We get this question a lot so I thought we should re-post this blog…
Your Wi-Fi signal strength begins to drop the farther away from the router you are. If your router is in the front of your house and your bedroom is in the back, you may be accustomed to slow internet speeds. The severity of the slow-down depends on quite a few things: your home’s construction, your router’s location, what router you are using, your internet provider, etc. Regardless of the other issues, where you put your router really can make a big difference.
Keep it central
Location, location, location! Location is key. Try to find the most central place in your home for your router. It is worth buying some longer cables and running the wire to the most central location that you can in your home. Consider even mounting the router on a wall or in a corner by the ceiling if you have two floors (radio waves generally spread out and towards the ground, not up). Think about putting your router on the second floor if you have one. Router antennas broadcast in all directions, so if you place your router next to a wall adjacent to your neighbor’s apartment, they’re getting that slice of your signal.
Avoid impenetrable obstructions
Radio waves certainly travel through walls, but the thicker the wall, the weaker the signal will be on the other side. If your home is fortified with brick or concrete walls, the signal is going to be absorbed by the wall and lose significant strength when traveling through it. Same goes for water, like a big fish tank, which can cause a lot of resistance for your signal. Metal and mirrors are also your enemy because those materials actually reflect radio waves, so putting the router behind a TV or in a bathroom is ill advised.
Avoid the kitchen
When it comes to battling any potential buffering of your Wi-Fi signal, the microwave is not your friend. Microwaves and WiFi routers operate using the same frequency. Additionally, metal objects will absorb a signal, and with a metal fridge, stove, and other kitchen appliances. It’s best to just keep the router out of the kitchen.
Play with the antenna
All the magic happens with the antenna. It’s the part of the router that’s broadcasting and receiving your WiFi connection. Antennas usually can move side to side or sometimes pivot full-circle in their socket. Play around with directing the antennas to increase the signal strength.
Last tip: ALWAYS password protect your WiFi.
For more information, or for assistance with your WiFi, contact TeCHS!
We are fast, affordable, and friendly. Serving all of Ventura County.
~Your TeCHS
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www.ezDigitalLife.com | (800) 669-2022