Get good speeds on all your devices

TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAXIMISE PERFORMANCE ACROSS YOUR NETWORK.

YOU’VE UPGRADED YOUR internet connection to meet your demands, and you’ve optimised some parts of your network too. But there’s still room for improvement.

Here, we’ll examine ways to maximise your Wi-Fi connection at distance, plus spread the demands on it more evenly to boost performance. You’ll also discover how to ensure a single device or app can’t monopolise your internet connection to the detriment of everyone else.

WIRELESS AT A DISTANCE

01 The TP-Link TL-WPA4220 is a powerline adapter with built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi extender. Perfect for hard-to-reach rooms as the signal is relayed through electrical wires rather than over the air.

REDUCE CONGESTION

02 Lessen the load on your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band by connecting devices that are closest to the router – where the signal is strongest – to the 5GHz channel. In their network settings, pick the 5GHz network.

RENAME 5GHZ NETWORK

03 If your router has named its 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks identically, you’ll need to rename one of the networks via your router’s configuration utility to a unique name in order to ensure devices always use the band you want.

SET BANDWIDTH LIMITS

04 Some routers have bandwidth controls that allow you to set download and upload limits – either individually or across all your devices. Also explore individual apps – particularly cloud backup tools – for options to set limits.

CONTENT CACHING

05 If you have multiple Macs and/or iPhones and iPads, share updates and iCloud data to prevent duplicate downloads. On macOS High Sierra or later, go to  > System Prefs > Sharing and tick the Content Caching item.