—it's faster and more stable, and can't be affected by other devices or large fish tanks. The downside is, of course, that it limits where your devices can be, and it's less convenient overall.
-You might need to apply some creative cabling to get your router in a better place, but it's going to be worth the effort for the end results. Have a think about where your main devices are situated—consoles, laptops and so on—and get your router as close as possible. Devices that don't need quite so much bandwidth, like smart thermostats, don't have to be a priority in terms of physical proximity.
+Still, for devices that need the fastest internet possible—a gaming console or a streaming box, for example—it's often well worth the effort to run a wire. The router will have a handful of Ethernet ports spare, so all you need is a cable.
-If you don't have a table or other flat surface near where you think the router is going to be best positioned, consider mounting it halfway up a wall. If possible, keep it away from other devices that use electromagnetic waves—that means baby monitors, wireless keyboards, and even microwaves.
+To do a really tidy job and avoid having wires trailing across your floor, you'll need to deploy some cable management. [Wall brackets like these ($14 for 40)](https://www.amazon.com/Yocice-Adhesive-Organizer-Management-Upgraded/dp/B07PNSTB4N/){: rel=nofollow} keep the Ethernet cable fixed to the walls. If you have several cables running the same direction [these wall mounts ($13 for 50)](https://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Ethernet-Organizers-Management-Desktop/dp/B07KPTPGVB/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow} work well. For one or two gadgets, it can be worth the extra setup.
-###2. Upgrade Your Router
+###3. Upgrade Your Router
-You might never have thought about swapping out the black box your internet provider gives you, but the fact is that your standard issue router box is unlikely to be the best model on the market. There are better options out there. Just check with your provider (or run a quick web search) to make sure you can switch to a different box, and to get the configuration settings you need to do it.
+Routers vary significantly in functionality and price, but in this case the upgrade to make is generally in terms of how far your Wi-Fi is broadcast. If you have a large house, you'll likely be better off with a router that can pair with "repeaters" that can broadcast signal into the furthest reaches of your home. Smaller homes and apartments can generally get by with a simpler system.
-By "better" we mean routers that can spread your Wi-Fi further, and support more devices more easily, and keep connections stable and active under higher demand. While a router upgrade doesn't make any difference to the speed of the internet coming into your home, it can certainly have an impact on the speeds and stability you see on your devices.
+We don't have room for a full router buying guide here, but we've tested and like the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 ([$280 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-8-Stream-AX6000-Router/dp/B07PCMG75T/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}, [$329 Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=betterhomewifi&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FNETGEAR-Nighthawk-AX8-8-Stream-AX6000-Wi-Fi-6-Router-802-11ax-Black-RAX80-100NAS%2F867351946){: rel=nofollow}), the [TP-Link AX6000](https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wifi-AX1500-Smart-Router/dp/B07ZSDR49S/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}, and the TP-Link AX3000 ([$129 Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=betterhomewifi&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FTP-Link-Archer-AX3000-4-Stream-Dual-Band-Wi-Fi-6-Wireless-Router-Up-to-3-Gbps-Speeds-Powered-by-Intel%2F100797162){: rel=nofollow}, [$150 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-WiFi-AX3000-Smart-Router/dp/B07YMFZ28Q/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}, [$150 Best Buy](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/0vNnV){: rel=nofollow})
-While we don't have room for a full router buying guide here, if you have a look at the [Netgear Nighthawk AX10](https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Quad-Stream-Quad-core-Compatible/dp/B01M12RE4A){: rel=nofollow} or the [TP-Link AX6000](https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wifi-AX1500-Smart-Router/dp/B07ZSDR49S){: rel=nofollow} to see some of the specs and features available. You can also upgrade to a mesh network, where you install multiple router nodes around your house—check out [Google Nest Wifi](https://store.google.com/us/product/nest_wifi) (from $270) or [Eero Wi-Fi](https://eero.com/shop), for example.
+For larger homes we recommend a mesh network, where you install multiple router nodes around your house. We've tested and like the Eero Wi-Fi system ([$250 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WMLPSRL?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}, [$250 Best Buy](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/eero-ac-dual-band-mesh-wi-fi-system-3-pack-white/6375348.p?skuId=6375348){: rel=nofollow}), and the Netgear Orbi system ([$287 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Orbi-Whole-Home-System/dp/B07CQDHPFT/?tag=w050b-20){: rel=nofollow}, [$329 Best Buy](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/EMN2P){: rel=nofollow}), [$298 Walmart](https://goto.walmart.com/c/1305164/565706/9383?subId1=betterhomewifi&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FNETGEAR-Orbi-AC3000-Mesh-WiFi-System-Up-to-5-000-Square-Feet-RBK50-100NAS%2F54445769){: rel=nofollow}). There's also the Google Nest Wi-Fi system ([WIRED Review 6/10](https://store.google.com/us/product/nest_wifi)), which works well though it lacks some features found in the other systems and at $299 ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Google-Nest-WiFi-Router-Pack/dp/B07YMJ57MB){: rel=nofollow}) it's not one of the cheaper options.
-##3. Change the Channel or Band
+###4. Change the Channel or Band
-Your router uses a particular Wi-Fi channel to communicate with the devices around your home, and if you've got neighbors living very close who have routers using the same Wi-Fi channel, then everything can get very congested very quickly. Switching to a different channel can solve this problem.
+Wi-Fi signal is divided into channels. Your router uses a particular Wi-Fi channel to communicate with the devices around your home, and if you've got neighbors living very close who have routers using the same Wi-Fi channel, then everything can get very congested very quickly. Switching to a different channel can solve this problem.
Every router will handle this differently—check its documentation or look up the instructions online if you're not sure—but you should be able to find the option somewhere in the device settings. Channels 1, 6 and 11 are the ones to try, as they'll have the least interference when multiple devices get hooked up.
Most routers now use dual band technology, broadcasting at the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. If your router settings allow you, you might be able to prioritize one or the other for certain devices—the 5GHz band will get you a faster connection to the internet, though it has a shorter range than 2.4GHz.
-##4. Get a Wi-Fi Extender
+###5. Get a Wi-Fi Extender
If messing around with your router settings seems too daunting, and you have a few dollars spare, invest in a Wi-Fi extender or repeater. These devices plug into a spare wall socket, connect to the wireless internet getting beamed out by your router, and then extend it further.
@@ -43,63 +48,52 @@ They're simple to set up, easy to use, and can instantly get rid of Wi-Fi dead z
You've got plenty of options to pick from: take a look at the [Linksys AC1900](https://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Gigabit-Extender-Repeater-RE7000/dp/B01DT48WZS){: rel=nofollow} or the [Netgear EX7300](https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wi-Fi-Range-Extender-EX7300/dp/B01D6JEMWS){: rel=nofollow}, for example. Make sure the maximum supported Wi-Fi standard (e.g. 802.11ac) matches that of your router, so that you get as speedy a connection as possible.
-##5. Use Your Electrical Wiring
+###6. Use Your Electrical Wiring
An alternative to extenders is a powerline kit—you might never have realized it, but digital signals can pass through electrical wiring, and powerline devices are designed to take advantage of this. Several manufacturers make powerline networking kits, including [Netgear](https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Powerline-Adapter-Ethernet-Passthrough/dp/B0778Y6K6N){: rel=nofollow} and [TP-Link](https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Powerline-Pass-Through-TL-PA9020P-KIT/dp/B01H74VKZU){: rel=nofollow}.
It works like this: You connect a powerline plug up to your router and then put the plug into a wall socket. Add another powerline plug in any other room in your house, and it can then provide a wired or wireless connection to that room. There will be some drop in speed, but it's a simple and effective option.
-Unless your home is particularly old, it should have electrical wiring that supports this, but it's best to buy your kit from a retailer with a robust returns policy, just in case. As always, check out the reviews in advance of buying any kit, just in case any known incompatibility issues get flagged up.
-
-##6. Go Wired Instead
-
-A wired connection to your router is usually preferable to a wireless one—it's faster and more stable, and can't be affected by other devices or large fish tanks. The downside is, of course, that it limits where your devices can be, and it's less convenient overall.
-
-If you've got a device that needs the fastest internet possible—a gaming console or an streaming box, for example—then you might consider putting in the time and effort to establish a wired connection directly from your router. The router will have a handful of Ethernet ports spare, so all you need is a cable.
-
-To do a really tidy job and avoid having wires trailing across your floor, you'll need to deploy some cable management (brackets to keep the Ethernet cable fixed to the walls, for example). For one or two gadgets, it can be worth the extra setup.
+Unless your home is particularly old, it should have electrical wiring that supports this, but it's best to buy your kit from a retailer with a robust return policy, just in case. .
-##7. Make Sure There's a Password on your Wi-Fi
+###7. Make Sure There's a Password on your Wi-Fi
-We probably don't have to tell you this, but you need a password on your Wi-Fi. It's good for [keeping hackers away](https://www.wired.com/story/wikileaks-cia-router-hack/), and keeping neighbors from Netflixing off your bandwidth. Make sure you use AES encryption, too (it's usually right there in the dropdown), which is both the most secure and most speed-friendly security option.
+We probably don't have to tell you this, but you need a password on your Wi-Fi. It's good for [keeping hackers away](https://www.wired.com/story/wikileaks-cia-router-hack/), and keeping neighbors from Netflixing off your bandwidth. Make sure you use AES encryption, which is both the most secure and most speed-friendly security option.
-##8. Consider Adding a Separate Network for your Guests
+###8. Consider Adding a Separate Network for your Guests
Another thing: You probably should have two networks. One for you, one for guests. Everyone asks for the password, but you're better off limiting the number of people and devices on your personal network to things you actually want there. Plus, let's be real: Do you really trust your friends? If they'd text your exes just because you left your phone unlocked, they'd definitely hack you just for fun.
-##9. Reduce the Number of Devices Using Your Network
+###9. Reduce the Number of Devices Using Your Network
It also helps to reduce the number of devices on your network. Having dozens of things tapping into the Wi-Fi can be just as problematic as trying to play *FIFA* online while simultaneously torrenting the whole of _The Sopranos._ Plug anything you can into Ethernet, and unplug anything you have connected but don't need (like that "smart" tea kettle you never once got to work). Make sure only the things that need internet get internet.
-On most recent routers, you can even prioritize a particular device or service through the same wonky settings menu you'd use to create a password or update the firmware. It's a hacky but handy way to make sure your games never get interrupted by someone's [Facebooking](https://www.wired.com/tag/facebook/). If you have [Luma](https://www.wired.com/2016/05/luma-makes-wi-fi-fun-smart-secure-time/) or Google Wifi, you get even more granular controls—you can prioritize the Fire TV, but only for the next two hours.
-
-##10. Regularly Turn Off Your Router
+On most recent routers, you can even prioritize a particular device or service through the same settings menu you'd use to create a password or update the firmware. It's a hacky but handy way to make sure your games never get interrupted by someone else using Facebook.
-Chances are you *never* turn off your router, but giving it a break once a month can make a difference when it comes to your internet speeds. Turning off your router gives it a chance to reset its internet connection. You could even turn it on and off everyday. That *sounds* like a hassle, but you can actually get a [programmable timer](https://www.amazon.com/Century-Heavy-Digital-Programmable-Timer/dp/B00MVF16JG/ref=as_li_ss_tl){: rel=nofollow} that does it for you. You can set it up to turn your Wi-Fi on and off at times when no one in your house will be using the internet.
-
-##11. See What Programs are Automatically Updating
+###10. See What Programs are Automatically Updating
This tip is specific to computers: if the internet on your PC or laptop is perpetually slow, open your task manager or activity monitor and see what programs are running in the background. Certain programs could be set to auto-update that don't need to be. If they're always updating in the background, that could be the cause of your slow internet. Check it out and adjust the settings.
-##12. Check for Viruses
+###11. Restart Your Router
-Auto-updating programs aren't the only things that can affect your computer's internet speeds. Another culprit? Viruses. Scan your computer for malware. To remove malware, run your computer in safe mode, delete all temporary files, and install a virus scanner. Not only will removing viruses make your computer and data safe, it will also improve your internet speed immediately.
+We've read this tip many times on the web, but we were skeptical. It sounds like an extension of the age-old pseudosolution to everything digital: reboot it. To see if this was more than superstition, we put the question to router maker Netgear: does rebooting your router help speed things up?
-##13. Reach Out to Your Internet Service Provider
+The short answer is probably not.
-You can always reach out to your internet provider and ask them to send a service technician out. They're specialists for a reason, and might be able to pinpoint an overlooked issue that is getting in the way of you and fast Wi-Fi. Let them know your connection is lagging, and when the technician arrives, you can pick their brain for all kinds of solutions for how to make the internet faster. Chances are they'll have plenty of tricks up their sleeve specific to your setup. Afterall, Wi-Fi is a strangely personal thing. Performance depends on where you are, what the walls are made of, when your microwave was manufactured, and whether the guy who laid the cables did it right. When all else fails, let the tech help you troubleshoot your slow internet speeds!
-
+Sandeep Harpalani, VP of Product Line Management for Netgear tells WIRED that the company does not recommend rebooting its routers "unless you are actually encounter issues with connectivity or slow downs due to radio frequency interference." He did also say that if you're still using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and you're having speed troubles, rebooting might help since it will force the router to choose the best channel with the least interference during bootup. If you've made the jump to 5GHz you don't need to worry, it will automatically switch to the channel with the least amount of interference.
-***
+Either way there's no reason to reboot regularly the way some people have suggested. If you are having problems then it may be worth restarting your router, but for the most part, stick with out other tips.
+
+###12. Reach Out to Your Internet Service Provider
-*When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Read more about [how this works](https://www.wired.com/2015/11/affiliate-link-policy/).*
+You can always reach out to your internet provider and see if they have any suggestions. They may want to send a service technician out. They're specialists for a reason, and might be able to pinpoint an overlooked issue that is getting in the way of you and fast Wi-Fi. That's more complex right now though, as you may not want strangers in your house, and your ISP may not have technicians available to send.
***
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