Internet user 101: how to fix a weak Wi-Fi signal?

Almost all Internet users have faced this problem at least once and understand how irritating it can be, particularly when attempting to complete work or stream content. Luckily, there are a few straightforward solutions to work through this unpleasantness. In this detailed guide, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to work on your router range problem and get your connection back up to speed.

Signs of poor Wi-Fi signal

In case it looks like you can’t connect to the Internet, there are several things that could indicate the said issue. Understanding these hints can help you troubleshoot the situation and get back online as soon as possible.

1. The download speed is sluggish. You can verify this by performing a diagnostic test on your device. A marked decrease in results compared to the advertised conditions from your Internet service company provider suggests the presence of a problem that requires attention.
2. Spotty Wi-Fi linkage. It’s quite easy to find that everything drops out when you’re in certain parts of your home or if you’re using multiple devices at once.

By understanding these signs, you can troubleshoot the issue. Now, let’s talk about the reasons.

Why is my Wi-Fi so bad?

There are a number of potential causes for this problem:

• Intervention from some other networks nearby. A lot of them operate on the same frequency, so if you see a few, it can cause this issue. It results in decreased speeds and lost connections. So in case, you have a poor Wi-Fi signal in your home, the reason might lie in your neighbor’s router, or even from a device such as a laptop or a smartphone. The more devices that are connected to the same frequency, the more interference there will be.
• As the distance from the router grows, the wireless signal weakens like walls or furniture.
• The previously mentioned obstructions that cannot be moved may result in a sluggish or unreliable connection. This can be especially problematic in larger homes or businesses where there are multiple thick objects. They prevent the signal from reaching its designated recipient, so the Wi-Fi is not in range. This can be due to the physical material of the obstruction, such as a wall, or due to the interference of other objects in the space, such as furniture.
• The weak signal strength. In order for it to be usable, the router must be able to send out a strong wave, since it is transmitted to the device. The strength of the signal is determined by the router’s antenna, which is responsible for this. If the antenna is not powerful enough, you will get a bad Wi-Fi connection. The distance between it and the device is also a factor here. The signal will be weak if the distance between your laptop and the router is too great.

• Obsolete wireless network technology. Their reliance on waves for info transmission is strong, and older equipment is not as effective as the latest technology. This means that the signal strength is weaker and more prone to interference. Furthermore, older wireless routers are not capable of providing the same level of speed and reliability as modern models. The range of these networks is limited, and as the distance from them increases, outdated technology can result in the rapid decline of the waves. This is particularly the case for networks that utilize the 2.4GHz frequency band, which is more susceptible to interference from other electronic devices. Additionally, older routers are not capable of providing the same level of security as newer models, leaving them vulnerable to malicious attacks.
• Overloaded wireless network due to too many connected users. The prevalence of the Internet in our homes and workplaces has made it easier to stay synced with the world. However, when a lot of devices are linked to a single hotspot, it can lead to weak Wi-Fi. This phenomenon is known as an overloaded wireless network. In practice, this signifies that an excessive amount of data is being transmitted and received simultaneously, which can cause the router to become bogged down and result in sluggish speeds, lost connections, and weak signals. Additionally, the more devices that are connected to the network, the more interference there will be between them, which can further reduce the wave strength.

How to fix a poor Wi-Fi signal in the house?

Troubleshooting this issue may be a frustrating experience, but there are a few steps that might be taken to make everything better. Here are some steps to try.

Locate your router in a central position

For best results, place it in a central spot, clear of walls and any objects blocking it. This simple action can effectively fix low Wi-Fi. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Do not position the router in a corner or adjacent to a wall. These locations may block the signal and reduce its range.
• Improve the signal strength by elevating the router. Place it on a high shelf or mount it at a high location.
• Try out various locations to identify the most suitable location that delivers the highest wavelength. You can utilize a special analyzer app on your smartphone to determine the areas with the strongest signal.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your router is placed in the optimal location for stable coverage and eliminate any future issues with bad Wi-Fi.

Keep your antenna away from interference

The presence of other electronic devices can cause weakened Internet signals. To reduce this problem, it is advised to place these devices at a distance from your router. The following are common sources of disruption:

• Microwaves usually produce Radiofrequency (RF) waves that can negatively influence the quality of your Wi-Fi signal. To minimize this interference, keep your router away from microwaves.
• Cordless phones and routers have similar frequencies, and when positioned too close to each other, the cordless phone may create a low Wi-Fi signal problem.
• Minimize interference by turning off your Bluetooth device when it's not in use as it can emit RF conflict. If you reside in a densely populated area or apartment building, there may be other networks.

By keeping your antenna away from these sources of interference, you can fix your bad Wi-Fi signal.

Revise the firmware of the router

To fix a weak Wi-Fi signal in the house, ensure that your router is equipped with the most up-to-date hardware. Visit the manufacturer's website to stay informed of any updates. Firmware is low-level software that controls antenna behavior. With the passage of time, developers release upgrades to resolve technical issues, enhance overall performance, and incorporate additional functionality. This can help you prevent security vulnerabilities.

Switch the channel

Routers can experience congestion due to the presence of other electronic devices. If you want to enhance the signal, consider altering the channel. Here's how to do this:

1. Enter your login credentials. You'll be prompted to type in a username and password. They are usually provided in the manual or on the manufacturer's website.
2. Find the channel selection. The location of this setting can differ based on the model of your router, however, it is commonly found in either the wireless or the Wi-Fi section.
3. Experiment with various paths to determine which one yields the strongest quality. Most of them allow you to choose from channels 1, 6, and 11, as these are the least congested ones.
4. After choosing all your options, don't forget to preserve the modifications by saving them, and then restart your router.

By switching to another network route, you may be able to fix a low Wi-Fi signal.

Try a special Wi-Fi booster

This device operates by amplifying the signal from your antenna and redistributing it to regions with poor signal strength. Here's how you can use it to work through your problem:

1. Go to one of the places where the Wi-Fi signal is weak and put it there. The device should be within range of the original antenna.
2. Connect the extender to a power source and follow the manufacturer's instructions to set it up.
3. After connecting all the necessary components, you can set it up to expand your current network. The method looks different depending on the device model, however, you usually have to input the SSID and passcode of your Internet source
4. Then move to areas where you previously experienced trouble and test the speed.

By using an extender, you can expand the range of your network and eliminate problems if your Wi-Fi is not reaching a room.

Check for hardware limitations

If your router is old or outdated and you are thinking “how to boost your Wi-Fi signal?” it can be necessary to switch to a more modern version. Some older ones can’t handle the demands of modern laptops and might need to be replaced. There are several factors to consider when evaluating your hardware limitations:

• To operate effectively, modern technology, including, but not limited to 4K TVs and gaming consoles demands significant amounts of bandwidth. If your router only supports the older 2.4GHz frequency, it may not be able to keep up with these high-demand devices. Consider upgrading to something that supports the newer 5GHz round.
• Your Internet speed is determined by the hardware components. If you experience slow Internet speed on your devices, consider upgrading to a better router for improved performance.
• The distance your antenna can reach is determined by the strength of its transmitter. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak or doesn't reach far enough, consider opting for a router with a stronger one.
• Individuals with many different devices linked to their network should invest in a device with increased capacity for connections, as it is essential. This may mean buying a device with more ports or a stronger processor to accommodate the increased number of connections.

Ensuring that your router's hardware limitations meet requirements will ensure its capability to provide a powerful enough Wi-Fi signal. If you determine that your router is obsolete or inadequate for your requirements, think about upgrading to a more recent model.

Reset your router

Sometimes, this simple task can help improve the situation. To fix a poor Wi-Fi signal this way, to clear any temporary glitches or configuration issues that may have been impacting the situation, turn off the power supply for 30 seconds, then turn it back on.