If you determine that items well-within your router’s maximum range aren’t receiving its signal, follow the steps in this method to increase your router’s output. If the items on which you want to receive your router’s signal are outside of the maximum range, you’ll either need to move them closer or use a range extender.
Obviously, things like walls and floors can’t be moved for your router—you’ll just need to move or adjust obstructions where possible.
Place your router as high as possible in a central location Keep your router several feet away from the modem if the two are separate Try to establish a direct line of sight between the router and your main Internet-connected item (e. g. , a computer).
Cordless phones Microwave ovens Baby monitors Security alarms Television remote controls Automatic garage door openers
You can connect to the proper Wi-Fi network from inside your computer’s or mobile’s Wi-Fi menu. The 2. 4 GHz channel will usually just display your Wi-Fi network’s name, while the 5 GHz channel will have “5 GHz” or “Media” after its name. While the 5 GHz channel often allows for larger downloads and faster, uninterrupted Internet, its range falls somewhere between half and one-third of the 2. 4 GHz channel’s range.
You can expect to spend between $35 and $100 on a decent Wi-Fi extender. Most Wi-Fi extenders will work with multiple router models, but buy one from the same company which made your router if possible.
If your extender is wireless, turn it on and then skip this step and the next one.
If your router doesn’t have a WPS button, you’ll have to follow the Wi-Fi extender’s manual’s instructions on setting up the extender without WPS.
Make sure your range extender isn’t near another wireless item (e. g. , a microwave). Your range extender will most likely have to plug into an outlet near the floor, which will limit its range. You can solve this problem by using an extension cable. Although some modern range extenders don’t harm your Internet speed, many will cut your Internet speed by as much as half.
