Finding a good, reliable Wi-Fi connection wherever you go is hard. Free public Wi-Fi networks are often slow and laggy, and figuring out how to boost your internet connection can feel impossible. To learn how to get better Wi-Fi, wherever you are, keep reading!
Use a Portable Router
Using free public Wi-Fi signals is often too slow, and using your phone’s data can be expensive. Portable routers are a great way to get a Wi-Fi connection while you’re in an unreachable or tricky area.
A portable Wi-Fi router works the same way that your Wi-Fi router at home does. It establishes an internet connection through an internet provider and signals out that your phone can connect to. Some portable routers also offer the option of turning a cellular data signal into a Wi-Fi connection. Portable routers are:
- Great if you have an established internet provider
- Perfect for establishing a stable connection for devices that can’t run off the cellular data connection, such as laptops
- Similar to a Wi-Fi hotspot, so that the connection is private and able to connect multiple devices
Purchase an External Wireless Card
External wireless cards are similar to portable Wi-Fi routers in that they help you establish a connection while out and about. External wireless cards are devices you plug directly into your laptop or device to establish a Wi-Fi connection to already existing networks.
The downside of these devices is that a network must already be in range to connect to your laptop. This means that you may have to have a router nearby to connect your device to an internet connection.
On the other hand, external wireless cards allow you to establish a stronger and more stable connection to networks that may have previously been weak or unstable. You may consider an external wireless card in conjunction with other suggestions for how to get better Wi-Fi.
Adjust Where You Are
Did you know that changing where you’re sitting, even if you just move in the same room, can boost your Wi-Fi signal? As strange as it may sound, Wi-Fi signals can be stronger depending on even the slightest change in location because of a range of factors.
Thick cement walls, outdoor obstacles, and other obstructions can cause your Wi-Fi signal to weaken, making it difficult for you to find a signal in certain locations. If you are looking for a quick and easy fix, try moving around your home or public area to see where the Wi-Fi signal is stronger. While it may be a hassle to find the best location for you, this is a great temporary solution.
Use Multiple Networks
Most devices allow you to connect to multiple networks at once. Establishing a connection across multiple networks can help you find a stronger and more reliable wireless connection on your devices, as you’ll be drawing on multiple Wi-Fi signals.
Some devices will require you to use an app to connect to multiple networks. These applications are easy to find in your device’s app store and typically free or affordable to download. Some devices, however, simply require you to bridge the connections within your “network connection” window. Try these steps if you are using a laptop:
- Open your network connections window
- Pressing the “control” or “command” key, depending on your device, select multiple networks
- Right-click and select the “bridge connections” option
- Follow the steps prompted on your computer to bridge the network connections
Close Background Apps
While it may seem like a silly idea, closing apps that you have open is one of the best ways to boost your Wi-Fi and make your connection faster. Your Wi-Fi connection is slower if multiple apps or devices are using the connection.
A Wi-Fi connection only has so many data units available at a time, measured in megabytes per second, and using up this data creates a slower connection and speed. For a quick and easy fix for Wi-Fi connection, try:
- Closing any background apps on each of your active devices
- Turning the Wi-Fi off on inactive devices
- Disabling Wi-Fi on all applications when they aren’t in use, which can be done in your “settings” application
Move Closer to the Wi-Fi Source
With any Wi-Fi source you connect to, you may find that the Wi-Fi runs slow or lags. If you can locate the router, moving closer to the router is a great way to get faster Wi-Fi speeds. Your Wi-Fi connection will be the strongest closest to the Wi-Fi router.
Additionally, if you can, connecting directly to the router with an ethernet cable is another option for getting faster Wi-Fi speeds or a more stable connection.
Use a 4G Router
Not all internet networks are prepared to provide your internet connection on the go. Most internet providers require you to be in a certain location to maintain an internet connection, and their range only extends so far. You might not be able to get a connection even in some areas of your own home!
One of the most important tips for getting better Wi-Fi is to use an internet provider that can provide you with internet while on the go. Nomad Internet has a wide selection of plans that are compatible with life on the go.
Don’t Find Yourself Without a Connection.
Finding yourself without a Wi-Fi connection when you need one is frustrating, and trying to use a slow and laggy signal is awful. Follow these seven tips for ways to boost your Wi-Fi wherever you go. For an excellent Wi-Fi connection anywhere in the world, set up your plan today with Nomad Internet!