How To Optimize Your Wi-Fi for Faster Speeds and Better Performance

7 Ways to Optimize Your Wi-Fi Signal and Make Your Internet Faster

It sounds obvious, but start by finding out what your internet speed should be. Look up your current internet plan or call your provider to determine the megabits per second (Mbps) that you are paying for. Next, run a speed test to compare. In fact, you’ll need to run multiple speed tests so you can see if your troubleshooting fixes are actually working.

Keep in mind that most internet providers only guarantee speeds for wired setups. So, if you’re using Wi-Fi, your actual speed may be slower than if you were using a wired connection (like an Ethernet cable). A wired connection will show higher and more accurate speeds than Wi-Fi.

If your wireless speeds are far below what you’re paying for, it’s time to troubleshoot. This quick, non-technical guide is for anyone who wants to get their internet working faster, without calling a technician—yet. In it, we will cover seven easy steps you can take today to make your Wi-Fi signal stronger, and your internet go faster.

1. Turn Your Router On and Off

It’s so simple, but the first step you’ll want to take is to restart your router. This applies to routers, modems, gateways and mesh systems. Reboot all of them! Rebooting can clear glitches and forces a fresh network start.

Here are the steps to reboot properly:

• Step 1: Unplug your router or gateway.

• Step 2: Wait at least 60 seconds.

• Step 3: Plug it back in and wait for all the lights to come back on.

• Step 4: Turn Wi-Fi off and on your devices.

• Step 5: Run a speed test to see if speed has improved.

Also, make sure your devices' operating systems are up to date and that your router’s firmware (your router’s operating system) is updated. New routers and mesh systems do this automatically, but it may be worth a try. Check on your router’s mobile app or web interface to make sure everything is up to date. If things are still slow, try disconnecting and reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network, or even “forgetting” the network on your device and logging in again.

Remember that rebooting means the internet will be off for a few minutes, so give yourself some time and be sure to let the other members of your household know.

2. Hardwire Your Devices

Most of the time Wi-Fi is more convenient, but in general an Ethernet connection will be faster and more stable. Consider using an Ethernet cable to connect directly from your router to high-priority devices, such as a Smart TV, gaming console or work-from-home setup.

Wired connections aren’t affected by walls or interference, and less traffic on your wireless network also means more bandwidth for your phone, tablet, or smart devices. While you’re at it, disconnect anything you’re not using. A lot of our home smart devices are always connected but rarely active. Go into the device’s settings and either turn off Wi-Fi or choose “Forget this network.”

Also, make sure your Wi-Fi is password protected. You don’t want your neighbors accidentally tapping into your signal and slowing things down.

3. Move Your Router

Where your router lives in your home matters more than you might think. If moving your router is feasible, try moving it off the floor and away from walls or large furniture. Put it in a central location away from electronics that emit signals, like Bluetooth speakers or baby monitors, for example.

Even small changes can make a big difference. Test your Wi-Fi speed in different rooms as you adjust your router’s antennas to change the direction and strength of the signal. If moving your router isn’t an option—maybe because it’s tied to a coax or fiber jack in the wall—check out tip #5 to see how a mesh system can solve that.

4. Switch Your Wi-Fi Band

Most modern routers support multiple Wi-Fi bands. Knowing which one to use can instantly improve your performance.

Here’s the basics:

• 2.4 GHz: Offers wider coverage but less bandwidth. Ideal for low-demand devices like smart home gadgets.

• 5.0 GHz: Provides faster speeds and more bandwidth but with a shorter range. Perfect for high-demand devices like streaming TVs or laptops.

• 6.0 GHz: The newest frequency, offering even faster speeds on compatible devices.

Although newer routers switch bands automatically, you can try switching them manually in your router’s settings or mobile app. Test the bands out and measure your speed with each one to find what works best in your home.

5. Upgrade to a Mesh System

If your Wi-Fi is strong in one room and terrible in another, a mesh system could be your solution. Mesh systems use multiple devices, called “access points” or “nodes,” to extend Wi-Fi coverage. Unlike Wi-Fi extenders, they operate on one seamless network, so they’re great for large homes, multi-story spaces, or areas with thick walls.

You might benefit from a mesh network if you:

• Live in a multi-story home

• Have a sprawling floor plan with 4+ bedrooms

• Have thick walls made of concrete, metal, or brick

• Want to extend coverage to a basement, garage, or outdoor area

Ezee Fiber recommends the eero mesh system, which includes top-tier routers like the eero Pro 6E and eero Max 7. Simply put, mesh systems provide whole-home coverage with consistent speeds in a single network name, and the speed doesn’t slow down.

There are still some other options to boost your router's signal:

• Wi-Fi extenders: Pick up your Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcast it, but they usually slow things down.

• Powerline adapters: Pick up your Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcast it, but they usually slow things down.

• Access points: Connect with a cable and create a new Wi-Fi spot in another part of your home.

• Wi-Fi boosters: Strengthen your Wi-Fi signal to reach more areas, but don’t usually make it faster.

But if you’re still using a router from ten years ago—it might be the real reason behind your slow speeds.

6. Upgrade Your Equipment

Older routers don’t support modern Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 6, 6E, or 7), and some only work on the 2.4 GHz band or don’t support multiple devices well. If your devices like your laptop and phone are newer than your router, it’s potentially slowing down your speeds.

Look for routers that offer multi-band support, Wi-Fi 6 or newer, and MU-MIMO and beamforming for better device handling. These features will help the router handle multiple devices at once and focus the signal where it’s needed, so each device gets a stronger, more reliable connection.

Ezee Fiber always includes advanced Wi-Fi gear in our plans. Our eero Pro 6E router powers the 1 Gig plan, and we throw in the eero Max 7 with the 5 or 8 Gig plans. Remember, though, that upgrading your devices is just as important as updating your modem or router. So a device that only supports a 2.4 GHz connection won’t get the speed from Wi-Fi 7.

7. Upgrade Your Internet Plan

All the newest equipment and devices won’t help you increase your Wi-Fi speed if there are multiple people streaming on a 100 Mbps internet plan. If you’ve tried all you can, and your internet still feels too slow—it’s likely your current internet plan just isn’t enough.

Most plans below 200 Mbps struggle with multiple devices streaming and working at the same time. If you’ve got 4K TVs, game consoles, work meetings, and smart cameras all online at once, consider going higher.

Fiber internet is your best bet. It offers equal upload and download speeds, lower latency, and handles large households with ease. Ezee Fiber’s 1 Gig plan delivers 1,000 Mbps upload and 1,000 Mbps download speeds costing just $69 a month and includes Wi-Fi 6E technology. Check to see if it’s available in your area.

How do I know if it's time to upgrade my plan?

If you’re still experiencing lag while streaming gaming or on video calls—even when you’re next to your router, it may be time to upgrade your internet plan. Remember that optimizing your Wi-Fi starts with knowing what you’re working with. Check how much internet speed you’re actually paying for, then run a speed test to see if you’re getting close to that number.

Test in different rooms to spot weak areas, and if possible, move your router to a better location. Try plugging in with Ethernet to see if a wired connection performs better. If those steps help, great—but if you’re still struggling with lag, dropped connections, or too many devices fighting for bandwidth, it might be time to upgrade your gear or your internet plan.

A faster plan with modern equipment—especially fiber and a mesh system—can make a huge difference in keeping your entire home connected smoothly.