Modern Wi-Fi Improvements for Your Home

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/AdobeStock_473463012.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/> Originally written by Thomas Sutherland of ClickAway More than ever, we depend on Wi-Fi for work, school and fun. The problems come when these activities overlap. When everyone in the household is vying for access to the same Wi-Fi signal, it often causes turmoil. Thankfully, Wi-Fi technology keeps getting more efficient and affordable, giving rise to improvements that can solve this issue. Below, we’ll discuss some modern Wi-Fi improvements, starting with the more advanced Wi-Fi 6 standard. The benefit of Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi 6 is the next generation standard in Wi-Fi technology. By focusing on efficiency rather than speed, Wi-Fi 6 helps mitigate issues that are caused by putting dozens of Wi-Fi devices on a single network. Let’s say your household owns several smartphones, laptops, gaming devices, smart speakers and other connected gadgets. Altogether, these products consume a heavy amount of Wi-Fi resources. Wi-Fi 6 evenly distributes bandwidth to all of these devices simultaneously rather than letting one device hog most of it. That means faster download speeds, less buffering and smoother gameplay for everyone. Additional Wi-Fi upgrades According to Cisco, the average number of internet-connected devices owned per person is expected to climb to nearly four by 2023, up from two in 2018. With this in mind, now may be the right time to consider upgrading your home’s Wi-F Since Wi-Fi issues usually have more to do with dead spots than slow speeds, one smart upgrade to consider is a mesh Wi-Fi extender. This device (or, more accurately, series of devices) blankets the home in Wi-Fi and sidesteps common internet speed bumps with ease. Typically, a mesh Wi-Fi extender consists of a central hub and a few “satellites” placed in different rooms. When these components link together, the result is an unbroken Wi-Fi signal that spreads throughout the home. Another Wi-Fi component to consider upgrading is your router. If you’re still using the same router you got from your service provider several years ago, you’ll want to upgrade to a model that’s compatible with the Wi-Fi 6 standard (802.11ax). Since this standard was introduced in 2019, compatible router models are becoming more common in residential homes.  Modern Wi-Fi router features Modern Wi-Fi routers are equal parts general use routers, serious gaming gear and cybersecurity safeguards. Here are some of the newest features you’ll find: <ul> <li>Two frequency bands determine which of your devices moves to the head of the Wi-Fi line. This is an excellent way to ensure your work laptop gets first-class treatment instead of your child’s gaming console. </li> <li>Security alerts and solid parental controls keep children safe online. Alerts are triggered when the Wi-Fi signals floating through your home detect unexpected motion.</li> <li>Some new routers allow for integration with limited versions of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Share your Wi-Fi password with guests, run speed tests and reboot via voice command.  </li> </ul> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Computer-Device-Repair/" target="_self">The Essential Guide to Computer & Device Repair</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>