When experiencing slow or sluggish broadband, most people rush to restart their router in frustration. But did you know that the actual placement of your router might be causing issues with signal strength in the first place?

It’s important to consider the best location for your router to get the most out of your broadband package. Here are some key tips to help you find the optimal place for your router:

1. Keep Your Router Higher Up

Try to place your router higher up, rather than on the floor. Ideally, you should position it on a top shelf. Wi-Fi signals radiate downwards, so placing your router higher up allows the signal to travel further and reach more of your home.

Now, don’t go duct-taping it to the ceiling, but keeping it off the ground will prevent those precious signals from being absorbed by the floor instead of being transmitted to your devices.

2. Avoid Thick Walls

Wi-Fi signals can pass through walls, but thick walls – especially those made of concrete or brick – can obstruct the flow of your home’s internet from one room to another. Walls act like a sponge, absorbing wireless signals and reducing the quality of your broadband.

To work around this issue, consider placing your router near an open doorway or a central room, such as your living room or hallway. This allows the Wi-Fi signal to flow freely, reducing the chance of it being blocked by walls.

3. Avoid Placing Your Router Near These Items

Several household items and appliances can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, causing slow speeds or connection drops. Avoid placing your router near the following:

Kitchen Appliances: Microwaves, fridges, and dishwashers emit radio waves that can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
Reflective Surfaces: Mirrors, large glass windows, and other reflective materials can bounce the signal around, causing disruptions.
Water Sources: Fish tanks and water heaters absorb Wi-Fi signals, weakening their reach.
Thick Walls: Concrete and brick walls can significantly weaken the signal, especially if your router is placed behind them.
Electrical Cords: Bundles of electrical cords and power strips can emit electromagnetic interference, affecting your Wi-Fi.

To maximise signal strength, keep your router as far away from these objects as possible.

4. Choose a Central Location

For optimal performance, aim to position your router in a room or hallway with a central location in your home. Wi-Fi signals radiate outwards in all directions, so placing the router centrally ensures that all areas of your home are within range.

If your home has multiple floors, consider placing the router on the middle floor to allow the signal to cover both upstairs and downstairs evenly.

Summary

The position of your Wi-Fi router can make a significant difference to your broadband experience. Placing it high up, away from walls and interference from appliances, and in a central spot will help you achieve better coverage and faster speeds.