A strong Wi-Fi connection is essential for all most people’s Internet browsing, streaming, and communication needs. However, many unknowingly sabotage our Wi-Fi performance by placing our routers in less-than-ideal locations.
According to the website Increditools, there are three common locations for a router, that often result in poor signal strength, slow speeds, and frustrating connectivity issues.
Behind Furniture Or Inside Cabinets
Placing a Wi-Fi router behind furniture or inside cabinets may seem like a convenient way to hide unsightly cables, but it can significantly hinder Wi-Fi performance.
Solid objects such as walls, cabinets, and furniture absorb and block Wi-Fi signals, reducing their strength and range. As a result, devices located farther away from the router may experience weak or unstable connections, leading to slow internet speeds and frequent disconnections.
Near Electronic Devices
Positioning a Wi-Fi router near electronic devices such as televisions, microwaves, cordless phones, or Bluetooth speakers can interfere with its signal and cause performance issues. These devices emit electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can disrupt Wi-Fi signals and degrade their quality.
In The Corner Of A Room
Placing a Wi-Fi router in the corner of a room may seem unobtrusive, but it is one of the worst locations for optimal signal coverage. Wi-Fi signals radiate outward from the router in all directions, so placing it in a corner limits its ability to reach devices located on the opposite side of the house. As a result, users may experience weak signal strength, dead zones, and unreliable connections, especially in areas far from the router.
Instead, a strategic router placement can help to maximise Wi-Fi coverage and performance. This includes positioning the router in a central location to ensure equal signal distribution to all areas.
Furthermore, it can be useful to place the router on a high shelf or mount it on the wall to improve signal propagation and reduce interference from surrounding objects.
Another recommendation is to keep it away from the floor to minimise signal absorption and obstruction. Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems to amplify and extend the Wi-Fi coverage throughout an area can also be beneficial.
