Look for a Provider Upgrade

The quality of a connection starts with the signal coming into the home. Telework requires a lot of bandwidth, and the plan that works for watching videos and browsing the web might be insufficient for heavier use.

Many internet service providers (ISPs) offer special packages to customers who want to upgrade their connections. Some even offer short-term upgrades, which can be worth a look if you’re not sure if you’ll need an ultra-high-speed connection for more than a few months.

To compare deals from ISPs accurately, you’ll need to look carefully at available options.Many consumers look at speed and price, which are important factors, but they’re not the only aspects of the service to consider. Look at contract lengths, installation and equipment costs, data caps, and overage fees. Consider every ISP that offers local service, not just the companies you’re familiar with.

Some ISPs offer discounts through online advertisements that aren’t available elsewhere (after all, they don’t want to reveal their best prices to their existing customers). The best bargains often go to new customers, but if you’re not willing to switch providers, you can still take advantage — keep track of every deal you find, then be ready to negotiate.

Make Sure the Router is Properly Located

If you use Wi-Fi (as opposed to a wired connection), make sure you’ve set up your router properly. People most often place the router during installation, then forget about it — in other words, most Wi-Fi routers are right next to the modem. Your router is the device that sends out the Wi-Fi signal to all your devices, and if it’s stuck down in your basement or in a closet, the low elevation can dampen its signal.

Try placing your router in a more central location in your home. Avoid placing it directly against brick walls, and keep it away from other electronics, which can cause interference. If possible, mount the moden on a wall or place it on a shelf.

Another aspect to consider is your router’s antennae. These aren’t just for show — the antennae actually sends out the wireless signal, so make sure they’re pointed towards the rooms where you use the internet. Some routers have removable antennas, and replacing these with high-gain antennae might improve the quality of the connection.

If these changes don’t make a difference, consider a hardware upgrade. A new router can help decrease the amount of signal “dead zone” around your home, boosting the overall signal strength and range while cutting interference. Some ISPs offer Wi-Fi upgrades with new packages, but you can also purchase routers at most stores that sell computer components.

Using a Wi-Fi Extender

Wi-Fi extenders expand the reach of your wireless signal by re-broadcasting it. To properly use an extender, you need to determine where the dead zones are in your home, then determine a halfway point between where your router is and where the dead zone starts.

The Wi-Fi extender simply needs to be plugged into an outlet and connected to the Wi-Fi router. However, the re-broadcasted signal will not be as strong as the signal directly from your router, so if the problem isn’t a weak Wi-Fi connection, you might not notice a significant difference.

No “Hacks" Will Fix a Low-Speed Connection

While tweaking your router’s location might provide a speed boost — and Wi-Fi extenders are certainly helpful in larger houses — there’s only so much you can do to improve the speed of a slow connection. Upgrading to a high-speed plan is often the best way to get the connection you need to work from home.

Fortunately, an upgrade can also save money, particularly for people who have been under the same contract for years. Research carefully, looking at several online offers to understand the options in your area. Read about the details of different packages; if you’re able to bundle in TV or phone services, consider those costs, too. Some quick research can lead to a blazing fast connection at a great price.