A weak WiFi signal can be frustrating. It results in slow internet speeds, streaming interruptions, and connectivity issues. However, there are several ways you can improve your wireless router's signal strength and coverage in your home.
One of the best ways to boost your wireless signal is to upgrade your router to a WiFi 6 router. WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the newest generation of WiFi technology. WiFi 6 routers like the Netgear Nighthawk AX3000 provide faster speeds, increased bandwidth, and expanded coverage compared to older routers.
WiFi 6 uses technologies like OFDMA and 1024 QAM to transmit more data at once. It's also backwards compatible with older devices. Replacing an old 802.11n or AC router with a shiny new AX3000 router will provide a noticeable improvement in WiFi range and performance.
Where you place your wireless router in your home makes a big difference. For the widest coverage, a central location is best. Elevate the router if possible, avoiding cramming it in a corner or low shelf. Keep it away from other electronics that could cause interference.
Also try to place the router near where you need the strongest signal. For example, on the same floor as bedrooms if you stream videos there. Experiment by moving the router around to find the ideal position.
Use the WiFi analyzer in your phone to map the signal strength in different spots. Move your router to the area with the fewest dead zones.
Another way to boost router range is upgrading the antennas. Many modern wireless routers have removable external antennas. Replacing the standard short antennas with larger higher gain antennas can increase signal strength.
High gain directional antennas focus the WiFi signal in a specific direction. Omni-directional antennas spread the signal over a wider area. Consider the layout of your home when choosing antenna types. Adding one directional and one omni may give the best coverage.
Some routers have a high power mode or "turbo" mode that increases the power output of the WiFi signal. Enabling this can expand the reach of your wireless network.
However, using the highest power settings also consumes more electricity. It may impact connected devices closer to the router as well. Only use the maximum power if needed.
Interference from neighboring WiFi networks can affect your signal. To reduce interference, try changing the channel your router broadcasts on.
Use a WiFi analyzer to scan channels and see which ones have the least traffic. Then switch your wireless channel to the clearest option. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are common defaults since they don't overlap.
Keeping your router firmware up-to-date provides the latest optimizations. Router manufacturers release firmware updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
Newer firmware often improves wireless signal range and throughput. Check your router admin panel or manufacturer website for available updates. Read release notes to see if enhanced wireless functionality is mentioned.
For whole home coverage, consider a mesh WiFi system. Mesh routers work together to create one large seamless network.
The different access points connect wirelessly and pass signals between each other. This allows you to expand coverage to fill dead spots. Popular brands like Eero, Orbi and Nest Wifi make it easy to set up a mesh system.
Another tip is to change the wireless frequency band your network uses. Newer routers can broadcast on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Try switching to the 5GHz band if using 2.4 for better performance.
5GHz generally provides faster speeds with less interference. The downside is shorter range, so devices farther from the router may need to connect on 2.4GHz. Choose the band giving you the best experience for each device.
Improving wireless signal starts with using a modern router like the latest AX3000 models. But router placement, settings, and accessories also impact range and coverage. Try some of these tips to extend and optimize your home WiFi network. Strong wireless connectivity ensures the best performance for streaming, gaming, video calls and more.