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 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.
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.
Router Configuration #
- Antenna Angles: If adjustable, position your router’s antennas perpendicularly for maximum coverage.
- Channel Switching: Avoid interference from neighbors by using a clear channel like 1, 6 or 11.
- 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.
With a little detective work to identify interference sources and some simple adjustments, you can supercharge your wireless experience without splurging on new equipment.