What’s the Best Placement for Wireless Routers?
To position wireless equipment for optimal network performance, follow these guidelines.
Choose the Best Location for the Wireless Access Point or Router
Place the device in several locations to determine the location with the best signal. While trial-and-error may not be the most scientific way to find a good spot for the equipment, it is often the only practical way to assure the best possible Wi-Fi performance.
Install the Wireless Access Point or Router in a Central Location
If you have only one wireless device, install the base station near this client. For multiple wireless clients, find a good compromise position. Clients that are far away from the router may obtain only 10% to 50% of the network bandwidth that clients near it receive. You may need to sacrifice the network performance of one client for the good of the others.
Avoid Physical Obstructions
Any barriers along the line of sight between a client and the base station degrade a Wi-Fi radio signal. Plaster and brick walls tend to have the most negative impact, but any obstruction including cabinets and furniture can weaken the signal. Obstructions tend to be located closer to floor level, so installing the router high on a wall may improve the signal.
Avoid Reflective Surfaces
Some Wi-Fi signals bounce off windows, mirrors, metal file cabinets, and stainless steel countertops, lessening both network range and performance.
Avoid Installing the Router Near Appliances That Send Wireless Signals
Keep the router at least three feet away from anything that sends wireless signals in the same frequency range. Such appliances include microwave ovens, cordless telephones, baby monitors, and home automation equipment. Appliances that transmit in the 2.4 GHz frequency range are most likely to generate Wi-Fi interference.
Adjust the Router Antennas
Adjust the antennas to improve performance if the best location you find is only marginally acceptable. Antennas on wireless access points and routers can be rotated or repositioned to fine-tune a Wi-Fi signal. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best results.
Other Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal Range
If you can’t find a suitable location for your wireless gear, you can, for example:
Upgrade the base station antenna. Install a Wi-Fi repeater (often called a range extender or signal booster). In extreme cases, add a second router or access point to extend the range of the network.
These are just some of the ways you can boost the range of your Wi-Fi network.
