Are you facing weak Wi-Fi signal strength in certain parts of your home? It’s a common issue: your home router’s Wi-Fi signal might be sufficient for messaging apps like Viber, but downloading anything becomes a daunting task. Despite having excellent internet quality, a weak Wi-Fi signal can reduce speeds to just 10% of what devices near the router experience.
The most efficient solution to amplify your Wi-Fi signal is by investing in a signal booster or “range extender,” as they’re commonly known. These affordable devices gather your router’s signal and amplify it, extending coverage to areas of your home that were previously out of reach.
Improving WiFi Without Spending Money
Before purchasing a signal booster, consider if there are no-cost solutions to your Wi-Fi woes. Start by assessing your router’s placement. Ideally, it should be centrally located within your home to evenly distribute the signal in all directions. If it’s near an exterior wall or corner, the signal may struggle to reach the farthest points.
Related Articles:
CHOOSING A HOME ALARM SYSTEM: WIRED OR WIRELESS?
UNDERSTANDING SMART THERMOSTATS AND THEIR IMPACT ON ENERGY CONSUMPTION
The same applies to multi-story homes. Positioning the router centrally allows the signal to reach not only within its level but also to floors above and below. Adjusting the router’s placement with a longer cable can easily solve this issue.
Antenna positioning also influences signal propagation. For routers in multi-story homes, where signals need to reach both up and down, angle the antennas at 90 degrees – one horizontal and the other vertical. Experiment with antenna orientations to determine the optimal setup for improved signal quality in distant areas.
Placement also matters; avoid positioning the router near metal objects like washing machines or dishwashers, as they can interfere with signal transmission. Additionally, ensure the router isn’t obstructed by clutter, such as bookshelves, and elevate it to a height of 1 to 5 feet for better signal propagation throughout your home.
Installing a WiFi Signal Booster
If none of the aforementioned methods yield results, purchasing a WiFi signal booster becomes necessary. These devices, starting at just $30, come in various forms, some plugging directly into wall sockets like mosquito repellent devices, while others resemble traditional routers.
Installation remains consistent across types. Place the booster where it can still receive a strong enough signal from the base router while extending coverage to previously uncovered areas.
Connect the signal booster to your computer via cable, enter the provided IP address to access the device’s management interface, and connect it to your router using your home internet’s login credentials. This creates a new WiFi signal with a customized name and password set during setup.
Photo: Unsplash