To surf the internet, work from home or play games with friends, most of us use a WiFi connection. However, this technology has a large number of natural enemies: from walls and ceilings, some electronic devices, as well as mirrors and metal surfaces. There are also those that use fiber cable, which is usually safer. Now, how can we take care of both the cable and the router to improve our connection? Here we tell you.
Improving the network connection is possible
Regardless of whether a device is well manufactured, we use it little or we have been lucky, it is convenient to dedicate certain care to it so that it lasts beyond the time for which it has been created. That and that it will work correctly and at full capacity until the last day.
It happens from our smartphone, our laptop, the router to improve the Internet connection... and even with the fiber cable that we have at home. Or what is the same; everything we have for our network must be in perfect condition so that we have the best possible application.
However, in most cases, performance degradation occurs because the router reaches its limits. In other words, the connection comes from a point that is often far from the areas where it is needed. That is why it is so important to take care of both aspects; both our Ethernet network cable, the fiber cable, and the router itself.
Do it with these tips
And yes, indeed; you can improve the performance of your Internet connection for free, without having to spend a single penny, and without having to make any titanic effort, or having to go through complicated configurations. It is enough to give a series of care to all scopes and they will be very easy to apply.
Thus, in the case of this maintenance, we have to ensure that this is done in a precise way for both cases, such as these Internet connection devices.
Keep fiber cables clean
In the case of the first ones, fiber cables, special attention must be paid to cleaning them in order to improve our connection, but above all so that it works well. But do you know why it is so important? In short, for optical networks to be reliable and robust.
According to an industry study by a major telecommunications company, contamination is the main reason for problems in optical networks: the fibers are so fragile that if they are covered by dust or other contamination, the optical signal can be damaged . Additionally, metal particles carried by fiber optic connector bodies and assemblies will block a fiber, causing signal loss.
Generally, fiber optic cleaning refers to the cleaning of fiber connectors. How to make sure you are cleaning fiber connectors correctly? There are two main cleaning methods: dry cleaning and wet cleaning, each performing different functions. Cassette-type fiber cleaners, pen-type cleaners, fiber cleaning wipes, and foam swabs are the most common fiber connector cleaning solutions.
Move the router away from heat sources
In the case of the router, and just as we see with fiber cables, this device must be kept away from heat sources, not only to improve our network connection, but also so that it works without problems. Of course, we must avoid it being next to a window where it is directly exposed to the sun.
But you also have to keep it away from other electrical appliances that can generate heat, stoves, etc. Heat is a great enemy of routers and can hamper their useful life. The interesting thing is that it is in a dry place, away from other devices and high temperatures. This way we will avoid overheating that can also affect the speed of the Internet. This will not only make it work better in the short term, but in the long term it will make it last longer without problems.
Store cables properly
No matter if a fiber cable is in use or out of use, you always have to avoid bending or stretching it too much. Often when working with fiber optic cables, people stretch or bend them, which can damage the fiber. Some breakage caused by bending may be visible, however some loss may be hidden from view.
These can be microscopic fiber strains caused by very low temperatures, displacement of a few millimeters caused by poor installation practices, buffer or coverage imperfections, or other factors. Because they are not visible to the human eye, these leaks will be overlooked and can worsen over time.
Clean the router from time to time so as not to clog it
Like any other device that we have at home, it is normal for the router to accumulate dust and dirt. Simply by keeping it still on a piece of furniture, it can accumulate dust that little by little gets inside the device. This is logically very negative, since it could affect the circuits and impair their proper functioning.
The best advice in this case is to perform a superficial cleaning from time to time. Pass a cloth over it to remove the dust and prevent it from accumulating. Especially the latter is important. Just like a laptop, for example, dust can build up inside and clog the cooling channels.
Avoid adapter problems
In your case, having a damaged Ethernet cable can also mean that it affects the network adapter. Or what is the same; it could cause it to stop working properly, get stuck when you try to remove it and could break some pins, etc. All this will inevitably affect the quality of the Internet connection.
Therefore, one more reason to take care of our network cables is to keep the network adapter in good working order. This is important to apply to both desktop and laptop computers, as the Ethernet ports may be exposed in both cases.
