How to strengthen a Wi-Fi network signal?

Wireless networking is the most popular way to connect to the internet. Make sure that a strong signal reaches every part of your home!

Where to start?

Before you start improving your Wi-Fi signal, it’s a good idea to check how other factors are affecting your connection. For example, a faulty network card may be the source of the problem. If poor connectivity only affects one device, it’s likely that the fault is not with the network.

There are several ways that will help us to strengthen the wireless network signal. Let’s start with the steps that are easiest to perform.

Step one – proper location of the router

Unfortunately, not many people pay attention to the issue of router location, which can be crucial. This is especially important in the case of LTE devices, whose performance is largely dependent on things as simple as the distance from the window. Taking proper care of this aspect may positively influence the quality and range of Wi-Fi network in our home. A few simple rules will help us choose an appropriate place.

In the case of a router with a standard link, e.g. optical fiber:

• The router must not be placed in a closet, bathroom, toilet or small enclosed room.
• We should take care to reduce the number of obstacles the signal may encounter. If the walls in our house or apartment are thick, the router should be located in the room where we use the Internet most often. We can also install an additional Ethernet link leading to the device.
• The router should be placed as close to the center of the apartment as possible – this will ensure even distribution of the signal. However, we also have to take into account the thickness of the walls.
• To check if the chosen location is suitable, we can use mobile applications for measuring network quality. We can find them in Google Play or App Store.

For the LTE router:

• The router should be close to the window.
• We reduce the number of potential obstacles.
• We place the router in the room where the internet is needed most often.
• An LTE router also usually offers battery power, so you can afford to be more flexible about where it is located. Moving such equipment to another room for a while is not a problem.

It often happens that in houses with more than one level, there is a problem with the internet on the floor below or above the router location. Then the antenna spacing needs to be changed slightly. They are designed to operate on one plane, so we can tilt them or even bend them 90 degrees.

Step two – changing the frequency

Nowadays routers usually support two frequency bands simultaneously – 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. Many devices use the latter band, which can interfere with the router’s operation. These include microwaves, smart home appliances, consoles, other transmitters, light bulbs, and many other devices that connect to the wireless network. So it is worth to change these parameters manually.

We can do this from the manufacturer’s app or by adjusting the settings of our own router. Usually we will enter the control panel through the browser. The IP address to be entered can be found on a sticker under the router or in the manual. If we are unable to locate it there, we can also search for the device model on the Internet.

In the case of further problems we can change the data channel in the router’s settings. By default this parameter is chosen automatically. We can try any of them and see which one gives the best results.

Step three – installation of the repeater

When changing the location does not work and adjusting software settings does not bring the intended effect, it is worth trying something else. Another solution requires purchase of an additional device, but is very effective.

Arepeater is a piece of equipment whose task is to amplify the Wi-Fi signal in order to deliver it throughout the house. When choosing a suitable place for the repeater we should follow the same principles as in the case of placing a router. It will also help us to check the current status of the connection from the mobile application level.

It is worth placing the repeater in a place with a range level between 50% and 80-90%. Stable operation depends on the location of the repeater. Proper placement of the equipment may be time-consuming, but it will ensure the best possible results for a given apartment or house.

Step four – the final solution, i.e. buying a new router

In the event that none of the proposed solutions have been beneficial, it’s time for a final review of our router’s technical condition. These are devices that don’t break down too often, but weakening their performance can be very problematic. If nothing is working and your Wi-Fi is simply performing poorly, you may want to opt for a new router.

When choosing new equipment, it’s a good idea to look at reviews and testimonials. Often we can find very detailed information that includes, for example, plans of apartments or houses where the range of the model we are interested in is tested.