Having a strong WiFi signal is essential for surfing the web, shopping, streaming video and gaming. If your WiFi is weak upstairs or in other parts of the house, these tips can help you boost your signal strength to get faster internet speeds.
The location of your router can make a huge difference in wireless signal quality. Proper placement and minimizing interference (both physical and electromagnetic) can improve network performance.
1. Move Your Router
A strong WiFi signal is critical to your home’s internet connection, and it can be frustrating when your WiFi speed fluctuates or slows down. The performance of a WiFi network is affected by many factors, including distance, obstructions, interference, capacity and devices hogging bandwidth. Fortunately, making some small changes to your router can boost its strength and improve performance.
The most obvious way to improve a weak wireless signal is simply to move the router to a new location. This can be as simple as relocating it to an open area away from walls and other obstructions. It’s also important to remove any objects that are blocking the line of sight between your router and your main Internet-connected device.
Thicker walls, such as brick and concrete, can drastically affect the quality of a wireless signal. Likewise, metal ducts, pipes and studs can also cause problems. Thinner walls, such as wood and sheetrock, work better and can help save a WiFi signal.
Moving your router higher up can also improve its performance. This is because WiFi signals travel upwards, so the closer you are to the ceiling, the more likely a signal will reach your device. Make sure the router is positioned in an open area away from any electrical wires or appliances, such as washing machines, tumble dryers and televisions.
Another easy fix is to change the wireless channel that your router broadcasts on. By using a built-in tool in Windows to find out which channels are in use around you, you can choose a less-crowded channel and improve your connection speed.
If you’ve tried relocating your router and changing your wireless channel and still aren’t happy with your connection, it may be time to look into using a wireless signal booster or you can check this out for a stronger router. These devices amplify your router’s signal and can be a good investment for homes or small businesses.
2. Upgrade Your Antenna
Whether you’re surfing the web, checking Facebook, or streaming movies and playing online games, a reliable wireless internet connection is essential. A weak signal can cause frustrating lag and interrupt your flow. But don’t worry—there are several easy ways to boost your WiFi signal strength and achieve flawless networking.
Many routers have detachable antennas that you can replace with more powerful ones to improve the performance of your wireless network. For best results, look for directional antennas that can send and receive signals in multiple directions. You’ll also want to consider the dBi rating of the new antenna. The higher the dBi, the better the signal range.
You can also increase your WiFi signal strength by installing a Wi-Fi extender, which can help fill in the dead zones of your home or office. Extenders are especially helpful in homes or businesses that have thick walls, which can obstruct the wireless signal.
Another option is to run wires through your walls to create a hardwired Internet connection. But this can be expensive, and it can also be a tripping hazard, so it’s not usually the best solution for most people. Using powerline adapters instead is a better idea, as they use your existing wiring to provide Internet access throughout your location.
If you’re not satisfied with the performance of your router, you can also upgrade its software to improve your wireless connection. This will often improve speed and stability, but it’s important to note that this won’t always fix your wireless connection issues. You may need to try other methods of improving your signal, such as moving your router or adding an antenna.
You can test your wireless connection performance with free online tools, such as Speedtest. After making any changes, be sure to retest your network to see if the problem is resolved. And remember to stay proactive by running benchmarking tests on a regular basis to ensure your network is working optimally.
3. Install a Wi-Fi Extender
A Wi-Fi extender is a small device that plugs into your router and “extends” its range by rebroadcasting the WiFi signal. It’s best used for areas where the WiFi signal drops off, such as upstairs or a bedroom in a two-story house. To install a WiFi extender, use a Wi-Fi network mapping tool to find a problem area and plug the device in halfway between your router and the room you want to boost. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set it up.
If you have a mesh network, consider installing additional access points, which connect to one another and act as a single wireless hub to provide Internet access across multiple rooms. These are designed for larger homes or businesses with multiple floors and can work well to boost WiFi signals through thick walls.
Another option is a powerline adapter, which uses your home’s existing wiring to deliver a wired connection. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to set up, though it can be a bit more time-consuming than other hacks.
Some wireless extenders have adjustable antennas you can reposition to get the best results. For example, you can try placing a reflector made of aluminum foil or even an empty soda can to direct the WiFi signal into hard-to-reach places.
You can also improve your home’s Wi-Fi signal by repositioning the router to avoid blocking its path with physical obstacles like thick walls and doors, and electrical interference from cordless phones, microwave ovens and baby monitors. Then, test your network’s performance using a speed-testing app. This tool can help you gauge your network’s performance and whether you have a strong enough signal for streaming or gaming.
If you’re still having trouble, call your ISP and ask for help. Some providers are willing to remotely diagnose a slow or inconsistent WiFi signal and may even send over a tech to fix the issue at your home. If not, consider switching to a different service that offers better Wi-Fi coverage. You’ll be glad you did when your kids are able to play online games without lag.
4. Remove Rogue Access Points
As a business owner, you can do many things to boost WiFi signal strength, but one of the most effective is to remove rogue access points. These are access points that have been installed without your knowledge by an employee, a neighbor, or even a malicious attacker. They can impersonate your network and make it difficult for employees to access your company’s systems. The good news is that there are solutions for detecting and removing unauthorized APs that can save you money, improve WiFi performance, and reduce security risks.
Unlike Ethernet cables, WiFi signals are transmitted through airwaves that can pass through most walls. However, some types of wall materials can cause dead spots. Concrete and brick walls are the worst offenders, taking away as much as 80% of signal strength. Wood and drywall are more lenient and allow for a more consistent WiFi signal.
Another way to increase WiFi signals through walls is by using a mesh networking system. Mesh networks connect multiple access points to act as a single unit and share the network with other wireless devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This helps eliminate dead spots by spreading the WiFi signal over a larger area.
You can also improve your WiFi signal by identifying and repositioning obstacles that are interfering with the signal. For example, if your router is sitting next to a metal file cabinet, this will reduce the strength of the signal. Try moving the router to a different location in your building or office.
Finally, you can install a Wi-Fi repeater to strengthen your WiFi signals in areas where the signal may be weak or lost. These small devices can be purchased for a relatively low cost and are easy to set up. Using a signal mapping tool to find the most problematic dead spots can help you identify an ideal location for your Wi-Fi repeater.
A strong WiFi signal can improve your productivity and enhance the experience of all users in your building or office. However, there are many factors that can impact your WiFi’s performance, from physical obstacles to a poor signal strength. By following these simple tips, you can make your WiFi more stable and reliable.