Want a stronger, more stable Wi-Fi connection? Of course you do—that's why you're reading this blog!
Faster speeds and increased reliability can be as simple as this: intentional router placement. Your router should be in the middle of the action—not tucked away in a closet or hidden in a drawer. Get the most from your internet by using these tips when choosing a spot for your router.
- Keep It Central
Place your router in the middle of your home, away from any outside walls. Your router's radio waves transmit in every direction and the last thing you need is to broadcast that signal to your neighbors.
If your fiber comes from an outside wall and you can't move your router far, try to keep it away from windows. Wi-Fi signals move through windows without losing as much strength, making it easier for others to access your network.
- Hide It in Plain Sight
Show your router off—or at least, don't stash it away. The more barriers your signal travels through, the weaker it becomes. Try placing it on a high, unobstructed shelf or tall table, not in a small closet or in a kitchen cupboard.
- Choose Doorways, Not Walls
As you know by now: the fewer obstacles, the better. This definitely includes the walls in your home. Walls absorb wireless signals, so, if possible, place your router near open doorways. Choosing a place with lots of foot traffic and open passageways, like your living room, is likely best.
- Move Away from Electronics
Wi-Fi signals will compete with certain devices if they are using the same frequency. Baby monitors, radios, and microwaves can all cause trouble if too close to your router. This is a great reason to keep your router out of the kitchen, the hub of all sorts of electronics.
Bonus: Odd Things to Avoid
Just when you thought we've listed all the wrong places to put your router, there’s more!
- Mirrors, filing cabinets, and other shiny, flat surfaces can distort your signal. Radio waves bounce right off these objects, scattering the signal and limiting its effectiveness.
- Fish tanks can dampen your signal as well (no pun intended). Water is extremely difficult for signals to travel through, so placing your router near one degrades your connection.
While this might seem like a lot of information, the key takeaway is this:
Place your router in an open, central area with few obstacles between it and your devices.
Do so, and you'll enjoy strong, steady internet across your home.