Simple tips to improve Wi-Fi performance

Are your Netflix movies stuttering more than Ken from A Fish Called Wanda?

Good news: You have a few options to improve the speed and overall performance of your wireless network.

The following tips should also help if you have multiple Wi-Fi devices on your network at the same time — such as a computer, printer, smartphone, tablet or ebook reader, Smart TV, camera, video game console, multiroom sound system, and so on.

Location, location, location

The first step is to ensure your router, which gives you your wireless Internet, is in an optimal spot in your home.

Keep it on the main or top floor and close to the center of the house for optimum reach. Refrain from keeping your router in the basement, if you have one, as it'll be tough for devices elsewhere in the home to communicate with it.

If your router has external antennas, former Apple Wi-Fi engineer Alf Watt says you should point one antenna vertical and the other horizontal, as this yields maximum performance.

Repeat after me

Those in a larger home might consider an inexpensive wireless extender — also known as a "repeater" — and place it in the area of your home where Wi-Fi reception is poor. This gadget communicates with your router to extend its range.

Wireless extenders are easy to set up, too. In most cases, simply press the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on the router, and within a few seconds press the WPS button on the wireless extender, and the two will make a digital handshake. Look for flashing lights to become solid. This process may vary somewhat, so be sure to check your extender's documentation for further details.

Faster service, routers

If this still doesn't do the trick, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to see if there's a faster service you can go with — budget permitting, of course. Usually, the more you pay, the faster the download and upload speeds, and the more data you're allowed to use per month (unlimited is the way to go if your ISP offers it).

On a related note, if it's been a few years since you've upgraded your router, consider picking up a new one — with 802.11ac speeds instead of the older 802.11n — as it's not only faster but covers a wider area and supports more simultaneous devices.

For maximum impact, your devices — such as a laptop — should also support the newer "ac" speeds.

Those who require extremely fast Wi-Fi speeds might opt for a router with "multiband" or "multibeam" technology, along with other advertised technologies to boost the signal.

Remember security

Especially now that routers have a broader range than ever before, it's critical to have a password on your home's Wi-Fi connection. You don't need a degree in computer engineering to add a good password. If unsure, contact your ISP for help.

Why? Neighbors who secretly use your wireless network get a free ride, which can also slow down your Internet performance. What's more, you might be liable if nearby Web surfers download illegal content, such as pirated movies, from your Internet connection. A password also minimizes the chances of someone hacking into your computer and accessing your personal info.

Follow Marc on Twitter: @marc_saltzman. E-mail him at techcomments@usatoday.com.