How to Increase Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Wi-Fi issues can be a real hassle, whether you're at home or at work. Unstable connections, slow internet speeds, and weak signals can hurt your productivity, mess up video calls, and make working online unbearable. If your Wi-Fi isn't giving you a steady connection and the signal strength is weak, it's time to tackle the problem. In this article, we'll go over the most effective ways to boost your Wi-Fi signal.
A common cause of weak signals is outdated equipment. But before you invest in something new, it's smart to analyze your current network to pinpoint the trouble spots. There are special Wi-Fi analysis tools for that. I chose NetSpot because it’s an all-in-one solution for both beginners and pros, offering a user-friendly and intuitive interface for diagnosing networks.
Wi-Fi Network Analysis
One of the key features of NetSpot is its Survey mode, which lets you create visual Wi-Fi coverage maps.
These Wi-Fi heatmaps clearly show where the signal is strong and where it's weak, giving you a full picture of your coverage area. NetSpot offers around 20 different visualizations to help diagnose network issues.
Here are the most helpful visualizations in this case:
By analyzing your network using these visualizations, you can see where the signal is weak, which frequencies are overloaded, and how to improve coverage. NetSpot not only helps you identify problem areas but also lets you make informed decisions to fix them.
Easy ways to improve Wi-Fi signal
One of the first steps to improving your network is eliminating sources of noise and interference. Common household devices like microwaves or cordless phones can cause serious Wi-Fi interference if they operate on the same frequency as your router (2.4 GHz). The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and Noise level visualizations in Survey mode can help you figure out where the signal is being drowned out by noise and find potential sources of interference. Make sure these devices aren't close to your router, and if possible, switch your network to a less crowded 5 GHz or 6 GHz band if your equipment supports it.
Another simple and obvious way to improve your network is to move the access point closer to your workspace. The closer you are to the router, the stronger and more stable the signal. However, if moving the router isn't an option, you should consider adding additional access points.
If, after analyzing your network and making basic optimizations like relocating the router and adjusting the channels, you don't see significant improvements, it's time to look at your equipment. Old devices that don't support modern standards like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E can drastically reduce your network's speed and stability. Equipment running on outdated standards limits bandwidth and range, which could be why you're getting a weak signal even with a solid internet provider.
But the question remains: how do you choose the right equipment and avoid making a bad purchase? No one wants to waste money on gear that won't fix the problem. This is where NetSpot comes in handy. It not only analyzes your network but also helps you pick the best equipment based on real data. This way, you can make an informed choice and avoid unnecessary expenses.
How to choose equipment to boost Wi-Fi signal strength?
Choosing and placing the right equipment is crucial for improving your Wi-Fi signal. NetSpot offers a Planning mode to help you pick out new equipment.
In this mode, you can create a detailed floor plan of your space, factoring in the location of walls, windows, and other obstacles. This helps you accurately model Wi-Fi signal distribution, taking into account materials that may affect coverage quality.
In addition, NetSpot allows you to test different access point models before purchasing. You can select a device from the provided list or manually enter its specifications to see how a specific access point will perform in your space.
This helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and gives you a clear idea of how well the equipment will cover all areas in advance. There are various ways to improve your Wi-Fi network, and the best method depends on the specifics of your setup.
Adding antennas to your current access point
If you’re not ready to upgrade your equipment just yet, you can try installing more powerful antennas on your existing router. It’s an affordable way to boost the signal. It’s important to choose antennas with the right gain (dBi): the higher the gain, the further the signal reaches. In multi-story buildings, it’s better to use antennas with lower gain to ensure even coverage across floors.
Antennas can be omnidirectional, which spread the signal in all directions, or directional, which boost the signal in a specific direction. This helps improve coverage in targeted areas without significant costs, though this approach might not fully meet all your needs.
Purchasing a new access point
If your current equipment is outdated, buying a new access point is one of the easiest and most effective ways to expand your Wi-Fi coverage. Modern devices support technologies like MU-MIMO and Beamforming, which optimize signal distribution and significantly improve connection stability. Support for new frequency bands, such as 6 GHz, can also reduce the load on the 2.4 and 5 GHz networks.
A new access point will not only boost your network's performance but also adapt to modern demands, improving both coverage and connection stability.
Purchasing an additional access point or setting up a Mesh system
Buying an extra access point is a great option for expanding your coverage area, especially in challenging environments like thick walls or multi-story buildings. However, it's important to configure the new access point properly to avoid conflicts with your existing network. This involves choosing different channels and adjusting settings to prevent interference.
That option, however, doesn’t provide seamless coverage. Devices may lose connection when switching between access points, causing inconvenience for users. If you need stability and smooth transitions between coverage zones, you should consider Mesh systems.
Mesh systems are one of the most effective, yet more expensive, solutions. They create seamless coverage by using multiple nodes that operate as a single network, automatically connecting devices to the nearest node without any drops in connection. Mesh systems are ideal for large homes and multi-story buildings.
The main advantage of Mesh systems is the elimination of "dead zones" and even signal distribution. They support modern Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E standards, which greatly boost network performance. While these systems are pricier than other solutions, they offer the best results for stable and widespread coverage.
To sum up
To boost Wi-Fi signal strength and improve connection quality, a comprehensive analysis of your network and equipment is essential. Using tools like NetSpot, you can accurately identify problem areas and make informed decisions to optimize your network. Depending on your needs and budget, you can go for simple fixes like upgrading antennas, or more advanced solutions like investing in Mesh systems.