Where should I put my router?
Moving your router won't make your internet connection faster, but it should make it more reliable and stable – which can be important when it comes to video streaming or online gaming.
Below are some tips about where to put your router
Avoid the kitchen
As routers use radio signals to operate, electronic appliances and large metal surfaces can absorb and disrupt your signal – microwaves in particular use the same 2.4 GHz channel as Wi-Fi routers, so will actively compete with your wireless signal when used.
Place your router centrally
Wireless broadband routers transmit from all directions in a circle. This means the more centrally you can place it, the better your home's overall coverage will be.
Adjust the antennae
As a general rule, if you've placed your router upstairs to try and achieve a stronger signal across two floors, it's best to turn the antennae sideways, and if it's placed on the ground floor, its advisable to turn your antennae upwards.
Avoid walls
Thick walls make it harder for your home Internet to be passed from room to room, as walls absorb wireless signal and will reduce the quality of your broadband.
Place it out in the open
A good rule of thumb is to always have your router visible, as placing it in an obscured area will dampen its effectiveness and have a negative impact on your connection.
Avoid electronic items
Cordless phones, baby monitors and other devices that use radio signals to communicate are especially problematic, as these devices will crowd the channel and compete with your broadband connection.
Don't place it on the floor
Placing a router on the floor can dampen its performance, as the device is sending out signals that are immediately absorbed by the ground. Try elevating your router and placing it on a sideboard or shelf to achieve more comprehensive coverage.
Mirrors and fish tanks
Water inhibits Wi-Fi signal, so placing your router next to a fish tank is likely to have a negative impact on its stability.
Placing it near a mirror will also cause the radio waves used to transmit wireless Internet to reflect, which can have a negative impact on performance by scattering and distorting the signal.
Experiment with different locations
If you can, experiment by changing the location of your router to see if the signal strength or stability improves on your various devices.