Wi-Fi is a miraculous technology. It enables wireless access to the internet, forgoing the need for a tethered Ethernet connection altogether. Wi-Fi makes it possible for devices of all shapes and sizes to communicate with each other, whether we’re talking about phones, computers, video game consoles, television sets, or any number of Internet of things (IoT) gadgets and gizmos.
Of course, as with any other modern technology that relies on radio waves to function, Wi-Fi can sometimes cut out, stall, or slow to a crawl for seemingly no rhyme or reason. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of streaming a particularly captivating movie or TV show, or if you’re on a tight deadline and need to get on with your research session.
There are a number of reasons why Wi-Fi connections can sometimes be spotty. Commonly, these include a congested network, interference from household appliances like microwaves, limited bandwidth, and slow, outdated router hardware. However, there’s one even more prevalent reason for poor Wi-Fi reception, and it’s a factor most of us hardly even consider: router placement.
Does Wi-Fi router placement actually matter?
It most definitely does
In short, the answer is a resounding yes.
Even with the most high-end Wi-Fi router in tow, bad positioning can make or break your wireless internet experience. Routers rely on radio waves to communicate with devices, and these waves can be blocked, bounced in the wrong direction, or absorbed by physical items standing in the way of their signal.
If your router is positioned suboptimally within your living space, your overall upload and download speeds could be compromised without your knowledge, and you’re at risk of suffering from dropped connections.
To check your current internet speed directly from within your web browser, consider visiting fast.com — a popular internet speed test website powered by Netflix. Alternatively, you can download an app such as Speedtest by Ookla to test Wi-Fi performance on your mobile devices.
Where’s the best place for my Wi-Fi router to live?
Give your router a new home within your home
There are several factors that can play a role in whether your Wi-Fi router is optimally placed for maximum wireless coverage. When deciding where to place your router within your home, I recommend taking the following three factors into account:
- Location: An open location within the center of your home is ideal. For multi-story houses, the main floor is often the best bet.
- Elevation: Ideally, you’ll want your router elevated off the ground to avoid signal loss through the floor. Placing the router on a desk, or, better yet, mounting it to the ceiling, is considered optimal.
- Environment: For best results, keep your router several feet away from concrete walls, wireless appliances, metal objects, mirrors, or aquariums (water absorbs radio waves at a very effective rate)
If your living space is on the larger side, consider a mesh Wi-Fi system as opposed to a standalone router. A mesh Wi-Fi solution can effectively deal with stubborn dead zones within your home, especially when it comes to multi-story houses. Alternatively, you can opt for a Wi-Fi extender product to improve your internet connectivity, which can amplify signal reach in a cost-effective manner.
