Tech Talk: Three DIY ways to improve your home WiFi

The world is hooked on the Internet. Just try to think of the last day you didn’t use the web in some way. But you probably don’t think much about the main way the Internet is delivered: Through WiFi. When you do think about WiFi, it’s usually because it’s not working — and driving you nuts. Before investing in a more expensive Internet package, here are three do-it-yourself ways to improve your home WiFi:
Move your router
If you have rooms that don’t have access to the Internet — dead zones — first try moving your router to a more central location in the home. Because routers have a limited range, it’s important that your router is in a central area. If you can’t move the router to a different location, try elevating it on a table or shelf. Large metal appliances, like refrigerators, and electronics that emit radio waves, like microwaves, can interfere with your network’s signal.
Upgrade to a mesh network
Most households rely on a single router. But with the steep increase in home internet usage, one WiFi router may not be adequate to support all the devices connected to it. Mesh technology ensures people are getting the same internet speeds they’re paying for throughout the entire home.
Update your modem
An often-overlooked device that may be throttling your WiFi signal is the cable modem, the device that translates the data coming in through your cable pipe into a digital language your router can understand. Households should update their modems every three to five years. If yours is outdated, it could be impacting the quality of your signal and speed.