You’ve probably experienced losing your Wi-Fi connection without warning as you are doing something very important online. As it turns out, it is possible to get your Wi-Fi setup wrong, and this can adversely affect your browsing experience.
Recently, a PhD student in physics at Imperial College London named Jason Cole, discovered the best placement for Wi-Fi routers, and it’s not in that inconspicuous corner you’ve had it tucked under ever since you got it.
Here are five tips for optimal Wi-Fi router placement.
- Front and centre
A more central spot will ensure Wi-Fi signals travel across and throughout the entire space, or at least as far as it can go. In order to maximise its reach, the Wi-Fi router needs to be placed somewhere nearer to the centre, and not against a corner.
- Away from metal, concrete, brick, and the microwave
Electromagnetic energy gets dissipated in the presence of metal; while concrete absorbs radiation, and microwaves disrupt wireless router frequencies. Conclusion? Keep your Wi-Fi router away from these materials and objects.
- High and dry
Placing the Wi-Fi router on a high shelf or mounting it up on the wall can help boost its signal. The radio waves coming from the router spread out and down, making a high spot perfect for better dissemination of signal on both the first and second floor.
- Up, up, and away
Lay a router the way it’s supposed to go. Vertical routers should be kept upright and not sideways in order for its signal to get a wider reach. For routers with antennas, positioning the antenna upwards helps spread the signal laterally, while pointing it sideways can help bring the signal up to top floors.
- Far from the crowd
The human body is comprised of about 60% water. Water hampers Wi-Fi signals. Therefore, placing a Wi-Fi router in a crowded room can interfere with its signal.
Follow these tips so you can get a stronger signal at home, maximise your subscription to NBN broadband plans and minimise wasted time spent on waiting for videos to buffer and pages to load.