The Ins and Outs of Device Priority to Optimize Your Network Performance

For both residential and commercial subscribers, internet usage has soared in recent years as more devices become essential to daily life. However, with multiple devices competing for network resources, critical tasks can sometimes get bogged down due to slower internet speeds or network congestion. Setting device priority on your network can help ensure essential gadgets like laptops, computers and business systems function optimally — whether you’re a parent working from home or a business owner managing a bustling operation.

Here’s how prioritizing devices on your MidSouth Fiber network can make a significant difference.

Why Device Priority Matters

Network congestion occurs when numerous devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi system, each competing for network resources. This is especially common during peak usage hours. For instance, imagine this scenario:

• A parent is working remotely on a laptop, participating in a critical Zoom meeting.
• Meanwhile, the kids are streaming cartoons on a tablet, gaming online or watching Netflix on the TV.

Similarly, commercial spaces — such as coffee shops — face comparable challenges:

• A café’s payment tablet or ordering system needs reliable connectivity to handle transactions.
• Customers often use laptops, phones or gaming electronics simultaneously, especially in public spaces where Wi-Fi is readily available.

If your network can’t prioritize devices, productivity and operational efficiency can suffer, whether you’re managing a household or running a business. Device priority helps maintain uninterrupted productivity for remote work and improves efficiency for businesses that rely on internet-connected systems. It also reduces lag in video calls, streaming and transactions — ensuring a smoother experience for both users and customers.

How Does Device Priority Work?

Device priority boils down to controlling how your network allocates its connection. The MidSouth Fiber app allows you to establish priority settings and designate which devices receive the most capacity. This ensures that critical electronics and applications don’t have to compete with less important activities. 

Setting Up Device Priority for Home Networks

Maintaining a reliable internet connection can be challenging when multiple devices are in use, whether you are working from home, browsing the web or streaming for family movie night. By establishing priorities, you can ensure your essential devices receive enough internet for smooth performance.

Here’s a quick guide to setting device priority on your MidSouth Fiber home network:

1. Open the MidSouth Fiber app and select the My Network section.
   1. At the top of the My Network page, ensure the Networks tab is selected.
2. Under the Shortcuts menu, tap the Priorities option.
3. Toggle on Enable My Priorities.
   1. If prompted, tap OK to run a bandwidth test. On the test page, tap Run Test. Once complete, use the back arrow to return and toggle on Enable My Priorities.
4. Under the Devices section, tap + Set Device Priorities.
5. Choose between Always On or a specific Set Duration.
6. Tap the + Add Device button.
   1. Select devices you want prioritized, then tap Save (top right).

Helpful Tips for Families at Home:

• Encourage offline activities for kids, freeing up bandwidth during your working periods.
• Set schedules for kid-friendly internet usage during non-working hours.
• Use parental controls to manage overall internet usage if needed.

Optimizing Business Networks

For business owners, especially those offering public Wi-Fi, prioritizing certain machines can be critical for operational success. When customers or employees heavily use the network, critical systems like payment terminals or ordering platforms can experience slowdowns, potentially disrupting transactions and service. 

Here’s how to set device priority for your MidSouth Fiber business network:

1. Identify Essential Devices: Determine which connected devices are crucial for business operations. Examples include iPads for ordering, payment systems, inventory management tools and business PCs.
2. Configure MidSouth Fiber App Settings
   Follow the same setup process described above to assign priority to key business devices.
3. Monitor Usage Patterns: Regularly monitor your network usage to anticipate peak times and adapt device priorities accordingly. For instance, you might prioritize employee devices during morning hours and customer devices during slower periods.

Helpful Tips for Business Owners:

• Offer a Guest Network: Create separate guest Wi-Fi for customers to prevent their devices from interfering with business systems.
• Educate Staff: Ensure employees understand the importance of device priority settings so they can troubleshoot effectively if needed.
• Upgrade Internet Plans: If customer traffic is high, upgrading to a faster plan can help accommodate multiple users while maintaining optimal performance for your prioritized devices.

Take Control of Your Connection Today

Whether at home or in a business setting, device prioritization offers a simple yet effective way to maintain uninterrupted productivity. By leveraging your Wi-Fi settings, you can gain better control over your network, ensuring that vital devices are never slowed down due to competing demands.

Take the time to assess your network and implement device prioritization today — it’s one of the easiest ways to maximize the potential of your MidSouth Fiber connection!