Martin Lewis' Experts Explain Where To Put Your Wifi Router For Fastest Speeds
Martin Lewis is best known for his money-saving advice.
But it turns out the mastermind behind the personal finance website MoneySavingExpert knows a few general life-hacks too.
In today's MoneySavingExpert newsletter, Lewis's team provided its top tips for super-charging your home internet connection.
And since many of us now commute from our beds to our desks at home for work, the tips could be your life-savers.
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But before we pass on Lewis's tips, it's important to check your broadband speed first with a speed-testing site.
It's best to test your speeds at different times of the day to avoid the 'internet rush hour' between 7pm and 9pm when there may be a lag.
And if you follow all the steps below only to find your speed is still low, you can always switch to a new provider (and may even find it cheaper too).
Switch devices off when they're not in use
You know what they say about switching off the lights? Well, that, but with your devices.
When so many of our devices go into 'sleep mode' without needing a full turn-off, it can be easy to leave them running in the background all day long.
I do it with my own laptop far too often.
It may surprise you to hear these devices may remain connected to the WiFi even when not in use. Switching them off may improve your internet speed.
Wired over wireless
I can't remember the last time I actually connected my laptop direct to an ethernet port. In fact, the apartment I live in now doesn't even have them.
But according to MoneySavingExpert, wiring up your device direct to the internet with an ethernet cable is a quick way to improve your internet speed.
So if you do have ethernet ports, ditch the wireless when possible.
Boost your connection
Sometimes no matter how much you fiddle with the router, your internet connection continues to lag.
Buying a wireless booster to increase the signal inside your home can help exploit your existing bandwidth.
Find the perfect spot for your router
Most people don't even consider where the router goes in our house, and it usually ends up on someone's desk or behind the TV.
But these places may actually be the worst for your internet connection.
Because WiFi struggles to travel through thick objects or walls, it's best to place yours high-up and in a central location with easy access for all devices across the home.
Charlie Metcalfe