How to Get a Stronger WiFi Signal

To get a stronger WiFi signal, use the following suggestions. Restarting your router, extending your Wi-Fi network, deleting bandwidth hogs, moving your router to a better position, and upgrading your internet plan are some options.

Slow Wi-Fi can disrupt Zoom meetings, create havoc in online worlds, and force you to halt your video feed as it buffers. When your environment is built on near-instant connections, these minor annoyances can accumulate and become annoying roadblocks to work, education, and everyday life. Nobody likes that; therefore, we’ll show you how to get a stronger wifi signal for better internet connections in a few easy steps.

Perform an internet speed test before you begin. Although it isn’t on our official list of things, it is helpful for context. Use your initial speed test result as a baseline and compare the results as you progress through each stage to see if it’s making a difference. You can also compare your results to the quoted maximum speed for your internet package. That way, you’ll know whether your signals are underperforming or if it’s just time to upgrade to a faster plan with stronger signals.

Keep in mind that many Internet service providers only guarantee speeds over a connected Ethernet connection. It’s excellent, even expected, to have a lower number than the declared maximum speed, mainly when using Wi-Fi. What matters is that you have a pleasant browsing experience. If your speeds are close to what they should be, but your internet is slow, you’re probably overloading your present connection. As a result, you’ll need a strong Wi-Fi signal, which you can get by using a method similar to how to boost cell signals at home for free.

Why do I have weak Wi-Fi signals?

As fantastic as they are, wireless networks have severe limitations owing to the way they operate. All wireless signals and networks, like your vehicle, home radio, or over-the-air television, use radio frequency transmissions. The signals utilized by wireless networks, on the other hand, are halfway between those produced by your microwave and those broadcast by radio stations to your car.

Because your wireless network uses radio waves to communicate, it may be subject to the same constraints as other types of radio transmissions. As a result of the same challenges that affect other forms of radio technology, your home wireless network may lack the necessary strength or range. They include

  • Obstacles that reduce signal strength
  • Interference from other radio-transmitting devices
  • Signals sent by older, less efficient wireless devices are weaker.
  • The signal may appear weak due to technical difficulties with the receiving device.
  • Due to a lack of power from the wireless router, the signal is weaker.

Check which radio frequency band your wireless router or other networking equipment uses before attempting to resolve your range or signal issues. This understanding may make troubleshooting your range and strength concerns easier. Particularly when it comes to mobile signals, this knowledge will assist you in selecting the best cell phone signal boosters rural areas to strengthen them.

How to get a stronger WiFi signal -best ways

how to get a stronger wifi signal

 1) Turn things off and on again

Let’s start by power cycling everything to see if your Wi-Fi performance improves.

a) Restart your modem

Unplug your modem or Wi-Fi gateway for 30 seconds before reconnecting it. This procedure allows the modem to correct any errors. Your modem converts internet signals between your home network and your internet provider. A power cycle is a brilliant place to start troubleshooting if your internet is playing up since it often resolves connectivity issues.

b) Restart your wireless router

If you have a lonely router, repeat the step. A power cycle, like a modem, clears your Wi-Fi router’s memory and provides it a fresh start on duties that were previously slowing it down.

Finally, disconnect all of your wireless gadgets. Wait a few seconds before turning Wi-Fi back on. Allow these devices to rejoin and check if the Wi-Fi signal improves.

2) Update Your Router’s Firmware

Updating the firmware on your router guarantees that your network has the most up-to-date security measures. It will also assist in removing bugs and the resolution of connectivity issues that may be slowing down your Wi-Fi signal.

The procedures for changing the firmware on your router will vary depending on the type of router you have. Some routers will automatically update, while others require you to download a file from the manufacturer’s website and upload it to your router’s settings page.

3) Change Your Wi-Fi Channel

Wi-Fi bands are divided into distinct channels, and if too many people are using the same channel simultaneously, your Wi-Fi speeds may suffer. So, if you live in a densely populated region, you can improve your Wi-Fi signal speed by switching to a less busy Wi-Fi channel.

You should select channels 1, 6, or 11 if you’re using the 2.4 GHz spectrum because they’re the only three channels that don’t overlap. If you’re using the 5 GHz spectrum, channels 36, 40, 44, or 48, which are used for household applications, would be a good choice.

4) Extend your Wi-Fi network

If your router is in the most excellent possible location, but you’re still experiencing speed or connectivity issues in particular areas of your home, you might need to install a device that can extend the range of your network. You may extend the reach of your network using a variety of devices:

  • Internet boosters: Place an internet booster between your router and the dead zone. How does an internet booster work to get strong signals? It will either boost or redistribute existing Wi-Fi signals into the new region.
  • Like a Wi-Fi booster, wired access points connect to your router through an Ethernet cable and can distribute Wi-Fi and LAN signals as an extension of your network. Many devices, including outdated routers, can be utilized as access points.
  •  Powerline extension kits have two devices: one that connects to your Wi-Fi router through Ethernet and the other that plugs into an outlet. The internet signals pass through your electrical wire when you plug the second one in where you want stronger Wi-Fi.
  • Mesh Wi-Fi systems replace your Wi-Fi router with one or more devices that collaborate to form a single Wi-Fi network covering your entire house from numerous points.

While all of them operate to extend your Wi-Fi range, the optimum option for your network is determined by the layout of your home. A booster would be suitable if you only have one stubborn dead zone. If your home is huge or has a complex layout, mesh systems are better for full-house coverage. If your house is wired with Ethernet, using an access point would be excellent.

5) Remove any connections that aren’t necessary.

If your bandwidth is running low, you should turn off all unused devices. Everything that is connected to your network should be considered critical. Changing your Wi-Fi passwords and rebooting your router are the quickest ways to unplug non-essential devices.

After that, you’ll need to log back into your network using the new password on all of your devices. This procedure will remove all extra connections, such as the backup mobile phone you keep on hand that is still downloading updates quietly.

6) Move your router to a better location

Wi-Fi signals can only travel so far before being interrupted or blocked by walls, ceilings, furniture, appliances, and any physical object. Radio waves from devices, such as cordless phones, microwaves, and Bluetooth speakers, can also disrupt these signals.

 As a result, if you install your router towards the perimeter of your home’s space, you may experience Wi-Fi problems on the other end. The optimal location for your router is somewhere central and elevated, close to where you use the internet the utmost. Don’t put your router in the basement; you’ll only cause problems with connectivity. Ensure your cellular devices are away from these interferences if you also want to improve mobile signal strength at home.

7) Replace Your Router’s Antennas

If your router has detachable antennae, you can replace or upgrade them to get a stronger Wi-Fi signal. You can acquire either omnidirectional or directional antennas to extend the range of your WiFi network. When looking for a directional Wi-Fi antenna, seek one with a high dBm level, which shows how far the signal will go. Look for high-gain antennas to help focus your Wi-Fi signal and extend the range of your network.

8) Upgrade Your Internet Plan

If all else fails, contact your internet service provider and request an upgrade to your internet package. While this is a more expensive option than the methods outlined above, you may need to change your plan every few years to keep up with technology.

Bottom line

As we collect the latest and greatest wireless devices on the market, the requirement for high-speed, consistent, and robust Wi-Fi signals across the home becomes more important. Ultimately, determining the actual cause of your weak wireless network strength or range may prove challenging.

Before buying a new wireless router, we recommend that you try each of these methods in order. However, if none of these simple solutions work, buying a new router may be best.

Paula Beaton

Paula Beaton