Do you have trouble connecting to the internet in certain parts of your house? Does your WiFi signal seem to disappear when you move from one room to another? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many people experience this same issue. But in this day and age where we rely on the internet for everything from binging Netflix to working from home, having a good connection couldn’t be more important. That’s why we’re going to delve into the five best ways that you can boost the signal strength of your WiFi and extend the range of your network!
1. Position your Router Correctly
One of the most important things that you can do when looking at how to extend WiFi range is to position your router in the correct spot. This means placing it in a central location in your house, away from walls and physical obstructions. WiFi signals travel best through open space after all. And if possible, try to keep it elevated off the ground as well.
2. Update your Firmware
One of the main reasons that your WiFi signal might be weak is because your router’s firmware is outdated. Thankfully, this is an easy fix. Just tap into the administration interface and hit the update firmware button. If you’re working with an older router model, however, you may have to head over to your router manufacturer’s website and download the latest firmware update.
3. Choose the Optimal Frequency
It’s a well known fact that 5Ghz offers faster internet speeds, but you might not want to go switching your router to this frequency band just yet. Why? While it is faster, 5Ghz only operates well when you’re close to your router. That’s because the single range is shorter than 2.4Ghz and has a hard time getting around walls and through glass.
But what 2.4Ghz makes up in range it loses in speed. It also tends to encounter more interference from other networks which also works against your internet speed. In the end you’ll have to choose the best frequency for your particular situation.
4. Buy a Wifi Range Extender
If all of the tips listed so far haven’t done the trick, then it might be time to invest in a WiFi range extender. This is a small device that captures the signal from your router, amplifies it and then rebroadcasts it to other nearby devices. A handy little way to boost the signal of your WiFi if changing its location and updating the software just doesn’t cut it.
5. Upgrade your Router
Finally, if you’re experiencing problems with your WiFi signal and have tried all of the above methods without success, it might be time to upgrade your router. This isn’t always cheap or easy, but it can be a silver bullet if you’re struggling with a weak connection. WiFi 6 routers are the current top dog on the market when it comes to a steady, speedy internet connection, just FYI.
Read more: Why is My Netgear WiFi Router Not Connecting to Internet?
