It’s common these days for our Wireless networks to get affected by interference from other networks using the same WiFi channels. Therefore, I have brought you this guide to help you decide on the best WiFi channel for your router.
If you are tired of troubleshooting and trying to improve your wireless speed, here is an easy hack that is going to increase your internet speed.
It is common to face network issues when staying in an apartment surrounded by other multi-story buildings. Have you ever wondered what causes your internet speed to slow down or drop?
Sometimes we do everything in our power to ensure the internet signals are not interrupted but still end up experiencing low network connectivity.
I agree that it can be highly frustrating and nerve-racking sometimes, especially when we are in the middle of an official call or something urgent. But did you know that sometimes choosing the right router channel can solve all your problems?
This article will tell you about router channels and how it affects your network speed. So, if you’ve tried every option to increase your network speed and have still not succeeded, I will tell you how to improve your wireless connectivity by choosing the right channel.
What causes your network signals to slow down?
When you connect your computer to the internet, the computer receives signals from the router, which travel through channels and reaches the computer system. However, if your neighboring systems are also using the same channel used by you to connect to the internet, you will see your network speed going down.
When we are accessing the internet, we are often unaware that the channel used by us is already in use by our neighbors.
For uninterrupted service, we need to ensure that the channel used by us is solely used by us and not by anyone else.
How to ensure that we are using a dedicated router channel?
The first step toward improving network connectivity is to check whether we are using a dedicated router channel.
How to check your router channel?
The first step toward finding out which router channel you use is knowing your router’s band. Routers generally operate on either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands. You can also have a dual-band router that supports both the 2.4GHz band and 5GHz band.
Once you know the band of your router, you need to look for the channel number. But before you do that, remember two things.
- Firstly, 2.4GHz band routers have three distinct channels that do not overlap. These are channels 1, 6, and 11. You need to choose from these three channels.
- Secondly, 5GHz routers have 23 channels to operate on. Because of more free space and multiple channels, your network speed is rarely affected.
When using a dual-band router, it’s best to shift to 5GHz when experiencing network issues.
You can use a WiFi channel scanner to find out which channel you are using. Some special applications that can be used to find your channel number are Netspot, Acrylic WiFi, WiFi Scanner, and WiFi Analyser.
The benefit of using these applications is that they not only tell you your WiFi channel number but also help you see the channels other people are on. So, you can easily choose the channel number ideal for your network. Preferably choose a channel that minimum users are on.
Now that you know which channel you are on and which channel you should be on for improved connectivity, change it to the desired channel. And test your connection.
How to change the router channel for better connectivity?
You need to follow these steps to change your router channel.
- Open the web browser and key in your IP address. For first-timers, it will be something like 192.168.1.1, 192.168.1.2, or 10.0.0.1.
- You can find the address engraved on the router’s body or inside the manual.
- Once logged in, look for the wireless settings of your router.
- Apply the channel number you want your router to use, and save the changes.
FAQs: What do people often ask?
If you are using a 2.4GHz band, choose between channels 1,6 and 11. These are the best channels for your routers because other electronic devices working on the same 2.4GHz band won’t interfere.
Regarding the range of your router, it would be best if you chose the 2.4GHz band. On the other hand, if your router’s maximum speed is concerned, you must use the 5GHz band.
Conclusion
Therefore, we can say that if all else fails and you see your network speed is not improving, try changing the router channel and see the difference. Still no improvement; buy a new modern wireless router.
We are sure if you follow these steps, you will be able to choose the best channel for your network and increase your wireless speed. In turn, you are going to experience less buffering when working online.