A weak Wi-Fi signal can complicate your online lifestyle, but there are numerous methods to boost your Wi-Fi signal for improved efficiency and enjoyment. Many individuals prefer extending their Wi-Fi range outdoors during warm months to enjoy outdoor activities. Others might experience slow indoor browsing speeds, specific rooms in wireless dead zones, or face streaming movies without buffering.
If any of these scenarios resonate with you, consider combining the suggestions here to increase signal strength and expand Wi-Fi range, improving your connection.
The typical range of a Wi-Fi network often doesn't cover an entire house. The distance from the router and physical obstacles between devices and the router affect signal strength. The position of Wi-Fi broadband routers or other network gateway devices directly influences their signal range.
Experiment by relocating the router to different positions to avoid physical obstacles and radio interference—two common range limiters for Wi-Fi devices. Typical sources of Wi-Fi signal obstacles in homes include brick walls, large metal appliances, microwaves, and cordless phones. Sometimes, raising the router's height can improve range since many obstacles are at floor or waist height.
Range-restricting wireless interference may arise from neighboring Wi-Fi networks using the same Wi-Fi radio channels. Changing the Wi-Fi channel numbers on devices can eliminate this interference and boost overall signal strength.
All routers have a 2.4GHz band, but if you have a dual-band router (simultaneously having 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands), interference might be less on the 5GHz band. Switching is usually simple. Consult the router manufacturer's website or documentation for instructions.
Router manufacturers improve their software and release firmware updates to enhance their products' performance. Even if you haven't encountered router issues, occasionally updating the router firmware ensures security updates and other enhancements.
Some routers have an embedded update process, but most older models require you to seek updates and download them from the device manufacturer.
Most stock Wi-Fi antennas on home network devices don't receive radio signals as well as some aftermarket antennas. For this reason, most modern routers have detachable antennas.
Consider upgrading the antennas on the router to more powerful ones. Some router manufacturers tout high-gain antennas on their products, but these antennas are often available only on expensive models, so even those could benefit from an upgrade. Additionally, consider using directional antennas that transmit signals in specific directions when your router is at the far end of the house, instead of in all directions.
Bidirectional boosters amplify wireless signals in both transmitting and receiving directions, crucial as Wi-Fi transmission is bidirectional wireless communication.
Add a Wi-Fi signal amplifier (sometimes called a signal booster) to the antenna connection location on the router, access point, or Wi-Fi client.
Enterprises sometimes deploy dozens of Wireless Access Points (APs) to cover large office buildings. Many homes might not benefit from having APs, but large residences could. Wireless Access Points help cover those hard-to-reach corner rooms or outdoor patios.
Adding an access point to a home network involves connecting it to the main router or gateway. Often, a second broadband router can serve as a regular AP since many consumer routers offer an Access Point mode for this purpose.
Wireless extenders are standalone units placed within the range of a wireless router or access point. Wi-Fi extenders serve as bi-directional relay stations for Wi-Fi signals. Client devices too far from the original router or AP can associate with the same local wireless network through the extender.
Manually insert the Wi-Fi extender (repeater) into a wall power socket.
An alternative to Wi-Fi extenders is mesh networking, which uses router-like devices in each room to provide Wi-Fi for that room.
Purchase Wi-Fi extenders and follow manufacturer instructions for installation.
When multiple individuals use the same Wi-Fi connection, Quality of Service (QoS) plays a role. QoS tools limit the amount of bandwidth applications use. You can specify which applications and services get priority and set different priorities at different times of the day. QoS prevents a drop in streaming video quality when everyone in your house decides to simultaneously download files or play their favorite video games. They can still download their files and play games, just at slower speeds, allowing you to enjoy your movie.
Modify QoS settings, typically found in the advanced settings of the router interface. You might see settings prioritizing games or multimedia that favor bandwidth for these specific applications.
Convenient tools like these won't be found on older routers. If you can't find such settings, your router might need an update.
Device manufacturers improve their products. If you've been using the same router for years, buying the latest generation router will show significant Wi-Fi improvements. The current standard for routers is 802.11ac
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