If thick walls are an issue, a strategically placed repeater may also help angle the signal in the right direction. The wireless nature of a repeater makes it a great choice when you need to amplify your Wi-Fi in a remote spot like an outdoor patio or free-standing garage. Repeaters are also generally cheaper than Wi-Fi extenders and are easy to set up anywhere in your house, even away from your wired modem. Repeaters are often sold with all the capabilities of a booster, allowing them to send out a very strong rebroadcast signal. This requires the repeater to be in a location where it can both pick up on the existing router’s signal and rebroadcast to the area of spotty coverage. Add Wi-Fi RepeatersĪ repeater works by wirelessly connecting to an existing Wi-Fi network and then broadcasting a new, separate signal. However, because boosters must be plugged into a router-sometimes with an extension cord, sometimes without-they aren’t the best choice for dead zones caused by thick walls or electrical interference, as those types of obstructions can cause connectivity issues even for strong Wi-Fi signals. Is a Booster the Right Choice?Ī booster is a great choice for improving a Wi-Fi signal in big, open rooms. Omnidirectional boosters, on the other hand, extend signals 360 degrees with a shorter reach. As the name suggests, directional antennas only extend a signal in one direction, resulting in a longer but narrower range. When you look for a signal booster to purchase, pay attention to whether you’re getting a directional booster or an omnidirectional booster. The booster effectively expands the signal range without creating a separate network. Most Wi-Fi boosters look like antennae and plug directly into the back of a router. Install Wireless BoostersĪ wireless signal booster amplifies the Wi-Fi signal broadcast by the router. Reach out to CenturyLink to add a compatible modem to your plan, or sign up for a new internet plan from CenturyLink to get a combined modem and router. If not, you might not have the best modem for the job. If you got your modem directly from CenturyLink, it’s CenturyLink compatible and up-to-date. Sometimes getting a new modem and router will improve the quality of your Wi-Fi. Although most modems will update their own firmware automatically, you may need to manually make sure that your modem’s firmware is updated to the most current available version. Your modem’s firmware is the internal programming that makes it run properly, so if this is outdated it could affect your internet speed. Try changing the Wi-Fi channel number to eliminate interference and improve signal strength. Many routers will automatically switch your Wi-Fi to the optimal channel, but sometimes the user has to manually choose a different channel. Your Wi-Fi is broadcast through your home on a specifical “channel,” and outside interference from other Wi-Fi networks on the same channel can slow down your own Wi-Fi speeds. Try moving the router to a few different locations and test the speed for each placement to find the best spot. Test your Wi-Fi speed by running a speed test on your computer or mobile device to find out if your signal has improved. Keep it away from areas with lots of other electronics that could cause interference. Pick a spot for your router that is up high and is as unobstructed by walls as possible. Strategically Place Your Wi-Fi RouterĪ Wi-Fi router that is located in a central location in your home will offer a stronger signal. If your speed is lower than what it should be, contact your internet provider for help diagnosing what’s wrong. Use an ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your modem and then run an internet connection speed test to ensure you’re getting the right upload and download speeds. If your Wi-Fi signal seems weak or slow, the issue might actually be with your wired internet connection. Here are eight different options you can use to strengthen your Wi-Fi signal. Signals can be blocked by walls, fail to reach far enough, or run up against other in-home problems that stall your Wi-Fi speed or even create dead spots.įortunately, there are a variety of ways to boost your Wi-Fi signal, from utilizing specific hardware to simply changing Wi-Fi settings. However, even when you have great internet service, Wi-Fi connections aren’t always perfect. Alex Rivera | Septem8 Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi SignalĪ high-speed internet plan with enough bandwidth together with a high-functioning modem/router combination lays the foundation for a sturdy Wi-Fi signal.
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