TOP WAYS TO EXTEND YOUR WI-FI RANGE

Wi-Fi is one of the major developments in the evolution of the internet. One of the most import factor that need to be addressed while setting up a wireless network is the signal range. For this, here are different ways to extend your Wi-Fi range.

RE-POSITION THE ROUTER

It goes without saying, always find a central most position of your house for a router. It extends its signal from antenna in all direction equally. Use table or desk rather than floor for positioning of router. Don’t place your router close to any metal objects or applications because they emit electromagnetic waves. Due to this router will create a dead zone.
Other material like wood, plastic, glass can also interfere in routers signal but it’s very less severe. New wireless router have internal antennas, it’s better to stand it up vertically rather then laying flat on desk or table.

LIMIT THE NUMBER OF DEVICES

If you want to get stronger speed, limit the number of devices connected to router. At a particular point large the number of devises connected to router network, speed on a particular device tend to decrease.

You can change the setting of your router, by creating an access list, adding devices MAC address (Media Access Control) and allow only those devices to connect.

UPGRADE ROUTER

One of easiest way to boost signal is upgrade your router.Network speed depend upon number of factors like processor, antenna, firewall, wireless standards. Determine the kind of hardware provided by your ISP and if you are using it for a long time, then it’s time to upgrade it.

WI-FI EXTENDER/BOOSTER/REPEATER

Wi-Fi extender works like a second router for your home. Takes the signal from primary router and extend to areas where it can’t reach. Most Wi-Fi extender are plug and play and no worries about additional cables. One thing to remember while using Wi-Fi extender is its signal strength is not same as the original router.

SWITCH CHANNELS

Modern wireless router supports both 2. 4GHz and newer 5 GHz frequency.5 GHz provide you faster connection as it tends to be less congested and less busy than 2. 4GHz.Which are subject to interference with cordless phones and microwave.

One limitation using 5 GHz is small range. One effective way is to use 2. 4GHz in web browsing and use 5 GHz in video streaming.

1     1.    Log in to your router as admin

2     2.    Go to setting -> wireless setting tab

3     3.    Change for 802.11 band from 2.4GHz to 5GHz

4     4.    Click apply

5     5.    Reboot your router.

ADD WI-FI BOOSTER ANTENNA

Depending on the exact model of your Wi-Fi router, it may be compatible with an additional Wi-Fi booster antenna. Wi-Fi antennas seem to have different levels of mixed customer reviews, but for about 50% of people, they're worth buying. 

Wi-Fi booster antennas work with the same concept as retractable antennas on old boom boxes. While the standard antenna can be built-in or minimal, a standalone Wi-Fi antenna can help improve Wi-Fi network signals.

REBOOT REGULARLY

Reboot your wireless router help in improving the network speed. Turn off your router, wait for at least 30 seconds then switch it on. Let it run for about 5 minutes, then you can check your internet speed. Make it a habit to reboot your wireless router regularly.

 

UPGRADE TO MESH BASED WI-FI SYSTEM

Using range extender can provide connectivity in dead zones but downside is wireless range extender provide about half the bandwidth then your primary router, additionally require separate management and sometime use of two different SSIDs are required. Instead use mesh Wi-Fi system in order to get connectivity everywhere in your home without any hassle, simply with the use of single smartphone app.

Main aim of mesh-based router is to replace your router rather than just extend it. Most of mesh system even automatically update your firewall automatically, thus providing you latest performance and security enhancement.

One of the reason mesh system are not used widely is that they aren’t cheap, especially if you have a large home.