Tricks to Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal

When working with a wireless network, Wi-Fi signal is everything. Even with the fastest connection and best equipment, factors like router location, the size of the covered area, and signal obstruction can have a dramatic effect on how strong your Wi-Fi signal is. Stronger signals make for faster and more stable connections.

Optimal Router Position

One of the most important elements of your Wi-Fi network's power is the location of the router. It is best to keep the router in a central location, so that all areas of your office receive equal coverage. Try placing the router on a high shelf or mounting it on the wall. A router mounted at head level has a clearer signal path from one room to the next. Often simply raising your router can result in a big signal boost.

Upgrade Your Gear

Older wireless routers used the wireless-G standard to deliver signals. Newer and more high-tech versions use wireless-N. Wireless-N routers offer higher speeds, better signals, and more stable connections. Upgrade your old router to one that supports the wireless-N standard for nice boost in performance. Your laptops and desktops will need a wireless-N-compatible networking card to make the most of a wireless-N connection.

Watch for Interference

Wi-Fi signals can suffer due to both physical and signal interference. Clear a path from your router to your devices by removing or repositioning large objects that may block its signal. Additionally, consult your router’s user guide for instructions on how to change its channel -- default channels can quickly get crowded in office buildings and other areas with multiple networks. Finally, place the router away from appliances that may interfere with its signal, such as garage door openers, microwaves, and other wireless devices.

Go DIY

Several do-it-yourself Wi-Fi hacks offer small signal boosts with a little bit of clever crafting effort. Parabolic shapes can boost signals, so cutting a soda can into a parabola and placing it on your router’s antenna can offer small performance gains. You can also try folding aluminum foil into a parabola, or placing a metal cooking strainer over the antenna, so that the bowl faces out. These solutions are not the prettiest, but may slightly improve your router’s strength.