‍

In today’s connected world, a strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection is essential for everything from streaming movies, gaming, and working from home, to smooth business operations at the office. At Aerial Internet Solutions, we understand how frustrating slow or spotty Wi-Fi can be. That’s why we’ve put together these tips to help you optimize your network and get the most out of your internet service.

Whether you’re a casual browser or a hardcore gamer, these tips will help you improve speed, coverage, and overall performance.

Before we begin—if you contract your networking out to an IT company, if your ISP needs to configure things a certain way in order to work, or you have an in-house IT department, please check with them first before tinkering with your network. Too many times, we’ve seen folks break firmware settings, buy an unsupported router or switch from Amazon, or even rewire their whole network, only to find things no longer work and they need help fixing it. When in doubt, ask. Always.

Now, let’s jump in!

1. Choose the Right Router for Your Needs

Your router is the heart of your home network. If it’s outdated or underpowered, it can bottleneck your entire connection.

Tips:

• Upgrade if needed: If your router is more than 4–5 years old, consider upgrading to a newer model that supports Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E.
• Dual-band or tri-band: These routers offer multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to reduce congestion and improve performance.
• For BEST results, check with your ISP before buying anything. At Aerial Internet Solutions, we offer a convenient rental program, which aims to keep your devices up to date. If something breaks, or when it’s time for an upgrade, we’ll come switch it out for you at no extra cost!

2. Optimize Router Placement

Where you place your router can dramatically affect your Wi-Fi coverage.

Best Practices:

• Central location: Place your router in the middle of your home to evenly distribute the signal.
• Elevated position: Keep it off the floor and away from walls or metal objects.
• Avoid interference: Stay clear of microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors.

3. Use Physical Barriers Strategically

Wi-Fi signals can be weakened by physical obstructions like walls, furniture, and even decor. While you can’t redesign your space around your router, small adjustments can make a big difference.

Quick Fixes:

• Avoid placing large furniture (like bookshelves or cabinets) directly between your router and high-use areas.
• Glass and mirrors can reflect signals, so try to keep them out of the direct path.
• Open doors between rooms when using Wi-Fi-intensive devices to reduce signal blockage.

Bonus Tip: If you’re setting up a workspace or entertainment area, do a quick speed test in different spots to find the best signal zone before committing to a layout.

4. Secure Your Network

A secure network not only protects your data but also ensures that unauthorized users aren’t slowing down your connection.

Steps to take:

• Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available).
• Change default passwords for both your router and Wi-Fi network.
• Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which can be a security risk.

At Aerial Internet Solutions, we manage these configurations for you, so you don’t have to stress about it!

5. Manage Bandwidth Usage

If multiple devices are streaming, gaming, or downloading at once, your network can get overwhelmed.

Solutions:

• Set up Quality of Service (QoS): Prioritize bandwidth for important tasks like video calls or gaming.
• Limit background apps: Disable automatic updates or cloud syncs during peak usage times.
• Schedule heavy downloads for off-peak hours.

6. Extend Your Coverage

If you have a large home or thick walls, you might need help extending your Wi-Fi signal.

Options:

• Wi-Fi extenders: Boost signal to hard-to-reach areas.
• Mesh systems: Create a seamless network across multiple access points.
• Powerline adapters: Use your home’s electrical wiring to transmit internet signals.

7. Monitor Your Network

Understanding how your network is performing can help you troubleshoot issues quickly.

Tools to use:

• Speed tests: Use tools like Ookla or Fast.com to check your internet speed.
• Network monitoring apps: See which devices are connected and how much bandwidth they’re using.
• Get support from Aerial Internet Solutions: Contact us if you notice persistent issues. We’re here to help!

8. Consider a Wired Connection for Critical Devices

Wi-Fi is convenient, but wired connections are faster and more stable.

When to go wired:

• For gaming consoles or PCs.
• For smart TVs or streaming boxes.
• For work-from-home setups where reliability is key.

9. Reduce Device Clutter

Too many connected devices can slow down your network.

Tips:

• Disconnect unused devices.
• Use guest networks for visitors.
• Upgrade older smart devices that may not support modern Wi-Fi standards.

10. Know When to Call the Experts

Sometimes, DIY fixes aren’t enough. If you’ve tried everything and still experience issues, it might be time to reach out.

At Aerial Internet Solutions, we offer:

• Local support from our Drumheller-based team.
• Customized plans for your household’s needs.
• Network diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Bonus Tip: It Might Not Be Your Wi-Fi at All

I spent all weekend troubleshooting spotty Wi-Fi on my Arch Linux laptop, only to discover that the issue was not my router or radio, but NetworkManager, the standard Linux network configuration tool. After some digging, I learned that sometimes, NetworkManager (specifically wpa_supplicant) doesn’t play nice with the MediaTek Wi-Fi cards that AMD-powered laptops typically ship with—especially on Arch Linux. Switching to iNet wireless daemon (iwd) for the backend fixed my issue, and now I can enjoy speedy, reliable Wi-Fi at home again.

(If you understood any of those words in that order, you’re a nerd.)

My point is, sometimes it’s not your network or router, and that can be an important thing to remember when troubleshooting spotty Wi-Fi. Weather, devices, even the building materials of your house or office can all play a role.

‍

Wrapping It Up: Your Wi-Fi Glow-Up Starts Here

So there you have it: 10+ ways to give your Wi-Fi the TLC it deserves. From smart router placement and ditching digital clutter, to knowing when to go wired or when to call in the pros, these tips are all about making your internet life smoother, faster, and way less frustrating.

Whether you’re binge-watching your favourite show, running a small business, or just trying to load a web page without yelling at your screen, a few small tweaks can make a big difference.

And hey, if you’ve tried all the tricks and your Wi-Fi still acts like it’s stuck in 2009, don’t stress. We’ve got your back.

Need help optimizing your setup?

Call us at 825-632-2000 or email ais@aismail.ca.

Let’s make your internet experience awesome!