As summer approaches, so does the influx of family and friends visiting for holidays and gatherings. While this season is filled with sunshine and good times, it also brings a surge in internet traffic. Whether you’re planning a summer staycation or hosting a house full of guests, ensuring your WiFi can handle the increased demand is crucial. Here’s how to prepare your network for the summer surge, ensuring a smooth and seamless online experience for everyone in your home.
Upgrade Your Internet Plan
The first step to managing increased internet traffic is evaluating your current internet plan. During peak usage times, such as summer, having a plan that can handle higher speeds and more bandwidth is essential. If you’re experiencing slow speeds or frequent buffering, it might be time to upgrade your plan.
Telitec’s high-speed fibre optic packages are designed to meet heavy usage needs. With options like our Basic 600/600 plan, you can enjoy lightning-fast speeds up to 600 Mbps, perfect for streaming, gaming, and video calls. Consider a plan that offers a higher bandwidth to accommodate multiple devices and users simultaneously.
Optimise Your Router Settings
Your router plays a vital role in managing your network traffic. By optimising your router settings, you can ensure better performance and coverage throughout your home.
Update Your Router’s Firmware: Router manufacturers often release firmware updates to improve performance and security. Check for updates regularly and install them to keep your router running smoothly.
Adjust Your Router’s Placement: Position your router in a central location in your home to ensure even coverage. Avoid placing it near walls or large metal objects, which can interfere with the signal.
Enable Quality of Service (QoS): Many modern routers have a QoS feature that prioritises bandwidth for specific applications or devices. Configure QoS settings to ensure that critical activities, like video streaming or online gaming, get the bandwidth they need.
Use Dual-Band Frequencies: If your router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, make use of both. The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range but may be more crowded, while the 5 GHz band offers faster speeds but shorter range. Connect devices based on their needs and proximity to the router.
Ensure Strong Coverage Throughout Your Home
To manage a high volume of internet traffic effectively, you need strong and consistent WiFi coverage throughout your home.
Invest in a Mesh Network: If you have a large home or experience weak spots in your WiFi coverage, consider installing a mesh network system. Mesh networks use multiple nodes to create a seamless network, eliminating dead zones and providing robust coverage.
Use WiFi Extenders: For smaller areas where coverage is lacking, WiFi extenders can help boost the signal. Place extenders strategically to fill in coverage gaps and ensure a strong connection in every room.
Monitor Network Usage: Keep an eye on your network’s performance and usage. Tools and apps are available that can help you monitor connected devices and their activity. This can be particularly useful for identifying and addressing any issues promptly.
Prepare for Guest Connectivity
When hosting guests, consider setting up a dedicated guest network. This not only keeps your main network secure but also allows you to manage guest access more effectively.
Create a Guest Network: Most routers allow you to set up a separate guest network with its own password. This helps keep your primary network secure while providing internet access to your visitors.
Manage Guest Access: Set limits on bandwidth or access times for your guest network if needed. This ensures that your main network retains optimal performance even with multiple users connected.
Communicate Network Details: Provide your guests with clear instructions on how to connect to the guest network. Consider posting the network name and password in a convenient location.
Preparing your WiFi for the summer surge involves a combination of upgrading your plan, optimising router settings, and ensuring strong coverage. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your internet remains fast and reliable, even with a house full of guests.
Telitec offers a range of high-speed internet packages designed to meet your needs during busy periods. Don’t let slow internet spoil your summer fun. Contact us today to find the perfect plan and enjoy a seamless online experience all summer long.
Stay connected and make the most of your summer with Telitec!
