Wi-Fi is technology that connects your personal devices, such as your tablet, smartphone or laptop, to the Internet without the need of a physical wired connection. This network technology transmits radio signals to and from your modem so that you can browse webpages, stream videos or play online games.

Here are some factors that affect your Wi-Fi performance:

• Your home
• Your neighbours
• Your devices

Your home

When listening to music on the radio, the sound quality is not only dependent on how close you are to the radio but also on the number of walls the sound must pass through. Wi-Fi acts in a similar way. In order for Wi-Fi signals to travel from your modem to where you are using your device, it must pass through your walls and floors. Building materials like concrete and brick will reduce your Wi-Fi signal strength.

Your neighbours

Wi-Fi signals operate only on certain radio frequencies. Congestion on these frequencies are problematic because of high density living. Wi-Fi networks can become overcrowded, just like traffic on highways. The number of neighbouring Wi-Fi networks around your home can have an impact on your Wi-Fi performance.

Your devices

The number of devices, age of your devices and what you do on your devices are also important. If you have multiple Wi-Fi devices operating at the same time, each device must wait their turn to communicate, sharing the same Internet bandwidth to your home.

Note: For more information and helpful tips visit Wi-Fi performance and your device.

In addition, electronic devices, such as microwaves, baby monitors, cordless phones and wireless speaker systems emit disruptors to your Wi-Fi network.

You may want to try moving devices away from your modem, if the interference persists contact the device manufacturer for additional troubleshooting.

Note: For more information and helpful tips visit Optimize your Wi-Fi.

At TELUS, we offer professional installation services to ensure that your modem is placed in an ideal area. For large homes, we offer Boost Wi-Fi to extend your Wi-Fi coverage farther. Our technicians are equipped with tools to optimize your Wi-Fi and leave you with peace of mind to connect to the Internet.