5 Tips to Improve Your WiFi for Better Streaming


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Smiling family sitting holding remote control

When cord cutters experience buffering they often blame the streaming provider when the real issue is their Wi-Fi network.

These complaints are common with live TV services as they often say “Netflix works but my live TV service does not.” The truth is live TV needs a little more speed for a variety of reasons including the fact that unlike Netflix live TV is not seeding servers inside your ISPs home network. So you may have the speed you need for your home Wi-Fi but not the speed for live TV.

The good news is there are a few things you can do to improve your Wi-Fi network to make sure you have the best possible streaming experience.

#1 The Best Location for Your Wi-Fi Router

A weak Wi-Fi signal will give far lower speeds than a strong Wi-Fi signal, so you want to do your best to have the strongest possible signal. For most that likely means putting your router in the center of your house; however, you may want to take some time and explore different locations for the strongest possible signal.

#2 Keep Your Wi-Fi Router Away from Other Electronics

It is best to avoid putting your Wi-Fi router right next to metal and other electronics. Avoid placing your router next to a refrigerator or behind a TV, because they will block some of the signal the router sends out reducing performance in some parts of your house.

#3 Use the 5Ghz Network

Most new Wi-Fi Routers offer a 2.4Ghz and a 5Ghz (5G) network. For streaming, it is best to use the 5G option. You will find far better speeds on the 5Ghz network over the 2.4Ghz network.

Switching to the 5Ghz network will likely reduce the amount of buffering you will find on your favorite streaming service.

#4 Upgrade Your Router

If you have a router that is only an N router or even an older G router I highly recommend you upgrade to the new AC standard. You will find far better streaming and reception with the new AC standard.

#5 Use an Ethernet Cord

This is not really a Wi-Fi tip, but if you can use an Ethernet cable to connect to your streaming and gaming device. I often find people have their router feet from their streaming player but still use Wi-Fi. Ethernet will always give a far better streaming experience.

There you go… several easy tips for improving your streaming experience.

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