WiFi s often struggle with poor connectivity issues. This commonly happens when the range of your WiFi is short. To fix this, one should plan to extend its WiFi range. If you are trying to learn how to do that, this post is specially written for you.
Here, I will tell you about the 11 best tips to extend the WiFi range. Using these, you’ll be able to connect to the WiFi network while staying at places that are pretty far to the router, like terraces, or even your washroom.
Is it possible to extend the WiFi range?
Slow internet, buffering while playing videos, signals dropping, and even disappearing are some of the common problems that you will face when the range of your WiFi network is short. These problems along with many others may leave you frustrated. A quick fix to get rid of the anger would be to extend the WiFi range.
A lot of s don’t even know that it is possible to extend the default range of their WiFi network. So, they keep facing issues and end up skipping from one network to another. I want you to not be one among them, and consider extending the range of your WiFi network.
The best part is that it is not anything complex but a very simple thing to do.
Why extending the WiFi range is a good option?
If you have never tried extending the range of your WiFi network, then I’d be glad to let you know that it is a very wise decision. The common reasons that my statement are:
- You can stay connected even after staying far from the router.
- Fast internet speed and buffer-less streaming.
- Playing games without lag.
- No signal drops.
These are some simple things that may help to solve several bigger problems.
11 Working Tips to Extend the WiFi Range
Now that you have decided to extend the WiFi range, I’ll guide you on how. Here are the 11 best tips or workarounds that can help you to extend your WiFi range.
After trying these, you will never experience poor WiFi connectivity issues.
1. Change the Channel
A WiFi router uses different types of channels (bandwidth frequency) to spread the signal. The two main channels used at home networks are 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz channels come with a longer range and higher bandwidth while the 5GHz channels have a shorter range and lower bandwidth.
You might be using the router on a 5GHz channel and get a shorter range. So, all you have to do is change the channel to a 2.4GHz one, and this will increase the WiFi range. This can be done by logging in to the of the router.
2. Place the Router at a proper position
Firstly you have to select a proper position for your router. Some metallic objects and electronic devices that transmit EM (Electromagnetic) Waves will harm your router’s signals. It will impact the range of connectivity as it creates a large dead zone. Some other materials like wood, cardboard, glass, plastic, etc can also disturb the WiFi range.
So, try placing the router at such a place where the disturbing materials are not near. This will help you to avoid any interruptions and will extend the range.
3. Use proper pieces of equipment
If you are an elite internet , then you may be using it for a long time. So, there are good chances you are still using the equipment that you bought while getting your first connection. If this is the case, then you should consider upgrading to newer and better pieces of equipment.
The technology has advanced a lot, and using older equipment will limit you from unlocking the true potential of your internet plan.
4. Use quality cables
It may appear like an irony that I’m telling you to use quality cables while trying to extend the WiFI range. But, a wired connection is always better than a wireless one. So, if you want to extend the range to a faraway spot like your neighbor’s house, you should consider using a good quality cable.
An ‘Optical fiber’ cable will cover a longer distance, but it is costly to install it. If you can afford it, it is an ideal way to replace the regular CAT5 cable to get a better range.
5. Know about your Router capacity
An essential factor on which the range of the WiFi depends is the router you are using. If you are using an outdated or old router, you will experience a shorter range. So, before trying to extend the range, you should check if your router is even capable of the extension.
If it isn’t, you’ll have to a better router as I have already explained.
6. Upgrade Router Firmware
Firmware is the default software programmed into your router. The manufacturers constantly keep improving their devices and launch updates. You can simply upgrade your current router firmware to a better one to get better performance. This can be done through the of the router.
Just to the router , go to advanced settings, and there find the available upgrades to the existing firmware. If they are available, install them.
7. Limit the Use
Sometimes you will face poor WiFi connectivity issues because the signal was caught by a lot of s before using you. This may happen when the WiFi is connected to a lot of devices or you haven’t encrypted it and anyone can use it.
So, use a very strong for your WiFi network and disconnect any devices that aren’t in use but consuming the internet for background processes.
8. Use a Wireless Bridge
Wireless Bridge is a device that uses microwave or infrared transmission to distribute an Internet connection to two or more buildings. If you don’t want to use long cables, you can use a wireless bridge to extend the range of your WiFi network.
For this, you’ll have to spend some money on buying a Wireless Bridge, cables, and some other pieces of equipment. But, after that, your problem will be solved.
9. Edit your DNS Address
DNS is an abbreviation for Domain Name System. Its core purpose is to convert domain names to IP addresses. Your router is default configured to use the DNS of your internet service provider. Many times, this DNS results in poor performance.
All you need to fix this issue is to use a custom DNS address. There are many good public DNS servers that you can use, like Google’s DNS server (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1). Using these will boost the range, speed, and overall performance.
10. a faster Internet Plan
If you are suffering from poor internet speed and you believe that it is caused by a shorter network range, then you might be incorrect. A lot of times a bad internet connection is a result of a slow internet plan. If you have a plan having 10Mbps or 15Mbps speed, then you wouldn’t get a good speed.
To fix this, you simply have to call the operator and a plan having a better speed. A plan with at least 40Mbps or above will be good.
11. Use a WiFi Range Extender
If you live in a big house, then a single router would face difficulties evenly distributing the signal to all the corners. In this case, you should consider using a WiFi Range Extender. A WiFi Range Extender is a device that is specifically used to increase or extend the WiFi range. You can find them at online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, etc, or at offline electronics stores.
However, WiFi Range extenders come with their own pros and cons. You should go through everything first and then decide if you really need it. You can ask questions about this using the comment box.
Final Words
Short connectivity degrades the purpose of using a WiFi network. If you are facing it, this is how you can extend the WiFi range and get better performance. These 11 tips will help you to get the maximum coverage out of your WiFi network.
That’s all for this post. I hope you are now able to resolve the issue. For any questions or suggestions regarding anything mentioned here, you can visit the comments section.