Wi-Fi routers are amazing, aren’t they? You can plug them in and enjoy internet access on all your smart devices. Back in the days, people had to use modems to connect their computers with the internet. These modems required a connection through an Ethernet cable. Many providers still use modems. The Wi-Router is added as an extra commodity to ensure wireless connectivity.
However, many internet providers now offer a two-in-one system that works both as a modem and router. No matter which system you own, there will be corners in your home with limited Wi-Fi connectivity. These wireless signals are obstructed by physical barriers such as walls and objects. The good thing is that we can boost our internet signals using technology and some hacks.
Many internet providers already understand this concern. For example, Cox internet plans include a Panoramic Gateway that has better signal strength and connectivity throughout.
Nevertheless, if you don’t have a wireless gateway, here is how you can boost your wireless signals.
Place your router at an optimal spot
Sometimes, the most complex problems require the simplest solutions. Your Wi-Fi router should be placed in an ideal spot otherwise it will hugely affect your overall coverage. Now, people argue that the router goes where the cable outlet is. You can change things with a little effort. Routers require open spaces, away from any obstruction and walls. Secondly, keep your router away from the proximity of your electronic devices to boost performance.
Many modern routers come with an external antenna. Orient them vertically to maximize the coverage.
Change the frequency
Modern routers now operate on two frequencies i.e. 2.4GHz and 5GHz. If you have a dual-band router, it is better to switch to a 5GHz band instead of 2.4GHz. There are many benefits to using a higher frequency. It offers faster download speeds and you are less likely to encounter interference from any wireless network or devices. The 5GHz band handles the obstructions quite well. Therefore, you will have seamless connectivity everywhere in the house.
Look out for Wi-Fi intruders
So, you set your router in an optimal location without any obstruction, yet you still face poor connection speeds. There are chances that someone is using your network. You might have unknown users piggybacking on your connection. There are many applications and tools available on the internet to check the devices connected to your home network. You can disable all the unknown devices. Secondly, set a strong Wi-Fi password for your home network. It has to be a combination of upper and lower case letters. Stronger passwords are difficult to crack.
Use a range extender or mesh system
Modern routers have a better range and can reach most of the corners in your house. However, if you have a large area, you need extra gear to ensure uniform connectivity throughout. There are many devices available in the market but we recommend getting the range extender. The range extenders get the signals from your router and then rebroadcast them at a better range to your devices. They are quite affordable but it is old technology.
Range extenders are now being replaced by Wi-Fi mesh systems. These are special devices installed in all the corners of your house or apartment, and these multiple units work coherently to distribute wireless signals uniformly. The installation of these smart mesh points follows the same principle. One node is connected to your modem and all the other nodes are strategically placed nearby to extend coverage to all the dead zones in your house. Mesh systems are not for everyone. They are a bit expensive and should only be installed if you have a big house.
Final Verdict
If the problem persists even after installing a mesh system or changing a device, then it is time to call the internet service provider. They will run a scan of your home network to figure out the problem.
