Internet Connection at Home

Owned by Addison Morris
Last updated: Oct 08, 2021Version comment
3 min read

Connection Speed :

Before going any further, check that your internet connection is as fast as you're paying for. For video conferencing it is recommended that you have at least 5 Mbps Download / 5 Mbps Upload.

  1. If you're unsure of what connection speed you should have, you will need to call your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or sign into their website.
  2. Use an internet speed test to see what speed you're getting :
    Recommended - https://speed.cloudflare.com
    https://www.speedtest.net/
    https://speedtest.shaw.ca/
    https://www.telus.com/en/bc/support/article/speed-test
  3. Your connection speed will be dependent on how many people are on your network and how they are using it.  (Your results will be low if someone on your network is downloading at the same time.)
  4. If your speed is significantly lower than what you were expecting, try power cycling your devices - Unplug modem and router for 30 seconds. Reboot computer.


Troubleshooting WiFi :

  1. Power cycle modem and router - Leave unplugged for 30 seconds.
  2. Power cycle computer/mobile device - Sometimes the issue is with the device itself, not the network.
  3. Raise WiFi router away from walls and clutter, which will have a significant impact on your signal strength. https://www.telus.com/en/bc/support/article/optimize-your-wifi
  4. Reposition WiFi receiver/dongle - Some adapters come with an external antenna or USB dock. A USB extension cable and tape also works.
  5. Use a WiFi analyzing app to determine where your signal is strongest and weakest. Check for overlapping channels.
    Recommended for iPhone/MacOS : Wi-Fi SweetSpots
    Recommended for Android : Wi-Fi SweetSpots or WiFi Analyzer
    Recommended for Windows 10 : Acrylic WiFi Home
  6. WiFi Router Settings :
    - Change WiFi Frequency - 2.4Ghz is slower than 5Ghz, but has a stronger signal.
    - Change WiFi Channel    - If you live in a condo or apartment, your signal may be overlapping with your neighbors.
  7. Eliminate Interference - Microwaves, Wireless Cameras, Baby Monitors, and other wireless equipment can cause interference with WiFi.


Alternative Solutions :

  1. A wired connection - Always the best option for speed, stability, and security.
  2. Replace router and/or modem - Check with your ISP to see if replacing the router and/or modem is an option for you.
  3. WiFi Extender/Repeater - A good solution if you have a weak connection to multiple devices, but it requires some setup and needs to be placed in a location with a good signal.
  4. Ethernet over Power - The next best thing to a wired connection. Ethernet over Power uses your homes wiring as one long ethernet cable. Fast, secure, cheap, and easy to setup.
  5. Use smartphone as a hotspot - A quick and simple solution if you have good cell reception and a data plan. You will need to monitor your mobile data usage.
  6. USB Tethering Smartphone - A quick and simple solution if you have good cell reception and a data plan. You will need to monitor your mobile data usage.  Mobile Phone - USB Tethering



Signal Strength Guide :

Ideally, you are looking to fall in the -60 dBm to -50 dBm range (since -30 dBm is unlikely). A signal strength around -67 dBm will work for a while, but this is the minimum strength you will want before your connection starts to suffer.

-30 dBm: This is the maximum signal strength. If you have this measurement, you are likely standing right next to the access point.

-50 dBm: This is considered an excellent signal.

-60 dBm: This is a good signal.

-67 dBm: This is the minimum for any online services that require a reliable connection and Wi-Fi signal strength.

-70 dBm: This is not a strong signal strength. You may be able to check your email.

-80 dBm: This is an unreliable signal strength. You may be able to connect to your network, but you will not support most online activity.

-90 dBm: This is a bad signal strength*.* You are not likely to connect to internet at this level.



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