There’s nothing more frustrating than slow Wi-Fi speeds. This can be a major headache if you’re working from home, trying to introduce smart home gadgets, or staring at a buffering wheel when you want to unwind with Netflix at the end of the day. So what can you do if your Wi-Fi always seems to be unstable, no matter what internet service provider you use or how many devices are connected?
There’s an easy way to optimize your Wi-Fi network that only takes a few minutes. There are many factors that determine your internet speed, and there are some tips and guidelines you can follow to improve your overall wireless speed and coverage in your home, but one of the most important factors is the location of your router. is. Also, the location where the technician installs is not always the best location.
Read on to learn the best places to put your router in your home and other tips to speed up your Wi-Fi. Also see our picks for the best Wi-Fi 6 routers, the best mesh routers, and the best Wi-Fi extenders. (If you have a mesh router, be sure to also check out our guide on where and how to properly set it up.)
read more: T-Mobile Home Internet Reviews
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 determine the type of wireless network you need.
For most apartments and small homes (less than 1,500 square feet), one wireless access point is sufficient. That said, if your router is a few years old, you may want to consider upgrading to your next router. New model supports 802.11axor Wi-Fi6. This is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, offering the fastest wireless speeds and best overall coverage possible.
For larger multi-story homes, Upgrade to mesh network Provides consistent coverage throughout your home. Once you’ve installed your main access point, if you find that you don’t have solid wireless coverage in a corner of your home, simply add another node in that area. Problem solved.
Learn more about. List of this year’s best mesh routers (Our top recommendation is TP-Link Deco W7200). If you need additional guidance, please contact us. router buying guide.
Note that whether you are using a single access point or a mesh network, it is important where you place your primary access point.
Where is the best place to put the router?
Check out all the different routers available, including Wi-Fi routers, mesh networks, and more.
When you move into a new house or apartment, the modem is usually installed along the farthest wall of the house. This is simply because that’s where the line enters your home, and the technician’s job is to configure the connection, not to optimize the network. That part is on you.
It’s tempting to leave everything where the technician set it up. However, this is unlikely to be the best place to install your router.
Choose a central location
Routers send signals in all directions, so if your router is left in a corner of your home, a significant percentage of your wireless range will be transmitted outside your home. Therefore, it’s best to move your router to a central location to optimize the signal.
Placing the router across from the modem can be a pain. In some cases, you may need to manually route particularly long CAT5 or CAT6 Ethernet cables under the floor or along the wall, or with the help of a powerline network adapter that uses your home’s electrical wiring to pass the Internet signal from point to point. I need to borrow it. But the increased wireless coverage is worth it.
raise the router
Routers tend to spread their strongest signals downward, so it’s best to mount your router as high as possible to maximize coverage. Try placing it high on a bookshelf or mounting it in an inconspicuous spot on a wall.
If you search online, you’ll find many custom wall mounts made for specific routers. This paste mount for 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 electronic devices
Make sure to choose a location away from other electronic devices and large metal objects. The more walls, large obstructions, and electronic devices there are near your router, the more likely something is to interfere with the signal.
One electronic device in particular to avoid is a microwave oven, which emits a strong signal in the 2.4 GHz band, the same wireless band that your router operates on. You should also be careful not to place your router behind a large TV. This can physically block or interrupt the signal as well as cause electronic interference.
Along with electronics, be aware of bulky furniture that may be limiting the signal’s reach. For example, Wi-Fi doesn’t travel well through water, so if you have an aquarium at home, try to avoid situations where Wi-Fi is between your router and the devices you need to connect.
Those weird antennas actually matter
Some routers have no antennas at all, while others have up to eight antennas. These antennas help direct the signal. If your router has two or more antennas, do not place them all in the same direction.
Instead, place them perpendicular to each other, one horizontally and the other vertically. Or slightly change the position of all antennas to cover a wide range of angles. You may need to experiment a little to find the most effective configuration.
The signal from each of these antennas comes out like a wave that travels in all directions, and the waves are perpendicular to the antenna itself, so vertical antennas are more useful in one-story houses, but horizontal or diagonal antennas is perpendicular to the antenna itself. gives an upward signal, which may be more useful in high-rise residential buildings.
Wi-Fi mapping software like NetSpot helps you visualize your network’s strength and address weaknesses.
map the signal
In worst-case scenario situations, it may be helpful to plan out the signals within your home to see where there are gaps in coverage or areas where problems may occur. A few years ago, we used NetSpot software to plan signal strength. CNET Smart Home Entire — In the end, we were able to better understand the weaknesses in our Wi-Fi network and shore up the situation by moving the hardware to a more optimal location.
If you’re considering upgrading your router, be sure to check out CNET’s best routers.Families with children must Check your router’s parent controlstoo.
Taylor Martin contributed to this article.
