Are you tired of dealing with spotty Wi-Fi, researching "how to extend Wi-Fi range" for answers? To combat this, follow these steps to boost your Wi-Fi signal.
Have you ever gotten up and moved to another area of your homeonly to have your Wi-Fi connection interrupted?
If you can relate to this, then you know how annoying it can be, desperately searching "how to extend Wi-Fi range" or thinking aboutbuying a newrouter. After all, slowor spotty Wi-Fi is almost as inconvenient as no Wi-Fi at all.
Fortunately, your search has paid off.
We've compiled 12 ways you can boost your Wi-Fi signal at home,including:
Let’s get started!
1. Restart yourrouter
Before making any drastic changes to your Wi-Fi setup in hopesto boost its signal, try restarting your router. You can do this by unpluggingyour router for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in or by pressing andholding your router’s reset button. In some cases, this can help fix a routerthat has been performing poorly.
2. Repositionyour router
In some instances, moving your router to a different locationcan do wonders for its range. Ideally, a Wi-Fi router should be out in the openand toward the center of your home. If you hide your router in a cabinet orbehind other objects, you could be blocking its reach. Also, to help increaseWi-Fi range and minimize interferences, avoid placing your router on the flooror near any large metal objects or your microwave.
3. Update yourrouter’s firmware
Many Wi-Fi router manufacturers releasefirmware updatesthat can helpimprove your router’s performance. Updating your router’s firmware may alsohave additional Wi-Fi enhancements, such as security improvements and newfeatures.
For some routers, you may be able to initiate the update byaccessing your Wi-Fi router’s settings on your web browser. To do this, typeyour router’sIP addressinto your webbrowser and hit “Enter.” From there, you should be able to log in and look foran update option. To learn exactly how to update the firmware of your router,follow your router's manual.
4. Invest in aWi-Fi extender
Using a Wi-Fi extending device is another great way to boostyour Wi-Fi signal. Wi-Fi extenders work by capturing and rebroadcasting thesignal from your router, allowing it to reach farther than it previously could.These devices are usually cheap and easy to install. This can be especiallyuseful if you have a large home and notice your Wi-Fi connection suffering inspecific areas.
5. Disconnectunused devices
Another possible way to help improve your Wi-Fi connection is todisconnect any internet devices you don’t regularly use, like an old gamingconsole orsmart homedevice. Eliminating devicesthat could be hogging your bandwidth may help improve your router’sperformance.
6. Switch to2.4GHz instead of 5GHz
Depending on your Wi-Fi router, you may have the option tochoose between two different frequency bands: 2.4GHz or 5GHz. Many people use5GHz, as it offers faster internet speeds andlower ping. But thesefaster speeds come with a cost, as 5GHz Wi-Fi signals can’t reach as far as2.4GHz. Also, 2.4GHz signals are better at penetrating obstacles such as walls,making it a better choice for maximizing your range.
7. Add an antennato your router
One of the best ways to extend Wi-Fi range is to add an antennato your router. Even if your router only comes with an internal antenna, addingan external antenna is a great way to achieve an extended Wi-Fi range. Tofigure out if your router supports external antennas, read through yourrouter’s manual. In many cases, the router manufacturer will sell externalantennas separately.
8. Keep outunauthorized users
If your Wi-Fi network is set to public, it’s possible that yournetwork could be getting slowed down by unauthorized users, like yourneighbors. To solve this problem, you cansecure your Wi-Finetworkby adding a password, which will kick off any users that aren’tsupposed to be using your network. Not only can keeping unauthorized users offyour network keep it running faster, but it can protect you from anyone thatmay be trying tohack your router.
9. Check yourwired internet speed
While you might assume that your Wi-Fi issues have to do withyour router, it’s possible that there could be an issue with the wired internetcoming into your house. To check this, you’ll need to connect an Ethernet cablebetween your modem and your computer. Then, you’ll want to run an internetspeed test and see if your currentdownload speedsmatch whatyou’re paying for. If they don’t, then you should contact your internet serviceprovider and report the issue.
10. Use a meshWi-Fi network
Like a Wi-Fi extender, amesh Wi-Finetworkis a solid option for extending your Wi-Fi range. Unlike aregular router, mesh Wi-Fi networks involve the use of two or more routers.First, you attach one of the devices to your existing router and then place thesecond (and third, if necessary) mesh device in another location in your home.These mesh devices work together to extend the range of Wi-Fi by producing anextended wireless network with a far larger coverage area than a single router.
11. Change yourrouter’s channel
If you live in a densely populated location, your router couldbe interfering with others in the area, leading to a decreased performance.It's also possible that other devices can impact your speeds, such as wirelessphone systems and microwaves.
With many newer routers, you can set your channel to“Automatic,” which usually works to avoid any complications. If you have anolder router, check your owner’s manual to learn how you can change yourrouter’s channel. If you’re using 2.4GHz, you’ll likely want to stick tochannels 1, 6, and 11, as they don’t overlap with other channels.
12. Replace your router
If trying these solutions doesn’t fix your problem, it may betime to upgrade to a new router. Like many different types of technology, Wi-Fihas evolved over the years, leading to better routers with improved range andconnection speeds.
When purchasing a router, be sure to do your research and selectone that best suits your internet needs. Some routers have higher maximumspeeds and ranges than others, so it’s important to choose one that’s capableof producing the internet speed you’re paying for.
Now that you know how to extend your Wi-Fi range, you can surf,stream, and play from anywhere in your house. To enhance your home Wi-Fiexperience even more, be sure to also follow best practices forkeeping your homeWi-Fi safe.
FAQs about howto extend Wi-Fi range
Follow along to learn the answers to some common questions about how to extend the range of Wi-Fi.
How do I extendmy Wi-Fi signal to another building 400 feet away?
One of the simplest ways to extend your wireless network is touse a Wi-Fi extender. Before purchasing one, be sure to do your research andbuy one that can reach your desired range.
How far can Iextend my Wi-Fi range?
Some Wi-Fi extenders may allow you to boost your home Wi-Fi upto 2,500 feet. Please note that this isn’t a hard-and-fast range, as it canvary based on your environment and the strength of your Wi-Fi extending device.
What is thedifference between a Wi-Fi extender and booster?
In most cases, Wi-Fi extenders and boosters are the same thing.There isn’t a clearly defined difference between an extender and a booster —both are devices designed to improve Wi-Fi coverage. It mainly depends on whatthe manufacturer decides to call their device.
What can I use to extend my Wi-Fi signal?
To extend your Wi-Fi signal, you can use:
- A Wi-Fi extender
- A mesh Wi-Fi network
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