Hello World! Welcome Friends! At this point in time, having slow Wi-Fi is one of the worst things anyone can have, especially during the most crucial time of their lives. Regardless if you’ve paid your internet bill on time or have the best internet service provider, you may still have a poor Wi-Fi connection. So if you’re tired of spending most of your time waiting for your favorite movies to load or having a hard time maintaining a smooth conversation via Facetime, you might want to focus your attention on your router.
Here, you will learn everything about routers and where you should place them to maximize the signal within your living space.
Starting with the Basics
Before optimizing your router, you must understand what it is and how it works. So, let’s begin with the basics of routers and make sure you don’t get confused between routers, modems, and extenders.
What is a Router?
Think of a router as the communication device between the internet and the devices in your home. Simply put, your smartphone, laptop, and other smart devices cannot connect to the internet without a router. It plays a significant role in your home network, especially if you’re having troubles with Wi-Fi dead spots around your house. The right kind of router can let you enjoy faster upload and download speed, as well as protect your personal data from cybercriminals.
What Are Different Types of Routers?
- Wired Router – Wired routers are linked directly to a device. They usually have a port connected to the internet to communicate with modems. The transmission of information is from port to port.
- Wireless Router – Wireless routers are directly connected to the modem through a cable, allowing an exchange of information to and from the internet. They will then utilize built-in antennas to create a home Wi-Fi network, allowing different devices to connect to your home network.
How Does a Router Work?
A household usually has more than three devices connected to the internet, such as personal computers, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more. Your router routes the incoming and outgoing traffic within your network in the fastest way possible. So whether you’re sending files to your co-worker or uploading your recent travel pictures, your router ensures that it is delivered to the right place as efficiently as possible. But as you add more devices, your router will also be handed a greater responsibility.
What Is the Difference Between Routers, Modems, and Extenders?
A modem is responsible for receiving information from your internet provider through coaxial cables, phone lines, or optical fiber, and converting it into a digital signal. Then, your router’s job is to transmit this signal to your connected devices through Wi-Fi or ethernet connection. Once all essential devices are in place, you can check and see if you have many dead spots around your home. If dead spots are present, you can use a Wi-Fi extender to extend the coverage of your Wi-Fi network. However, you should always check if your router is in the right place before using one.
How to Find the Best Place for Your Router
You’ve understood how routers work for your wireless internet, so it’s time to find the right spot in your home to maximize the digital signal you’re getting within the house. Here’s how you should do it.
1. Choose a Central Location
Your router sends signals in every direction, so if it is placed in a corner or beside the window, you’re likely wasting a significant percentage of the signal you should be getting. Therefore, your router must always be placed in a central location to optimize the signal in all areas of your home.
2. Mount your Router as High as Possible
Routers usually spread signals downward, so placing them in an elevated location or mounting it on the wall can maximize coverage. However, keep in mind to mount it in an unobtrusive location in your living space.
3. Avoid Placing Routers Near Electronics
Electronic devices and other large metal objects, such as microwaves and televisions, can interfere with the signal. In addition, large obstructions and walls can significantly affect how your router distributes the signal around your home, so it’s best to place it in an uncrowded area.
4. Position the Antennas Properly
While not all routers have antennas, others may have more than five. If your router has antennas, position them in different directions to maximize the coverage. For example, you can make them perpendicular to each other or simply change the antenna’s position instead.
5. Use a Wi-Fi Heat Mapping Tool
If you want to fully optimize your router in the best way possible, you can use a Wi-Fi heat mapping tool to ensure that every area in your home is covered. There are several heatmap software available for Windows and macOS.
The Proper Time to Upgrade Your Router
Usually, replacing your router every four to five years is a good timeline, according to experts. It’s best to keep in mind that router technology moves much faster than other devices, so you should expect always stay on top of the latest updates. However, you might want to change your routers more often if you use many smart devices at home. This timeline may also change if you typically experience unresolvable issues with your router.
Remember that a good router can make the most out of whatever internet speed you are currently paying for, but if you’ve noticed that your router has continuously affected your internet speed at home, you might want to consider replacing or upgrading it as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The location of your router plays a significant role in the maximum coverage of your internet connection. If you have placed it in a corner or a secluded area full of obstructions, you must immediately transfer it to a high, centralized part of your home to extend its signal to most areas in your living space. However, if everything else isn’t working, it’s probably time to replace or upgrade your router.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
How Fiber Internet Boosts the Real Estate Value of Homes
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What You Should Know When Buying Your First Home
Renovate Your Home With Professional Help
Get the Best General Contractor
FHA vs. Conventional Loan: What’s the Difference?
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Toodles,
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