We know how frustrating a weak or patchy Wi-Fi signal can be. From video calls constantly buffering to movies refusing to stream, poor wireless connectivity is a modern-day headache. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some simple tips to improve and optimise your home Wi-Fi for better speeds and coverage in your home.
Understanding Wi-Fi Interference #
Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to identify potential sources of interference that can wreak havoc on your Wi-Fi signal. Let’s take a look at some common culprits:
Household Appliances and Devices #
- Microwaves: Those convenient electromagnetic wave-blasting appliances can interfere with your Wi-Fi when in use.
- Baby Monitors and Radios: These devices transmit on the same 2.4GHz frequency band as Wi-Fi, causing clashes.
- Bluetooth Gadgets: Smart speakers, wireless keyboards, and headsets can disrupt your network with their “frequency hopping” technique.
Building Materials #
- Concrete Walls and Floors: Thick concrete is a major Wi-Fi signal blocker due to its dense composition.
- Thick Wooden Structures: timber walls and floors can severely limit Wi-Fi range.
- Metal Barriers: Large metal appliances, machinery, or building components like foil-backed insulation can block Wi-Fi.
Environmental Factors #
- Neighboring Networks: If you live in an apartment or densely populated area, other wireless networks on the same channel can cause interference.
- Underfloor Heating: Those in-floor metal pipes filled with water are yet another source of Wi-Fi weakening.
- Internal Networks: Sometimes internal networks such as baby monitors, CCTV systems, or Sky Q boxes can also interfere with your Wi-Fi as they can run on their own network and frequencies, separate to your router.
Optimising Your Setup #
With those interference sources in mind, let’s look at ways to get your Wi-Fi running smoothly:
Router Placement #
- Central Location: Your router should be positioned in the most central spot possible, away from obstructions.
- Up High: Placing it up on a shelf or wall-mounted helps the signal travel farther without obstructions.
- Open Space: Don’t cramp your router into a cabinet, behind the TV, in the loft etc – it needs room away from surrounding objects to work correctly.
- Facing into the property: The front of your router (with the lights) should face into the property, leaving the side with the cables to face the external walls.
- To learn more about our router: [Click Here]
Router Configuration #
- Antenna Angles: If adjustable, position your router’s antennas perpendicularly for maximum coverage.
- Channel Switching: Avoid interference from neighbours by using a clear channel like 1, 6 or 11. We do this automatically for your Quickline router.
- Firmware Updates: Keep your router firmware updated to squash bugs and boost performance. We do this automatically for your Quickline router.
Network Management #
- Wired is best: Hardwire smart TVs, PCs and other stationary devices to your router with an Ethernet cable to ease Wi-Fi congestion.
- Bandwidth Budgeting: Have you got several devices on Wi-Fi? If your speeds suddenly drop, your phones, apps, computers, consoles, and games could be downloading updates in the background.
By following these tips for improving Wi-Fi and doing a little detective work to identify interference sources and some simple adjustments, you can supercharge your wireless experience without splurging on new equipment.
Do you need Extenders? #
If your house is large or you’ve historically had issues with signal range (perhaps due to the thickness of walls etc) it could require some form of wireless extenders to ensure full coverage. By popular demand we provide a managed service that is installed by our engineers, check out our Wi-Fi Everywhere service: [Click Here].
You could also look into your own third party extenders if you want too, most should work with our service but make sure you read the details from the manufacturer to be sure!
Still need help? #
If you’re still having issues and can’t seem to solve them don’t worry we’re here to help! Get in touch with technical support (Monday-Sunday, 8am-8pm) on:
- Call: 01482 247365, option 1
- Email: support@quickline.co.uk
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