Your Wi-Fi Router Might Be in the Wrong Place. Here’s Where to Move It

this story is part 12 days tipshelps you get the most out of your technology, home, and health during the holiday season.

I have a problem with my internet connection. No matter what internet service provider you use or how many devices you have online, your connection will always be slow. What is your occupation?sometimes a monthly fee internet service provider or your router Even a professional installation may not solve the big problem of a slow and weak internet connection.

If you work from home, are looking to install smart home gadgets, or just want to install one, this is a huge headache. Chill out with Netflix at the end of the day.

Luckily, there are easy ways to optimize your Wi-Fi network and deal with these issues, and it only takes a few minutes.

there is Many factors that determine internet speed and while Some tricks and guidelines you can follow One of the most important factors in improving overall wireless speed and coverage in your home is your router location. Also, the location set by the technician is not always the best location. Read on to learn about the best places to put your router at home and other ways to speed up your Wi-Fi.You can also check out our recommendations best wifi router, best mesh router and the best wifi extender(If you have a mesh router, be sure to check it out A guide on where and how to set it up the right way, that too. )

Choose the right router for your space

First things first: it all starts with Choosing the Right Router or other equipment. Not all routers are the same, and the size and layout of your home will dictate the type of wireless network you need.

One wireless access point is sufficient for most apartments and small homes (less than 1,500 square feet). That said, if your router is a few years old, you might want to consider upgrading. New model supporting 802.11axAlso Wi-Fi 6This is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, delivering the fastest wireless speeds and best overall coverage possible.

For larger multi-storey houses, Upgrade to mesh network Provides consistent coverage throughout your home. After installing the main access point, if you find that you don’t have solid wireless coverage in a corner of your house, add another node in that area. Problem solved.

Learn more about List of this year’s best mesh routers (Our top pick is TP-Link Deco W7200) And if you don’t know where to start when choosing your next router, router buying guide.

Whether you have a single access point or a mesh network, where you place your primary access point is still important.

Where is the best place to put the router?

When you first move into a new house or apartment, your modem is usually installed along the back wall of your home. Because this is simply where the line enters your home, and the technician’s job is to set up the connection, not to optimize the network.

It’s tempting to leave everything where the technician set it up. However, this is unlikely to be the best place to put your router.

Choose a central location

A router sends signals in all directions, so if you keep it in the corner of your house, a significant percentage of your wireless coverage will be sent outside your home. So moving your router to a central location to optimize your signal is your best bet.

Having a router across the house from your modem can be a hassle. Especially if you need to manually route long CAT5 or CAT6 Ethernet cables under the floor or along the bottom of the wall, or with the help of powerline network adapters that pass Internet signals point-to-point using your home’s electrical wiring. there is. But the improved wireless coverage is worth it.

lift the router

Routers tend to spread the strongest signal downward, so it’s a good idea to mount your router as high as possible to maximize coverage. Try placing it high on the bookshelf, attach it to the wall in an inconspicuous place.

If you search online, you will find many custom wall mounts built for your specific router. This stick-up mount in order to Aero Pro 6 mesh router. If you’re having trouble finding a good spot on elevated ground, something like that could be a great solution.

avoid other electronics

Choose a location away from other electronic devices and large metal objects. The more walls, large obstructions, and electronic devices you have near your router, the more likely something is interfering with the signal.

One electronic device in particular to avoid is the microwave. It emits a strong signal in the 2.4 GHz band, the same wireless band the router operates on. This can physically block or jam the signal as well as cause electronic interference.

In addition to electronics, watch out for bulky furniture that can limit the range of your signal. For example, Wi-Fi does not work well under water, so if you have an aquarium at home, avoid situations where the aquarium is between your router and the device that needs to be connected.

That weird antenna?they really matter

Some routers have no antennas at all, while others have up to eight. These antennas help transmit signals. If your router has more than one antenna, do not place them all in the same direction.

Instead, make them perpendicular to each other. Place one horizontally and the other vertically. Or slightly change the position of all antennas to cover a wide range of angles. It may take a little experimentation to find the most effective configuration.

The signal from each of these antennas emerges like waves traveling in all directions. That wave will be perpendicular to the antenna itself. I plan to give a signal to move upwards. This may be more useful in multi-storey homes.

map the signal

In worst-case scenario situations, it can be helpful to map your home signal to see where there are gaps or problem areas in your coverage. NetSpot software Map signal strength Overall CNET smart home — Finally, we were able to remedy the situation by taking a closer look at the weaknesses of our Wi-Fi network and moving hardware to more optimal locations.

Be sure to check it out if you’re looking to upgrade your router CNET’s pick for the best router. Families with children must Check your router’s parental controlsthat too.

Home Internet, Wi-Fi, ISP, Router Details