Wi-Fi Archives - Smart City Telecom

By Krista Lockhart

Wi-Fi

January 12, 2024

Selecting a Wi-Fi router is tricky because it acts as the central hub for your devices. A Wi-Fi router supports your entertainment, working from home, and virtual school needs. Selecting the right Wi-Fi router ensures safe and secure connectivity and uninterrupted web browsing. While it can be tricky, here are our top 5 considerations for selecting the Wi-Fi router that will fit your needs.

Discover the top 5 considerations before purchasing the best Wi-Fi router for your home.

Wi-Fi Band:

First, wireless routers operate on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. The 2.4GHz band can get congested with numerous devices and is slower at a longer range. However, the 5GHz band offers a faster, less crowded connection but with the drawback of a shorter range. Dual-band routers, utilizing both bands simultaneously, are ideal for large residential communities.

Range:

Dead zones exist in virtually every home or office. So, ideally, your Wi-Fi router should be centrally located away from obstacles and positioned higher on a shelf. Power-line adapters may improve the range and extend network coverage by utilizing your electrical wiring. Be aware of their speed limitations, as they usually only provide physical ethernet connections.

Speed:

Also recommend opting for a Wi-Fi router that exceeds the speeds promised by your internet subscription with multiple devices connected simultaneously. Make sure the router supports the highest speeds for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Fun fact: Linking your Wi-Fi router via an Ethernet cable should deliver the fastest gaming speeds.

Security:

The Internet offers a gateway to entertainment, work, and learning. It is also an enabler of scams and cyber attacks. So look for Wifi routers with cloud-based firewalls, antivirus, and parental controls. These essential features protect against hacking and malware and support a secure network. Skip routers that lack these crucial features and protections.

USB Port & VPN:

Next, look for Wi-Fi routers with USB 3.0 ports. These routers offer advanced functionality, such as connecting to external hard drives for network-attached storage (NAS) and being easy to use when setting up a media streaming service. Consider routers with robust hardware if you plan to use them as a VPN server for remote access to your home network.

In the modern digital era, a Wi-Fi router is essential. Keeping these 5 considerations in mind will help you pick the Wi-Fi router that will fit your needs now and in the future.

By Krista Lockhart

Fiber

Wi-Fi

September 1, 2023

Tips On How To Maximizing Wi-Fi Range To Improve Your Residential Internet Experiences

In today’s digitally connected world, a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal is essential for seamless internet experiences in residential spaces. As a provider of fiber internet for residential customers, Smart City Telecom understands the importance of maximizing Wi-Fi range to ensure uninterrupted connectivity throughout your home.

Wi-Fi signals often encounter obstacles like walls, furniture, and other devices, leading to weaker signals in some areas of your home. Dead zones or areas with poor Wi-Fi coverage can be frustrating, especially when you need to work, stream, or connect with loved ones online. Smart City aims to help you overcome these challenges. Here are some tips to optimize your home’s Wi-Fi Coverage.

Re-Position Your Router:

The placement of your router can significantly impact Wi-Fi coverage. Place the router in a central location, away from obstructions like walls and large furniture, to maximize coverage and reduce dead zones.

Upgrading Your Router:

Older routers may not support the latest Wi-Fi standards or have limited coverage capabilities. Consider upgrading to a modern router that supports newer Wi-Fi standards like 802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) and has a better coverage range.

Wi-Fi Extenders: Amplify Your Wi-Fi Signal

Wi-Fi extenders, also known as repeaters, are simple devices that capture your existing Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcast it to extend its range. By strategically placing Wi-Fi extenders in areas with weak signal coverage, you can eliminate dead zones and improve Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.

Boosters: Amplify Your Fiber Internet Experience

Wi-Fi boosters, also known as signal boosters or amplifiers, enhance the performance of your Wi-Fi network by optimizing signal strength and reducing interference. They amplify the existing Wi-Fi signal, providing a stronger and more reliable connection throughout your home.

Mesh Networks: Creating a Seamless Wi-Fi Experience

Mesh networks are a more advanced solution for optimizing your Wi-Fi range. Mesh Wi-Fi systems consist of multiple access points (nodes) that work together to create a seamless Wi-Fi network throughout your home. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi extenders, mesh networks maintain a single Wi-Fi name (SSID) and automatically connect your devices to the strongest signal as you move around your home. This ensures a smooth transition and eliminates any disruptions during video calls, streaming, or online gaming.

If you find that these tips don’t help your home’s connectivity, you may need to upgrade your internet service from your out-of-date copper technology to a future-proof option like Fiber Internet. Smart City Telecom offers home Fiber Internet and Wi-Fi options starting as low as $63.94/mo. Not sure what speed is best for your home? Contact us at 407-824-9277.

5 things to consider when buying a Wi-Fi router

Category: Wi-Fi

5 things to consider when buying a Wi-Fi router

Tips On How To Maximizing Wi-Fi Range

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