How to Optimize Your WiFi for Working From Home
For many people, the office is also your home. More people working from home, however, means an increased demand on reliable home WiFi, on top of the already rising number of connected devices from the kitchen to the garage.
While many WiFi products seem similar on the surface, not all WiFi networks and products are the same. With so many vendors, network options, and products on the market, it can be confusing where to start. What do you really need to maximize your home network?
Use this helpful guide to optimize your home WiFi for working from home with Linksys routers.
Test Your Home WiFi Speed
First, a little information on WiFi router speeds. The speed of transferring data (in this case WiFi data) is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Currently, there are single-band, dual-band, and tri-band WiFi routers on the market. Single-band optimal speed is up to 750 Mbps, a dual-band WiFi router clocks up to 1625 Mbps, and a tri-band router provides the fastest speeds with up to 2166 Mbps on each band.
The reason you want to test your home WiFi speed is to make sure that your WiFi is optimal for your needs. Not surprisingly, you want to make sure you have the fastest WiFi speed working at home to ensure that you'll be able to upload and download files quickly as well as stream video conferences without any lagging or interruptions in connection.
Testing is also important to make sure you're not wasting your money; for example, if you're paying for 200 Mbps speed per month but when you test, you find out the router is only outputting 60 Mbps.
One of the easiest and fasted ways to test your WiFi speed is to use a free, browser-based test such as Speedtest.net. However, before you begin, make sure your wireless router is unobstructed and no one else in the house is using the Internet.
Check out How to Test Your WiFi Home Network Speed for more insights and details.
Ditch Your Old ISP Router/Modem
Many people try to make do with the ISP router/modem that they most likely got from their Internet provider. These routers are adequate for basic Internet needs but that's what these routers are: basic. If you're dependent on reliable, fast and consistent WiFi throughout your home office and home, these ISP provided routers likely aren't optimal.
If you still need convincing, read 7 Reasons Why You Should Replace your ISP's Router.
Upgrade to Mesh WiFi
Mesh WiFi, or whole home WiFi, consists of a main router that connects directly to your modem and a series of nodes you place around your home. This provides full WiFi coverage throughout your house. Think of it like an old-school stereo, with a main receiver and various satellite speakers around the house to carry sound — but in this case, it's a router, nodes, and WiFi.
With a Linksys Mesh WiFi router, such as the MR5500, MX2002, or MR20EC, you create a mesh WiFi system that delivers superior speeds through your home. It's easy to install and you can expand your coverage as your WiFi needs grow.
Add WiFi Range Extenders
Some Mesh WiFi systems require to you upgrade to an entire new WiFi system if you want to expand on it. Fortunately, Linksys offers ways you can extend the range of your WiFi with affordable products. That means you'll be able to augment and expand upon your original investment.
Linksys Mesh WiFi benefits include:
- Faster Internet speeds
- Expanded WiFi coverage
- Easy installation
- Customizable
- Automated software updates
Optimize Your Home WiFi to Maximize Productivity
Overall, optimizing your home WiFi is about staying connected and in control so you can be as productive as possible. Your family members who rely on WiFi will be happy, too.
Learn More About Mesh WiFi:
