How to get the best out of your router

Your router is the gateway to the internet.

Here are ten tips to follow to make sure you are getting the best out of yours.

1) Wherever possible, it's best to place your router in a central location, plugged into your main broadband socket, this is the white box on your wall (which for all you tech lovers out there is also called the NTE/ONT or Optical Network Terminal)

2) However, there are exceptions to every rule. It's sometimes best to place the router nearest to where you're likely to use it most, even if that's not central. If your needs change and you need to move your router to somewhere more appropriate, give our team a call on 01482 606101.

3) Always keep your router off the floor, in the open, well-ventilated on a solid surface and ideally away from other electrical appliances.

4) If required, make sure your microfilters are fitted correctly. Not all Lightstream connections require microfilters - check the guide with your router.

5) Did you know it's best to leave your router switched on all the time? This will mean less disruption to your service and keeps drivers connected.

6) Wi-Fi is a radio signal that allows you to connect your internet device to your router without wires. As with all radio signals the further away you are from the source - in this case your router - the less powerful the signal is and the greater chance of interference.

7) Wi-Fi operates on different frequencies - 5GHz which uses tightly bunched wavelengths that are powerful but may not travel far and 2.4GHz that uses shallow wavelengths that can travel further. That's why the 2GHz network may be available in your garden but the 5GHz isn't.

8) Interference is a pesky thing. But do you know what can cause it? Electrical devices including baby monitors, radios, TVs, microwaves and even Christmas tree lights can all affect your Wi-Fi, so make sure your router is well away from them.

9) Your router works best on channels 1-11, more channels are available however selecting channels 12-13 may prevent some devices from picking up Wi-Fi if that device is configured for European settings. If your neighbour's Wi-Fi is operating on the same or a nearby channel it can affect your Wi-Fi. Changing your Wi-Fi channel may reduce interference. 

10) Wi-Fi signals find it harder to travel through solid walls than partition walls. They may also be disrupted by steel beams and loft insulation material.

11) If you experience service issues its best practice to turn your router on/off before calling tech support, we find this resolves the majority of problems