For many people, ISP-provided Wi-Fi routers (especially from providers like Comcast Xfinity and AT&T U-verse) can be a common source of frustration due to poor performance, lag, and lack of control over network settings. However, there are steps you can take to boost your home network’s speed, reliability, and coverage.

Step 1: Switch Your Gateway to Bridge Mode

Most ISP gateways come with built-in routers and Wi-Fi capabilities, but these often underperform compared to dedicated hardware. One solution is to put your ISP’s gateway into bridge mode. Bridge mode disables the gateway’s router and Wi-Fi functions, allowing it to work solely as a modem. This frees up resources on the device and reduces latency by shifting the heavy lifting of routing to a dedicated router of your choosing. The result is often a noticeable improvement in both speed and consistency.

Step 2: Use a Dedicated Router and Access Point

Connecting your own router after enabling bridge mode gives you far more control over your network and often leads to a more responsive and reliable Wi-Fi experience. A quality consumer-grade router is typically better equipped to handle the demands of multiple connected devices, data-heavy applications, and features like device prioritization. This setup can make a huge difference if your household has several devices streaming, gaming, or working online simultaneously.

If you’re looking for improved Wi-Fi range, consider pairing your router with a high-quality access point or a mesh Wi-Fi system. Many routers also offer useful features such as better parental controls, advanced security options, and more robust settings than ISP-provided equipment.

Step 3: Eliminate Public Wi-Fi Sharing

Some ISPs, like Comcast, configure their gateways to broadcast a public Wi-Fi network (often called “xfinitywifi”). This feature essentially uses your gateway to provide Wi-Fi to other nearby Comcast customers, which can add traffic to your device and reduce your available bandwidth. When you enable bridge mode or disable the gateway’s Wi-Fi, you stop it from broadcasting this public signal, which can help boost performance for your private network.

Step 4: Optimize Placement and Settings

Improving your network’s hardware is key, but optimizing the placement and settings of your router is also important. Position your router centrally in your home to reduce interference and ensure a more even signal distribution. Avoid placing it near walls, large metal objects, or other devices that emit radio signals, as these can interfere with your Wi-Fi.

Additionally, accessing your router’s settings to adjust options like channel selection, bandwidth allocation, and security settings can improve network performance. For homes with multiple users, consider enabling Quality of Service (QoS) features, which prioritize certain types of traffic like video calls or gaming.