When it comes to powerful tools, it is hard to beat the Internet. We can use it to access a huge variety of news, information, entertainment, products and more.
When the Internet first became a thing, people pretty much had to be sitting at their computers to use it. But now, thanks to the advent of a wireless network known as WiFi, you can connect to the Internet through your smartphones, streaming devices, laptops and more from anywhere in the house.
If you are in the market for some new tech or you want to be sure your system is optimal for your needs, it’s important to first take a number of tips into consideration:
Know Your Speed
In general, a decent download speed is 25 Mbps, and a solid upload speed is around 3 Mbps. With 25 Mbps, members of your household should be able to watch Netflix, attend a Zoom meeting and play computer games all at the same time. Check with your internet company to see how much speed is included in your plan and if need be, up the amount to at least 25 Mbps.
Get a Decent Router
To have a WiFi network in your home, you will have to buy a wireless router as well as an ethernet cable—a thick cord that comes in a variety of lengths that will connect the router to your modem. The router is the handy device that will broadcast the WiFi signal from your Internet modem around your home. To be sure the signal is getting to the TV, video game systems, laptops, phones and anything else it is in charge of powering, be sure the router is properly positioned. It should not be tucked away in a corner of your home office or hidden behind books on a shelf. Ideally, the router should be in the middle of your home, on the floor where most of you use your electronic devices. If you have a large home and/or people use their devices on multiple floors, you might have to get two or even three routers.
Choose a Strong WiFi Password
In order to watch the many shows that are available on Netflix, the Disney Plus Channel, HBO Max, Hulu and other streaming services, you are going to need to purchase a streaming TV device. Whether you need to learn how to connect Roku, Fire TV Stick or Chromecast to WiFi, you will have to enter in your WiFi network password as part of the process. This step usually comes after you insert the device into your smart TV’s HDMI port, click on settings on the device’s homepage and find your home WiFi network. Once these steps are completed you will be able to click on connect and start to stream all the shows you want.
Enjoy All that the Internet Has to Offer
It may be hard to remember a time when you were required to sit at a computer tethered to an outlet to shop online or email your friends. Thanks to WiFi, you can harness the power of the Internet and its related devices from virtually anywhere in your home. By investing in the proper router and then keeping the WiFi password handy, you should find it easy and enjoyable to binge-watch shows, play games and work from home.