Wi-Fi frustration is becoming a familiar part of work-from-home life, with 79% of Brits experiencing issues at least once a month

For the five million people working exclusively from home, those dropouts, frozen calls, and sluggish downloads can quickly turn into a daily disruption. To help tackle the issue, Uswitch Broadband expert Max Beckett has shared practical ways to improve performance at home.

Run a speed test: If you’re not 100% sure what broadband speed you’re actually getting, run a quick speed test to get a clearer idea. This will help you understand whether your connection is meeting expectations and how your bandwidth is being used.

Using the internet for emails and searching Google won’t place a huge amount of strain on your connection, but if your job includes video calling or downloading and uploading large files, then you might need to be a little more strategic.

Optimise your router setup: Position your router centrally in your home if possible, away from thick walls, furniture, and other electronics that may interfere with the signal.

Close unnecessary programs: Background apps, updates, and streaming services can all use bandwidth in the background. Close anything you’re not actively using to free up capacity.

Use Wi-Fi boosters where needed: If you have areas with weak signal, Wi-Fi extenders or powerline adapters can help improve coverage throughout your home. Some providers may offer these at little or no extra cost, so it’s worth checking first. 

Limit connected devices: The more devices connected at once, the more strain on your network. Where possible, reduce usage or schedule high-demand tasks for quieter times.

Reduce streaming quality: Most streaming platforms default to the highest quality available. Adjusting playback settings can help reduce bandwidth usage.

Change your wireless channel: If you’re struggling with a poor Wi-Fi connection, you might want to try changing your wireless channel settings. If your Wi-Fi router is broadcasting on the same channel as your neighbours, it could slow your internet down.

Use a wired connection: Try connecting your device directly to your router with an Ethernet cable. You should have received one when you first ordered your broadband service. If you can’t find one, they’re fairly inexpensive to purchase online.

Keep devices cool: Overheating can impact performance, so keep your devices ventilated and out of direct sunlight where possible.

Use mobile data as a backup: If your broadband connection can’t cope at times, you can switch to mobile data. If you have a decent 4G signal, you can turn your smartphone into a Wi-Fi hotspot. This is known as tethering, and while not an ideal long-term solution, it can be helpful as a backup option. If you plan to use mobile data for things like streaming, make sure you have a large data package; consider plans with 100GB or even an unlimited monthly allowance”. 

For further information on getting the most out of your broadband while working from home, check out Uswitch Broadband’s guide.