It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to suggest that we all sometimes feel the nagging sense that our WiFi signal is too weak or fails to reach all areas of our homes. This isn’t an indication that you’re going crazy–it’s part of living in the modern world.
And since we all live in the modern world, you’re not in this alone. We’re here to help by providing a few easy tricks to enhance your WiFi signal.
Explaining WiFi Range
Think of Morse Code. This may sound weird but bear with us. The first Morse Code message was sent in 1895–to a source located more than a kilometer away. The point is that Morse Code simply used radio waves to transmit information in dots and dashes–and the same is true for modern technologies such as TVs, cell phones and, you guessed it, WiFi.
Only your WiFi signal doesn’t travel as far. It has a finite range and becomes weaker the further you move away from it. Typical WiFi routers operating on 2.4 GHz can reach up to 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors. But the newer 802.11n and 802.11ac routers operating on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands reach greater distances.
What Factors Can Affect Your WiFi Range
Though your WiFi range is limited, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting the most out of that limitation. We’ll elaborate on this, but to get you started, WiFi range is mostly influenced by three things: the access point or router itself, the environment you’re in, and the wireless protocol you’re using.
Router or Access Point
This is where you can get creative and look like you know what you’re doing in front of your spouse, roommate or cat. If you’re not receiving your desired signal strength, you can simply swap out your router’s antenna. In theory, depending on the antenna’s orientation, you should be able to connect to an access point from a variety of distances.
The range of your router–or access point–varies based on the specific 802.11 protocol it runs and the strength of the device’s transmitter. Remember the newer 802.11n and 802.11ac routers (that run on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands?), that’s what we’re talking about.
Additionally, physical barriers and other devices in the immediate vicinity can potentially cause interference. More on this in the next section.
Type of Structure or Building
If you happen to live in a house where your basement is more of an underground bunker than a living space, this can reduce your WiFi range by 25% or more. To elaborate: brick walls and metal frames standing between you and the router can harm your WiFi connection.
Other electronic devices and appliances can do the same. This is why passengers must put their phones on airplane mode when flying–pilots don’t want any radio interference. Things such as your neighbor’s network, Bluetooth, and baby monitors can throw your WiFi off. Your WiFi range being shortened a few feet isn’t life-or-death, but the same idea is applied.
Wireless Standard
The indoor range of your WiFi is determined by the protocol. For example, the indoor range of a 802.11g protocol is 125 feet, and the indoor range of a 802.11n protocol is 235 feet. Wifi is its own protocol, and the higher the data rate, the shorter the distance covered.
Weather
The weather is capable of making your WiFi seemingly nonexistent outdoors. A little bit of rain and you’re probably fine. But anything worse can make you start pulling your hair out. The reason for this is simple: the radio waves on which your WiFi relies just aren’t as stable or reliable when traveling through water in the atmosphere.
How to Boost Your WiFi Signal at Home
It’s easy to blame your internet service provider for the faults in your WiFi. Who wouldn’t? But it may be worth checking your router before doing all that.
WiFi Extender or WiFi Booster
WiFi extenders have been the subject of a lot of hype these days–they’re genius. It works like this: the extender is plugged into a socket, it then picks up your WiFi signal and then re-transmits it throughout the house. An extender is basically the middleman between your router and the areas of your home that doesn’t get the best coverage.
A WiFi booster essentially does the same thing–it boosts your signal, where it is often low. Spoiler alert: boosters have been known to make latency higher, which can affect streaming and gaming. Despite this, some devices can still deliver up to 2 Gbps of internet speed.
Powerline Adaptors
Though more expensive, powerline adaptors can be more effective than extenders or boosters. These adaptors don’t involve wireless technology at all. Instead, they move data through your home’s power cables–the same ones hidden behind your walls. They are more expensive than extenders but the benefits outweigh the cost.
The Bottom Line
Having the desired amount of WiFi range is a First World luxury, but it’s also essential. It affects the way we live our lives–for better or worse.
It’s important to note that not receiving the range you want isn’t exactly your provider’s fault. It could be things interfering with your signal, the weather, or the router itself. To counteract this, WiFi extenders and boosters can be a great help.
FAQ
Which brand of WiFi extender is best?
In the world of WiFi extenders, you can never go wrong with a Linksys or Netgear brand.
Which type of WiFi is best for home?
There are two types to choose from: the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz. The former has improved range and the latter is faster with limited range.
How long do WiFi routers last?
They may last longer than this but it is recommended that you replace them every three years.
What is the most powerful WiFi router?
Once again, the Netgear name pops up. However, TP-Link routers have WiFi 5 capability and are some of the most powerful routers on the market.
Should WiFi routers be turned off at night?
It wouldn’t hurt by any means. Turning your router off at night is a great way to save energy, however, there’s not many people who want the hassle of turning it back on in the morning.
