Extend your WiFi signal with these tips

Nowadays a good WiFi connection is a basic necessity, but we often face dead zones or areas with poor coverage that can be very frustrating. If you suffer from this problem, don't worry, because we present you 12 tips and tricks that will help you expand your router signal and enjoy a WiFi connection in every corner of your home.

Strategic router placement

The first trick to expand the WiFi signal in your home is to correctly locate your router. It is best to place it in a central and elevated place, away from obstructions such as thick walls or appliances. This will make the WiFi signal spread more evenly and reach all areas of your home. Avoid putting it in closed cabinets or under furniture at all costs, as this can block the signal.

Expand the WiFi signal by adjusting the antennas

If your router has external antennas, be sure to adjust them properly. That is, you have to place one antenna pointing up vertically and the other horizontally, forming a 90 degree angle between them. This arrangement optimizes the distribution of the WiFi signal in all directions.

Soda cans as reflectors to expand the WiFi signal

It may sound strange, but place empty, clean soda cans around your router's antennas It can act as reflectors and amplify the WiFi signal. The aluminum in cans helps reflect and redirect radio waves. Thus coverage improves in problem areas.

Switch to the least saturated WiFi channel

Another of the most effective tricks to expand the signal is to change your router to a less saturated WiFi channel. Download the WiFi Analyzer app and use it to identify the most congested channels in your area. Then, go to your router settings (check with your internet provider for the necessary credentials) and change it to a less saturated channel. This will reduce interference and improve the performance of your connection.

Download the app by following this link:

Analysis of the location of signal towers

The OpenSignal application allows you to see the location of WiFi signal towers near your home. Use its "compass" to find the best connection point within your home. Move around your home and see where the signal is strongest. This will help you determine the optimal location for your router or the need to use a repeater in certain areas.

You can download the app on your Android from this link:

Periodic restart of the WiFi network

Sometimes congestion or temporary outages can affect the performance of your WiFi network. Apps like Signal Strength allow you to reboot your network with a single click to solve problems and restore a stable connection.

To try Signal Strength on your phone, we share the download link from Google Play:

Router Firmware Update

Keeping your router firmware updated can improve the performance and stability of your WiFi connection. Access your router settings (check with your internet provider for the necessary credentials) and look for the option to update the firmware to the latest available version. Manufacturers often release regular updates to fix problems and optimize performance.

Using old routers as repeaters

If you have old routers that you no longer use, you can configure them as wired or wireless repeaters to extend the WiFi signal in problem areas of your home. Follow these steps to configure your old router as a WiFi signal repeater:

Wired method

1. Reset the old router to factory settings by pressing the reset button or following the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Look on the bottom of the router for the default access credentials (user and password).
3. Connect the old router to your computer using an Ethernet network cable.
4. Open a web browser and enter the router's default IP address (for example, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
5. Enter the access credentials and enter the router configuration.
6. Change the IP address of the old router to one different from your main router (for example, 192.168.0.2).
7. Disable the DHCP feature from assigning IP addresses to other devices.
8. Create a new WiFi network with a different name (SSID) and password than your main network.
9. Connect the old router to the main router via another Ethernet cable.
10. Place the old router in an area with poor WiFi coverage so that it begins to act as a repeater.

Wireless method (if router allows)

1. Reset the old router to factory settings.
2. Enter the router configuration as we mentioned previously.
3. Look for the “operation mode” or “range extender mode” option.
4. Select the wireless range extender or repeater option.
5. Scan available WiFi networks and select your main network.
6. Enter your primary network password when prompted.
7. Save the changes and the router will restart in repeater mode.
8. Place the old router in an area with poor WiFi coverage to extend the signal.

Using PLC adapters

PLC (Power Line Communication) adapters are an ingenious solution that takes advantage of the existing electrical wiring in your home to transmit the WiFi signal to other rooms without the need for additional cables. Simply connect one adapter near your router and another in the room where you need to improve coverage, and the signal will travel through the electrical cables.

Implementation of a Mesh system to expand the WiFi signal

If your home is large or has several floors, a Mesh system can help you. These systems create a uniform, seamless WiFi network throughout your home, using multiple nodes or access points that communicate with each other to provide complete coverage.

Extend the signal by selecting the appropriate WiFi band

Selecting the right WiFi band based on your needs can also be helpful. The 2.4 GHz band offers greater range, especially if you have a large home or need coverage in remote areas. On the other hand, the 5 GHz band provides more speed, but less coverage. This is indicated for tasks that require higher bandwidth, such as video streaming or online video games.

Investment in a repeater to expand the WiFi signal

If you've tried all of the above tricks and are still experiencing WiFi coverage issues in certain areas of your home, it may be necessary to invest in a WiFi repeater or amplifier. These devices are specifically designed to extend the signal to the areas furthest from your router. The goal of a WiFi amplifier is to provide a solid and stable connection throughout your home.

Try several of these options until you find the perfect combination for your situation.