Have you ever experienced problems with your Wi-Fi? It can be very unpleasant to lose your Internet connection while watching a TV show, while playing online with your friends or during a video call with your colleagues.
The location of the router is key to getting the best possible Internet signal in your home. Here are some tips for choosing the right location for your router in your home.
Where is the best place to install my router?
In order to avoid a slowdown of your Internet speed, place your router in a central location of your home, because the Internet signal travels much better in open spaces. You should also minimize the distance between the router, and any Wi-Fi devices connected to it.
The best place to avoid obstructions is to place your router high up since it sends its signal downwards. For example, a good option would be to install your router on a shelf or a bookcase. If possible, you can even hang it on the wall.
How do I choose a location with as few walls as possible for my Internet router?
Do you keep your router in an enclosed area such as a closet? You should think of taking it out. Wireless signals don’t travel well when they pass through too many walls.
It is important to avoid brick and concrete walls, as these absorb the signal more than wooden beams and drywall. Also, if you don’t want the signal to travel into your yard or your neighbor’s house, don’t locate your router near your windows.
Is it important to avoid placing objects near your router?
Many objects in your home can block the Internet signal. Water sources can slow down your Internet connection such as fish tanks. If there are a lot of people in the same room, this can also be a source of obstruction, as humans are basically made of water.
In addition, metal objects should be avoided, as they absorb more of the airwaves, such as refrigerators and other household appliances.
Can I reduce the interference to my router’s signal?
Beyond the physical objects that can slow down your Internet connection, the interference can also impact the performance of your Wi-Fi.
Avoid locations near electromagnetic devices such as a microwave, oven or even baby monitors. These types of devices operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency. If your router covers the same frequency as these devices, there is a good chance that it will cause interference on your Internet network.
The kitchen is therefore the room in your house to avoid as much as possible, because it has a lot of metal devices, as well as several objects that can cause interference with your router.
Please note that any Bluetooth devices such as speakers can also be a source of interference.
How do I adjust the antennas on my router?
Some routers have one or more antennas. Another tip would be to adjust them to get a better signal.
If your router has only one antenna, it is recommended to point it to the place where you want a better signal. If you want to cover as much area as possible, it is recommended to place your antenna horizontally. To cover as many floors as possible, it is recommended to place your antenna vertically. If your router has more than one antenna, it is important to point them in different directions such as upwards and horizontally to cover as much space as possible.
Is there any benefit to connect my gaming console, my computer or my TV directly into my router?
Yes, if the router placement tips are not enough to improve your Internet speed, another cost-effective way is to plug stationary devices, such as your computer, game console and intelligent TV, directly into your devices. Doing this, the WI-FI capacity is not reduced when you are streaming video content or while you downloading games or updates to those devices. The Internet connection speed of other WI-FI users in the house should be improved.
Direct cable connection can be an easy solution for a more stable and faster WI-FI connection and to avoid as much as possible the wasting of wireless signal capacity.