If your Wi-Fi connection is fine when you’re in the same room as the router but degrades when you’re in a different room, there are a few things we can try to improve your Wi-Fi signal. Even if you have a large home, there are ways to extend coverage so you can access your network from any room, although you may not have the best signal in every room of the house.
Move wireless devices out of the area
If there are other wireless devices, such as cordless phones or baby monitors, in the area where you’re having trouble, try moving them to a place where you don’t often need your Wi-Fi connection. Many wireless devices operate on the same frequency as a wireless router, so you may experience a loss of signal strength if you are close to the wireless device.
Move the router closer
The wireless signal can also be degraded by passing through walls or other solid objects. And if your router is on one side of the house, it may degrade by the time you get to the other side of the house. It is best to place the router in a central location that is free from walls or other obstructions.
Also, it is good to note what the signal may need to pass through on its way to the points receiving a bad connection. The signal doesn’t like to pass through solid objects, and it especially hates electronics. This can include appliances like a refrigerator or washing machine. Changing the position of the router by raising it higher off the ground can sometimes do wonders for how far the signal can travel.
Tips for placing your Wi-Fi router
Change the channel of your router
Believe it or not, a single configuration on your router can be the answer to all your problems. This one is for those who don’t mind going into the router’s settings and more importantly knowing how to get into the router’s admin page. This is usually accomplished by navigating to a specific address in your browser.
The most common channels are 1, 6 and 11, and with good reason. These are the only channels that do not overlap, so they will give you the best signal. However, most routers are set to “auto” by default, which means the router may be automatically selecting a poor channel. Try going through those three channels to see if it helps improve the signal.
Buy an external antenna
It’s not always possible to move the router, but many routers support an external antenna. You won’t be able to place an external antenna too far from the router, but if the router is stuck under your desk with no good way to get it out into the open, an external antenna can be a good way to get the signal to broadcast from a better position.
External antennas come in two varieties: omnidirectional, which emit in all directions, and high gain, which emit the signal in only one direction. If you are simply trying to get the signal to transmit from a better position, the omnidirectional antenna is your ticket. However, if your router is on one side of the house, high gain can be a great way to increase signal strength.
Remember, the high gain external antenna only transmits in one direction, so if your router is in a centralized location, it may not be the best solution.
Tips for troubleshooting a weak signal even when you are close to the router
Buy a Wi-Fi Extender
If you have a very large house, you may want to purchase a Wi-Fi extender. This device essentially logs into your Wi-Fi network and then rebroadcasts the signal, allowing you to log into the extension and get better signal strength when you move away from the router.
Remember, the Wi-Fi extender needs to be getting good signal strength to work properly, so it shouldn’t be placed in the same area where you’re getting a poor connection. Try to split the difference. Also, remember that walls will degrade resistance, so place the repeater accordingly.
Generally, it is better to place the Wi-Fi repeater closer to the router for good signal strength than further away. Repeating the signal will often allow you to be clear of obstructions between the repeater and where you want to use it, resulting in a very nice increase in signal strength.
Buy a dual-band Wi-Fi router
“802.11ac” may sound like a random series of numbers and letters, but it actually represents the newest standard in Wi-Fi technology. One of the biggest features of the new standard is the ability to figure out where your device is and focus the signal in that direction instead of just sending the same signal in every direction. These “rays” can help boost the signal in the parts of your house that are having problems. Apple started supporting 802.11ac with the iPad Air 2, but even older iPads can see a boost in signal strength with an 802.11ac router.
Unfortunately, they are more expensive than normal routers. If you want to save money, look for a dual band router. These routers produce two signals for the iPad to use and can increase the speed of the iPad’s Internet connection.
Buy an Apple 802.11ac AirPort Extreme on Amazon
Build a mesh network
This solution is best for those who live in larger homes that need multiple routers and a single extender won’t cut it. This includes homes where the main router is in the center of the home and Wi-Fi availability decreases at the edges of the home, as well as multi-level homes. Generally speaking, mesh networks work best when home or office space is greater than 3,000 square feet, but even smaller areas can benefit from a dual-router mesh network, which acts similarly to a router. primary and an extender.
The idea behind mesh networking is to get full coverage by placing routers in good locations throughout the space in order to provide a strong and consistent signal. Mesh networks tend to be easier to set up than extenders because they are designed to work like multiple routers. If you’re getting poor signal and have a larger home or office, a mesh network may be the best solution.
Here are some good brands to check out:
- Linksys Velop . Considered one of the best mesh networks available, these Lynksys routers use three bands for a great signal and typically cost around $450 for a three-pack.
- Google Wi-Fi. Who could know better the needs of networks than Google? A well-designed approach that can be used as a single router or as a mesh network. A set of three will cost less than $300.
- eero . Easy to install and great for homes, this mesh netting costs around $400.
- Check out the best mesh networks available .
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