5 ways to get a stronger WiFi signal

Here are some router placement tips to get stronger Wi-Fi signal without upgrading Internet connection

Wi-Fi routers are perhaps the second most important electronic devices in our homes, coming in after smartphones, and we’ve all been through the hassle of having to search the house to find the perfect spot where we can get the strongest signal.

But now you don't need to keep roaming around your house to find the perfect location. Here are a few router placement tips that will make it possible for you to get the most of your WiFi without having to upgrade your internet connection:



1) Look for higher ground

When it comes to getting the most signals, location is key. If you happen to live in a multi-storey building, place your router at the top most level possible, though that doesn’t mean putting it in the attic. WiFi signals work like an umbrella and are able to cover the area below it, therefore, a higher placement will get you better coverage on lower floors.

2) Don’t choose sides

Walls and doors tend to block WiFi signals, therefore try to place your router at the centre of your house. This doesn’t mean finding the exact centre and tearing down walls to fit your router as a relative centre will also do.

However, try to remove barriers that will block signals from the router. This means leaving open a door to improve signal strength if you have placed the device inside a room.



3) Shifting the receiver also helps

If you use Apple TV, or any other device that requires internet access to work, try placing it in an open space so it can receive more signals. Avoid placing such devices in closed cabinets that could block WiFi signals from reaching the device.

4) Those antennas aren’t just for fun

WiFi devices come with a many as eight antennas and can even divide signals depending on usage. Try moving these antennas towards the direction of your device. This works exactly like the old-school television sets with antennas that required continuous fiddling to get a clearer picture.

Some devices don't have external antennas but their signal strength can still be improved by changing their position from horizontal to vertical or vice-versa.



5) Other devices can also mess up your Wi-Fi

Some of the older WiFi routers can have their signals interfered with by other electronic devices. These include baby monitors, cordless phones and even microwaves. Avoid using such devices when you’re planning on having some heavy internet use such as downloading movies or large files.

This is article originally appeared on Time.