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Best Ways To Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

Whether to boost your Wi-Fi signal, or just find out what is limiting your Wi-Fi signal, learn how to improve your Wi-Fi connectivity.

By Dhruv Kapoor

Updated on 09-07-2022

Whats New Dawg
Many would say that it is common for a router not to provide the internet speed that you are paying for. Furthermore, they would add that the bandwidth loses its coverage naturally after a span of time. But that's not correct. Suppose you're not getting the internet speeds you paid for. In that case, it's most likely due to a problem with your wireless internet router signal. Moreover, the slow speed could be because of the old router or its placement, or maybe both. However, there are several ways to boost your Wi-Fi signal, and they work the best if performed correctly. Again, there could be tons of reasons hampering your internet speed, but this writing is about the measures that you can take to boost your Wi-Fi signals. Therefore, you can look at the following precautions to maneuver your bandwidth signals.

1. Update your security to cut off bandwidth access.

When your home Wi-Fi is influx with extra users, the bandwidth signals fall short of supporting every device equally. Furthermore, if your home network is free of security, it attracts freeloaders who will suck all the good strengths. Therefore, secure all your home routers with a complex password and WPA2 encryption. This will help you boost your Wi-Fi signal significantly. Apart from that, if your home is automated, keeping your Wi-Fi network safe from intruders is even more vital. Every connected device consumes bandwidth, and the more outside devices on your network, the less likely your automated home devices will have enough capacity.

2. Take a speed test.

There are thousands of speed tests available online. Thus, take an online speed test with a computer linked to your home network to see how fast your internet and Wi-Fi connections are. This will show the results of your ping time and upload vs. download speeds.

3. Opt for a new Wi-Fi channel.

Try switching your router from a 2.4 GHz to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi channel to boost your Wi-Fi signal. After this, you will witness a greater bandwidth and less interference. Furthermore, multiple internet transmission channels are available on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. While 2.4 GHz only has 14 overlapping channels, 5 GHz has 23 non-overlapping channels. Data packets flowing back and forth on adjoining channels can interfere with one another due to channel overlap, clogging bandwidth, and slowing your connection. However, some routers function perfectly and are only capable of using the 2.4 GHz frequency. Therefore, choose channels 1, 6, or 11 if your router is limited to 2.4 GHz. These channels have the least amount of channel overlap.

4. Get yourself a new, high-end router.

As mentioned earlier, old routers are one of the most significant hindrances to your home's Wi-Fi connection. Henceforth, buying a new one to boost your Wi-Fi signal would be a great option. Furthermore, you can replace the existing one if it is still in warranty. Purchasing a new home router would get you other benefits than just amplified internet.           A new router may also include enhanced home security features and be compatible with a broader range of devices. Consequently, security and interoperability benefit homeowners who want to automate their houses or secure their networks.

5. Reset your router device.

Resetting your router can help you boost your Wi-Fi signal for your home network. Thus, rebooting your wireless router can alleviate internet connection problems and boost your speeds, just like restarting your computer can cure unexpected computer issues.

6. Position the Wi-Fi antennas up and side.

Wi-Fi signals expand perpendicular to your router; however, when passing through walls at an angle, Wi-Fi signals may diminish. Antennas aren't often included in Wi-Fi routers, such as all-in-one modems and router gateways. Hence, if your router has antennas, you can angle them to help your Wi-Fi signal flow straight through walls while maintaining signal strength. Therefore, boost your Wi-Fi signal by angling one antenna vertically, allowing Wi-Fi signals to pass through walls directly from side to side. 

7. Look for antenna upgrades.

An update to your antenna is another option to boost your Wi-Fi signal. Some router models come with a visible antenna, which means users are in luck with high-speed internet. However, third-party antenna manufacturers make new antennas that are more powerful than the ones given by your internet provider. Because some antennas are omnidirectional, their placement isn't essential for getting the most out of your hardware upgrade – you won't even need to orient the antenna to improve your Wi-Fi signal.

8. Place your wireless router in a clear spot.

The placement of your router is another significant reason that can obstruct the strength of your Wi-Fi router's signal. Place the router in a high, open space with few impediments for the best Wi-Fi signal results. As mentioned earlier, signals go perpendicular to your router; thus, your Wi-Fi signals will go horizontally across the floor if your router is on the ground, covering fewer portions of your home. If you have a multi-story home, you can boost your Wi-Fi signal and increase your internet strength by placing the router on the second floor. Also, ensure that you place fewer things around your router for better coverage.

9. Move the router to a central part of your home.

Placing your router in a strategic location like the center of your home will help you get the most out of your signals. Typically the center is the living room; however, if it's not, then here are some other places you may put it to boost your Wi-Fi signal and increase your internet speeds. Where should you put your internet router?
  • In a central living room or dining room, on a mantle
  • On a little coffee table strategically positioned in the middle of a hallway or living room
  • If you don't have a basement, put it on the second-story landing.
Places to avoid
  • Avoid placing your internet router in the kitchen, where other appliances emit waves that could interfere with your connection.
  • Most signals will travel outdoors where you aren't using them, whether it's in the corner of your house or on a windowsill.
  • In the cellar or closed room. 
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