6 Tips For Determining Router Placement
Your Internet connection is only part of the equation when it comes to getting the best performance throughout your home. Where you place your WiFi router can make a significant difference in your connection speed, coverage, and reliability.
Follow these expert tips to get the most out of your home WiFi:
1. Choose a Central Location
Place your router as close to the center of your home as practical. WiFi signals spread outward in all directions, so a central location helps distribute coverage more evenly throughout your living space.
2. Keep It Off the Floor
Position your router on a shelf, desk, or other elevated surface. Placing it a few feet off the ground can help improve signal distribution and reduce interference from furniture and other obstacles.
3. Avoid Obstacles and Interference
Thick walls, concrete, metal objects, and large appliances can weaken WiFi signals. Keep your router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and other electronics that may cause interference. Avoid placing it inside a cabinet, closet, or behind a television.
4. Keep It in an Open Space
Routers need room to broadcast their signals. Avoid enclosing your equipment or hiding it behind furniture. An open, unobstructed location generally provides better coverage and helps the device stay cool.
5. Consider Where You Use the Internet Most
Think about where your household streams movies, plays online games, attends video calls, or works remotely. Positioning your router near the center of these high-use areas can help deliver a more reliable connection where you need it most.
6. Address WiFi Dead Zones
If you still experience weak signals in certain rooms, your home’s size, layout, or building materials may be limiting coverage. A mesh Wi-Fi system, such as eero, can help extend coverage throughout your home. For the best results, place additional access points where they can maintain a strong connection to the main network.
Get More From Your Internet Connection
A few simple adjustments to your router’s location can make a noticeable difference in your everyday Internet experience. Start by placing it in a central, elevated, open area, then test your connection in the rooms where you use the Internet most.
If you’re still experiencing slow speeds or unreliable coverage, we can help determine whether the issue is related to your WiFi setup, equipment, or Internet connection.