How to improve your Wi-Fi signal if it's weak: tips from Microsoft

Many of us have experienced a situation where, despite buying a new Wi-Fi router, the situation with Internet speed has not improved at all. And here we would like to criticise marketers who promise that the new model will break through walls and allow you to catch the network tens of metres away from the access point, but perhaps the problem is not in advertising techniques.

The fact is that users create problems for themselves by placing the router where its signal is lost. OBOZREVATEL publishes tips from Microsoft experts who explain the best place for a router in an apartment or house.

Location matters

Placing the router in the centre of your apartment or house will provide the best signal coverage throughout the entire area. If you live in a two-storey house, the best place will also be in the centre of the house, but closer to the ceiling: on a high cabinet or wall shelf. This way, you will get a high-quality signal on both the first and second floors.

Do not place the router on the floor

Walls, floors, and metal objects are the main enemies of your network. So, never place your router on the floor. Place it so that it avoids obstacles as much as possible.

Replace the router's antenna

Routers are usually sold with omni-directional antennas that provide a 360-degree signal. This means that if your device is against an outside wall, it will send half of its signals to nowhere. If you can't move your router to another location, see if its antennas are removable. If they are removable, you can replace them with high-gain antennas that send signals in the direction you want them to go.

Reduce wireless interference

The most common wireless technology, 802.11g (wireless-G), operates at 2.4 gigahertz (GHz). However, this frequency is also used by other wireless electronic devices such as smartphones, microwaves, baby monitors, and more. As a result, the Wi-Fi signal can simply get lost among other waves.

To avoid this problem, you should buy devices that use 5.8 GHz or 900 megahertz (MHz) frequencies. They will cause less interference with the network.

Add a wireless range extender

Wireless extenders are devices that relay the wireless signal from the main point, acting as a kind of amplifier. The device is plugged into a wall outlet and should be placed halfway between the router and the device you want to improve the signal on.

Change the wireless channel

Wireless routers can broadcast on several different channels. So if you encounter interference, try simply changing the channel. To do this, open the router's configuration page in your browser and enter the new channel. You won't have to change any other settings.

Update the firmware

Router manufacturers regularly release software updates. Sometimes they can also have a positive impact on your router's performance. You can always find updates on the router manufacturer's website.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told in which room it is strictly forbidden to install a Wi-Fi router.