WiFi is great! It's super convenient and for the most part stable and fast. But, as we’re sending quite a lot of data over a signal through the air (and other objects), it can be pretty demanding.
This is where WiFi airtime comes into play! Airtime is the amount of “bandwidth” the frequency your router or access point (AP) can hold steadily. If you have a device with a poor WiFi signal, both that device and your router or AP have to “try harder” to ensure the data can successfully be transmitted.
Imagine you’re driving a car up a steep hill, you might need to change gear and slow down, push down on the throttle, or even drop off some extra weight to make it to the top.
Your devices will do the same and try different things to ensure the data gets from A to B, including taking up more airtime to try to stabilise its connection.
Why is this an issue?
Well, like any signal, it can only carry so much data, so if one device is taking up a lot of airtime it could impact other devices.
Airtime can also be affected by other WiFi devices not connected to your network, but that are on the same frequency. For example, a neighbour's nearby router using the same WiFi channel as your router.
Let's say, for example, you have a PlayStation on WiFi that's pretty far from your router, with several thick walls in between. It’s likely that it is getting a pretty weak WiFi connection. The PlayStation and your router are going to allocate more airtime to it to try to keep the connection stable. This could have a knock-on effect on other devices in your house that are utilising WiFi, as there is less available airtime!
How can I get the best out of my WiFi airtime?
Restart your router or AP. Yes, the good old “Have you tried turning it off and on again?”, but hear us out! Our routers will do a scan of the surrounding area when they boot up and re-select the best WiFi channel available!
Use an ethernet cable where possible, especially for stationary, high bandwidth devices or devices that need lower latency (such as for gaming).
Move your device, router, or AP to a different spot, keeping your devices away from obstructions and interference and making sure your router is in a good central spot where possible can massively help.
Use a mesh WiFi system. Using mesh WiFi such as our BetterWiFi can help spread the load and make it easier for devices to get a stronger signal.
Consider upgrading your devices. Older devices may only support older, less efficient WiFi standards which use up more airtime and, again, can have a knock-on effect on other devices on your network. Some computers can be upgraded to support newer protocols which may be a cheaper and more environmentally friendly way to get a little bit more “oomph” out of your trusty old computer.