11 Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi Router Signal Quickly and Easily

October 15, 2022 Henry Jackson 0 Comments

Today it is difficult to find a smartphone, laptop or tablet that does not support a wireless Wi-Fi network. However, users often have difficulties with signal stability. The wireless modem basically has a signal receiving and transmitting radius of 30 m. Usually, difficulties with poor wireless network reception can be solved at home. The appearance of interference can be caused by such factors as: large metal, reinforced concrete structures, thick walls, interference from radio signals from other devices using wireless frequencies (mobile phones, microwave ovens). In this regard, the most effective methods were selected on how to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal.

Table of Contents

Is it possible to boost the Wi-Fi signal?

Extending your Wi-Fi coverage is possible using a variety of methods, from moving a router to buying a repeater. Each method is reduced to the elimination of dead zones, providing high-quality feedback from network clients with the least loss of speed. By combining coverage enhancement options, it is possible to propagate the signal to the maximum possible distance. The following factors affect the signal distribution radius:

Router model, number and power of antennas;
Position of the device in the room;
Type of walls in the building;
Number of connection points nearby;
Amount of interference, etc.

The method of amplifying the Wi-Fi signal will depend on the specific case. In any situation, when choosing a router, you need to take into account the area. For a 1-room apartment, a budget model with 1 antenna with a power of 3 dBi is suitable. For a larger area, you need to choose a more powerful design. However, in some cases, even the most modern technology will produce a weak signal, but there is an opportunity to improve it. Before you start strengthening the Wi-Fi router, it is recommended to check the connection speed using special software.

How to strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi router in an apartment and a private house?

Any dwelling is often equipped with a sufficient number of modern appliances, which are controlled by push-button systems and electronic applications. Recently, it has become popular to use mobile software to turn on a vacuum cleaner, TV controlled via Wi-Fi. Due to a weak signal, “smart” devices may not respond well to remote control or lose some of their capabilities. Then the internal question appears, is it possible to amplify the signal in domestic conditions. This is more than realistic, and there are many ways to do this. Consider the most popular methods.

Method 1: install more powerful antennas

A fairly simple way to amplify the signal is to install more powerful antennas. The new elements do not extend the radius across multiple rooms. This method will not be a very effective solution to the problem for those who have a lot of “dead” accurate, but it is useful in situations where you need to slightly increase the signal. When using this option, it is recommended to select models with an 8 dBi amplifier. Their cost is comparable to the purchase of a repeater.

Important! It is incorrect to judge the range of the antenna. Such an indicator will depend on the design, on the installation site, and the number of obstacles. When in the field an ordinary router with a standard antenna transmits a signal at 50-100 m, then in a concrete building there are difficulties with communication in the process of moving to an adjacent room.

Method 2: change the signal transmission power in the settings

A useful way to improve the signal is to change the Wi-Fi transmit power. The router settings provide for a change in performance. Usually, during the installation of the router, the maximum allowable performance level is indicated, but it is useful to check this item again. Sometimes during installation, the power may be set to an order of magnitude lower.

Action algorithm:

Open the “Wireless Network” tab.
Then select “Professional”.
At the bottom, find the line “Tx Power transmission power control”.
On the right side is a scale where it is possible to assess the degree of power. If it is not at the maximum, then it is worth scrolling it all the way.

In TP-Link routers, first open the “Wireless” tab, then the “Wireless Advanced” menu and select the “Transmit Power” section. Here set the option “High”. However, this line is not available in all router models.

Method 3: Reduce the number of 2.4 GHz devices

Many connection points operate in the 2.4 GHz band. At this frequency, baby monitors, surveillance systems, some Bluetooth devices, etc. operate. The signal will be weak when a large number of such devices are operating. You will need to replace devices or turn them off while using Wi-Fi. In order to find out which products are interfering with network traffic, it is recommended to turn off the devices one by one and monitor the changes. In such a situation, by elimination, you can find out what caused the weak signal. Few instruments operate at 5 GHz. This indicator is changed in the settings. If there is no such item, you need to purchase a new router.

Method 4: choose the right place to install the router

In most cases, to improve Wi-Fi signal reception, you just need to move the router to another point. You just need to find a higher and more comfortable place for the device.

Here are some basic tips for choosing a location:

Choose the highest point of the router to increase signal coverage;
It is recommended to place the router approximately in the center in order to cover a large area;
If possible, bring the devices used closer to the network;
You need to find a place where it weakly receives Wi-Fi neighbors, and try to place the device there;
You need to move away from metal: iron shelves, drawers, reinforced concrete walls, etc. (when a laptop is used, for example);
You should find a place away from cordless phones, microwave ovens.

Important! When reinstalling your router, keep in mind that walls are the main obstacle to a wireless network. The signal will be better if you install the product in the middle of a large room and higher. It is not recommended to place the router on the floor.

Method 5: Minimize the number of obstacles and sources of interference

For good signal propagation, the absence of obstacles and interference in space is necessary. In open areas, coverage will be large enough and with high quality. However, in rooms with reinforced concrete walls, furniture and, above all, sources of magnetic radiation, the waves will be repelled by a large number of obstacles. Of course, not all factors have the same level of influence on signal quality.

The most active will be:

Microwave ovens and other high-frequency devices;
Industrial electrical appliances that are powered by a household power supply;
Amateur radio equipment for on-air broadcasting.

Method 6: change the channel

Routers are capable of operating on channels 1 to 11. Selecting a different stream allows the device to create a strong signal between all wireless devices. This is necessary when other routers are used within the range of the connection point. They are able to create excessive load on the channel and reduce the range of network reception. To change the channel, you will need to open the router settings and select one of the options: set “Auto” or try to turn on the number yourself. Before that, you can test the signal quality on various channels in order to connect a less loaded one. The task can be made easier thanks to the “inSSIDer” software.

For example, in TP-Link brand routers, you need to open “Settings”, then “Wireless Mode” and select a channel.

Method 7: switch to another frequency

Switching to a different frequency is also an effective method to improve your Wi-Fi signal. Quite often, routers use the 2.4 GHz band, which is inherent in old devices with one weak antenna. However, even with the advent of modern technology, most manufacturers have left the parameter in the same range, but not more than 3 GHz. This allows older Wi-Fi receivers to function normally. When the router provides a larger frequency range for selection, it is recommended to set the frequency to 5 GHz or use hybrid mode, which will make it possible to significantly improve the reception quality and coverage area.

Method 8: amplify the signal using a second router, repeater

The most effective method by which it is possible to improve the quality of Wi-Fi with your own hands is to buy a repeater. It is also called a repeater or repeater. Such a device will receive a signal from the router and distribute it further. The device is installed where there is practically no connection, but not completely. Instead of a repeater, it is possible to configure 2 routers. This method has only one drawback – financial costs. You will need to purchase an additional product – directly a repeater or a second router.

Important! The place of installation of the repeater should be selected taking into account the layout of the dwelling. When this is a large 1-story building and the signal is interrupted in distant rooms, then the device should be installed in places closer to dead spots. For tall buildings, a different approach will be needed – a router will be installed on the 2nd floor, and a repeater directly on the 1st floor.

Method 9: update the router firmware

Unlike many other devices, updating the router firmware is a rather inconvenient process. A number of models do not support auto-update functions, so the user will need to do it themselves, according to the manual on the developer’s page. In devices that are automatically upgraded, the option must be enabled, since it is not initially in active mode

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

For the update period, the router is connected to the PC directly by wire.

You should select a working version of the software. You will need to write out the number and series of the device from the sticker. Then this data is entered on the developer’s website.

While the firmware is being flashed, the router is disconnected from the network.

If the required file has already been downloaded, you need to open the “Update” section in the menu. Next, select the desired file and start the process.

Important! Most modern devices independently find the right version of the software. When it appears in the public domain, the router will report this.

Method 10: protect your router from neighbors

In the process of setting up the router, it is mandatory to set a password. Otherwise, your neighbors may connect to it. This will significantly degrade the reception quality. In addition, you can take additional security measures, for example, use the WPA / WPA-2 protocol instead of the standard WEP. You should open the “Wireless Mode” and select the “Wireless Security” function.

Method 11: Buying a More Powerful Router

Ideally, it is best to purchase a more powerful receiving device. Routers, like other technology, become obsolete over time, as the Internet develops rapidly. Providers increase the speed and volume of processed data. Older routers often can’t handle this load. In addition, the purchase of a router will be justified when you need to switch to a frequency of 5 GHz. If you decide to purchase a powerful device, you should not save money, you need to choose a high-quality model. Buying a simple router will not solve signal problems.

The article discusses the most effective methods that improve Wi-Fi signal and increase coverage. However, the quality and condition of the equipment used should also be taken into account. For example, when, after the manipulations, the signal level on the phone remained the same, the problem is probably in the Wi-Fi module itself and the antenna.