Extending your Wi-Fi signal is important to have a strong internet connection throughout your home. Here are some good ways to make your home Wi-Fi signal cover more area:
1. Reposition your router
Place your router in a central location in your home. Elevate it to reduce interference from obstacles like walls and furniture. Don’t place it near electronic devices or appliances that may interfere with the signal.
2. Use a Wi-Fi mesh system
Mesh WiFi systems utilise several mini router-like devices called nodes, that work together to distribute your WIFI signal wherever they are places creating a smooth and continuous network. The nodes communicate with each other, spreading the signal from one to the other creating a wireless network and ensuring you have connectivity no matter where you are in your home.
3. Use a Wi-Fi range extender
Wi-Fi range extenders (or boosters) capture the existing Wi-Fi signal from your router and rebroadcast it to extend coverage. All you have to do is place the extender somewhere it can still receive a strong Wi-Fi signal from the main router. The device comes with instructions which usually involve visiting an admin webpage to link it to your existing WIFI signal.
4. Use powerline adapters
Powerline adapters use your home's electrical wiring to transmit data signals. It does this by transforming the electrical current in your wires into radio signals which run through your home's wiring, spreading your WIFI signal in the process. These devices come in pairs with one connected to the router and the other plugged into a port to do the abovementioned conversion.
5. Optimise W-iFi settings
Change your router's channel settings to prevent interference from nearby networks. If your devices support it, use the 5GHz band instead of the 2.4GHz band because it usually has less interference. The 5GHz signal provides a faster signal across a shorter range, plus devices usually automatically connect to the 2.4GHz signal, meaning fewer devices take up bandwidth on the higher channel. There is a catch though: 2.4GHz works better over longer distances and penetrates solid objects better. Although 5GHz offers a higher data rate, it does this across a smaller coverage area, unless you're using the 802.11 ac networking standard.
6. Update firmware
Regularly check for firmware updates for your router and apply them so you get the best performance and security.
7. Limit interference
Reduce interference by placing your router away from devices like cordless phones, microwave ovens, and baby monitors.
Experiment with these solutions to find the combination that works best for your specific environment and connectivity needs. Keep in mind that a combination of methods may provide the most effective solution.
Learn more about Vodacom Super WiFi.
