As phones are being used more for web browsing and streaming, service providers like Verizon and AT&T have placed more importance on incremental data plans for users. Users’ increased data consumption allowed service providers to raise costs as well as create speedy mobile networks to attract more customers.

Consumers have found creative ways to combat these fees and lower data usage by choosing what devices they use for different functions based on WiFi availability. Connecting to WiFi when available helps to decrease data usage, but at the same time, can drain phone batteries searching for nearby networks. For consumers, if it’s not one thing, it’s another.

Yet technology keeps advancing, providing supplemental battery power and free WiFi in various public places. As more WiFi routers are installed, service providers have looked to pushing more data heavy devices. But will consumers buy into it?

How does the price of data plans and overage charges affect your service provider choice? How do you think WiFi accessibility will change over time and what could that mean for service providers? Share your thoughts, experiences, and predictions with us. Find and connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and we’re finally on Pinterest!

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When connection is slow, it’s common for people to take a look at bandwidth. Along with this, the number of devices must be evaluated as bandwidth allotment depends upon that. Which router is best suited for you will be dependent upon your individual needs. Some routers have better bandwidth but can only accommodate so many devices. Other routers maintain a lower bandwidth, but can connect more devices. Utilizing the maximum number of devices for a given router may compromise performance. You may want to limit the number of devices, or possibly add more routers to your network.

Along the same lines, the types of devices connected can affect connection and bandwidth. Take a look at how many mobile phones, laptops, etc. will be connecting to the router and go from there. You may configure your router based on this information. Also, it’s important to make sure that no unauthorized devices are connecting to your network. Not only will this slow your connection, it may open your network up to hackers and compromised security.

Location is an important aspect as well. Signal will be hard to transmit through thick walls. Figure out where most devices will be situated and find an open area to place the router with the appropriate connections. Depending on the spread of these devices, the frequency can be set for a small or large area accordingly.

It may also help to prioritize tasks during peak usage times. Any maintenance or updating should be done at night, when workers are out of office. In terms of updating, it’s important to keep the router up to date. This will help performance and security.

While these pointers seem like commonsense, one of them could be keeping you from the maximum performance of your wireless connectivity.

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