Top Tech Upgrades to Boost Your Home Internet Speed

Even with a high-speed internet plan, you might still experience slowdowns, lag, or poor performance. The issue often isn’t your service—it’s your setup.

By upgrading the right tech components, you can drastically improve speed, reliability, and overall internet quality at home.

This guide covers the most effective tech upgrades to boost your internet speed and prepare your network for the demands of today and tomorrow.

1. Upgrade to a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E Router

Older routers can’t keep up with modern demands. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E offer faster speeds, better capacity, and reduced interference.

Benefits of Wi-Fi 6:

• Handles more devices simultaneously
• Reduces network congestion
• Improves performance in crowded homes

Wi-Fi 6E adds a 6 GHz band for even less interference and higher speeds.

Top options:

• TP-Link Archer AX90
• ASUS RT-AX86U
• Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
• Eero Pro 6E (mesh)

If your router is more than 4–5 years old, upgrading it is the best place to start.

2. Switch to a Mesh Wi-Fi System

Dead zones and inconsistent signals slow down your connection. A mesh system provides seamless coverage in every room.

Why mesh systems help:

• Each node acts like a mini-router
• Devices automatically connect to the best signal
• Works great in large or multi-story homes

Recommended mesh systems:

• Eero 6+
• Google Nest WiFi Pro
• ASUS ZenWiFi XT8
• TP-Link Deco XE75

Mesh systems also include easy app-based management tools.

3. Replace Your Modem with DOCSIS 3.1

If you’re using cable internet, an outdated modem may be the speed bottleneck.

Upgrading to DOCSIS 3.1 provides:

• Support for gigabit speeds
• Better stability
• Improved downstream and upstream performance

Top DOCSIS 3.1 modems:

• Motorola MB8611
• ARRIS SURFboard SB8200
• NETGEAR CM2000

Be sure to verify compatibility with your ISP before buying.

4. Use Ethernet for Stationary Devices

Wi-Fi is convenient, but Ethernet is always faster and more reliable.

Connect these devices directly:

• Gaming consoles
• Smart TVs
• Desktop PCs
• Streaming boxes

Use Cat6 or higher cables to support up to 10 Gbps. Ethernet avoids congestion, latency, and signal interference.

5. Install a Gigabit or Multi-Gig Network Switch

If you have multiple Ethernet devices, a switch expands your wired connections without slowing performance.

Benefits:

• Supports many wired devices
• Enables faster LAN speeds for file sharing
• Reduces Wi-Fi load

Recommended switches:

• NETGEAR GS308 (Gigabit)
• TP-Link TL-SG108
• QNAP QSW-1105-5T (Multi-Gig)

Use switches in home offices, entertainment centers, or for network storage.

6. Upgrade Cables to Cat6a or Cat7

Cables matter. Using outdated Cat5e limits your speeds and causes interference.

Recommended cable types:

• Cat6a: For up to 10 Gbps at 100 meters
• Cat7: Better shielding and reduced noise
• Cat8: High-end setups with 40 Gbps support (short distances)

Label your cables to track their type and replace slower ones as needed.

7. Add a Powerline Adapter or MoCA Bridge

If Ethernet isn’t practical in parts of your house, use your existing electrical or coaxial wiring.

Powerline Adapters use outlets to extend internet:

• Easy plug-and-play setup
• Great for garages, basements, and upper floors

MoCA Adapters use coaxial cable for fast, stable links:

• Ideal for homes with cable TV lines
• Low-latency, high-speed connection

Popular kits:

• TP-Link AV2000 Powerline
• Actiontec MoCA 2.5 Adapter Kit

8. Use a Quality-of-Service (QoS) Router

QoS routers prioritize traffic types like:

• Video calls
• Streaming
• Gaming
• File transfers

This ensures your Zoom meeting stays smooth even when someone else is watching Netflix.

Some routers auto-manage QoS. Others let you customize priority by device or app.

Look for QoS in the settings or router app dashboard.

9. Enable Band Steering and Smart Connect

Many routers now have Smart Connect features that automatically shift your device to the best Wi-Fi band.

Band steering benefits:

• Moves high-demand devices to 5 GHz or 6 GHz
• Keeps low-demand devices on 2.4 GHz
• Reduces congestion and boosts speed

This feature is found in most Wi-Fi 6 routers. Make sure it’s enabled in your router settings.

10. Upgrade Smart Devices and Wi-Fi Cards

Your router might be fast—but if your devices aren’t compatible, performance suffers.

Upgrade these for better speeds:

• Laptops with Wi-Fi 6 cards (Intel AX200, AX210)
• Smart TVs or streaming boxes with dual-band Wi-Fi
• Phones with Wi-Fi 6 or 6E support

Even old printers and smart plugs can slow your network. Use separate networks or VLANs to isolate them.

11. Use a High-Speed VPN Router (If You Use VPN Often)

VPNs encrypt traffic, which slows connections on underpowered routers.

If you rely on VPNs:

• Get a router with a fast CPU
• Use one with OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IPSec support
• Consider VPN-friendly brands like ASUS, Synology, or Ubiquiti

You’ll maintain security without sacrificing speed.

12. Check for Interference and Optimize Placement

Wi-Fi signals are blocked by:

• Thick walls
• Metal furniture
• Microwaves and baby monitors
• Wireless cameras

Tips:

• Place your router in a central, elevated location
• Avoid hiding it in cabinets
• Use apps like WiFi Analyzer to check for interference or overlap

A few inches of adjustment can improve speeds by 30–50%.

13. Clean Up Your Network

Too many unused devices can bog down your network.

Do a digital cleanup:

• Disconnect old phones, tablets, or smart devices
• Rename devices in your router dashboard to track them
• Remove unknown or unrecognized connections

Limit guest access and update passwords if you see strange activity.

14. Automate Firmware Updates

Router manufacturers release firmware updates to:

• Fix bugs
• Improve performance
• Patch security issues

Make sure auto-updates are enabled—or schedule regular check-ins via the app.

Updated firmware often improves throughput and resolves compatibility issues.

15. Schedule Reboots for Your Equipment

Sometimes, your network just needs a refresh.

Set weekly or monthly auto-reboots for:

• Your router
• Mesh system nodes
• Modems

Many routers have a built-in reboot scheduler. Rebooting clears memory, resets settings, and improves performance.

Final Thoughts: Smart Upgrades = Fast, Future-Ready Internet

Improving your internet doesn’t always mean switching providers. With the right upgrades, you can:

• Maximize the speed you already pay for
• Reduce lag, buffering, and dropouts
• Make your network more efficient and secure

Evaluate your home’s unique needs and start with the upgrades that offer the biggest return.

A stronger, faster internet connection starts with smart tech—and it pays off every day.