Is your Wi-Fi constantly slowing down, buffering while streaming or struggling to reach certain rooms? Before spending money on a new router, try changing a few basic settings.

In many cases, slow or unstable Wi-Fi isn't necessarily caused by a faulty router. Wi-Fi band selection, router placement and outdated firmware can all affect your connection. A few simple adjustments could improve your internet experience without costing you anything.

Don't always choose the highest GHz band

A higher Wi-Fi frequency doesn't automatically mean better performance everywhere in your home.

The 2.4GHz band has a longer range and generally passes through walls and other obstacles better. This makes it useful for devices that are located farther away from the router.

Meanwhile, 5GHz Wi-Fi generally offers faster speeds but has a shorter range and can be more affected by walls and other obstacles.

If your router supports 6GHz, it can offer even faster wireless performance under suitable conditions, but its range is generally shorter still.

Instead of connecting every device to the fastest available band, choose the band according to the device's location and requirements.

Which devices should use 2.4GHz and 5GHz?

You don't need to completely disable 2.4GHz. In fact, using both bands intelligently can help distribute your devices more efficiently.

Devices that don't require very high speeds, such as smart plugs, printers and some smart-home accessories, can comfortably use 2.4GHz.

For devices where speed matters more, such as smartphones, laptops and gaming consoles, 5GHz can be a better choice when they're relatively close to the router.

This approach can help prevent unnecessary congestion and make better use of your available Wi-Fi capacity.

Update your router's firmware

An outdated router firmware can sometimes cause performance problems, bugs or connectivity issues.

Check your router's administrator settings or companion app to see whether a firmware update is available. Installing the latest software can potentially resolve known problems and improve stability.

However, some routers supplied by internet service providers may have firmware updates controlled by the provider, meaning you may not be able to update them manually.

Your router's location matters more than you think

Where you place your router can have a major impact on Wi-Fi coverage.

For better performance, try to:

• Place the router near the centre of your home

• Keep it elevated, rather than on the floor

• Place it in an open area

• Keep it away from thick walls and large obstructions

• Avoid keeping it inside a closed cabinet

• Keep it away from sources of potential wireless interference where possible

A centrally positioned router can distribute the wireless signal more evenly throughout your home.

Try these changes before buying a new router

If your internet connection feels slow, don't immediately assume that you need a new router or a faster broadband plan.

Start by connecting low-bandwidth devices to 2.4GHz, moving high-speed devices to 5GHz when appropriate, updating the router's firmware and repositioning the router in a central, elevated location.

These simple changes take only a few minutes and can sometimes make a noticeable difference to Wi-Fi coverage and stability — without spending a single rupee.