Increasing the router signal. Top tips: How to strengthen your router's WiFi signal. Then combining two routers via Wi-Fi

A large room area, many partitions, incorrect router settings - these and other factors affect the quality of the Wi-Fi network. In such a situation, the question arises of how to strengthen the router’s WiFi signal, and which methods are most effective. Below are tips to increase your router's coverage area and minimize WAN-related problems.

How to strengthen the signal of a WiFi router

There are several ways to increase the coverage area of ​​your WiFi router and avoid connection difficulties. The easiest option is to check the correctness. And then make changes if necessary. But more about everything.

Reducing the number of devices running on 2.4 GHz

The main sources of interference in the apartment are some household appliances, namely microwave ovens, radiotelephones, remote controls, etc. To reduce interference, turn off these equipment when using Wi-Fi. To verify the effectiveness of the product, you can turn off one source of interference and observe the quality of the signal. In this case, you can find the device that creates the greatest problems.

Power increase

A reliable way to improve the WiFi signal of a router in an apartment is to change the settings regarding signal strength. Please note that the ability to enter such data is not provided on all routers. You need to act wisely, because errors can lead to overheating or damage to the integrity of the access point.

Before using the method, read the instructions and remember that exceeding the power parameter more than 45 mW is prohibited.

• go to advanced settings;

• click on the link to change the wireless network power, and then the transmission power;
• increase the indicator to 100% or set High and the parameter to “20”.

This method allows you to improve WiFi signal reception on a laptop or PC, depending on the situation.

Change location

A simple way to improve the quality of communication is to find a suitable point for the router, where the signal reaches different parts of the apartment. Consider the following recommendations:

• select the highest possible point for the modem to strengthen the signal and achieve a larger coverage area;
• place the device in the center of the room at an equal distance from the corners;
• reduce the distance between the receivers and the router;
• find the point where the neighbor’s WiFi reception is worst and place your router in this place;
• Move the device away from sources of interference (microwave, radiotelephone) and signal-blocking products (metal walls, iron shelves, etc.).

Using these points allows you to increase the range of your WiFi router and, perhaps, forget about connection problems.

Change channel

Many routers have the same channel installed, which leads to interference and deterioration in network quality. One way to strengthen the signal is to set the automatic channel detection mode (if available). In such circumstances, the router automatically selects a free channel and connects to it. If there is no such option, use special software (for example, inSSIDer to search for a free channel).

Antenna replacement

To strengthen the WiFi signal of a router in an apartment with your own hands, you can change the standard antennas. This method helps to increase the range of the device (even if only slightly). TP-Link antennas are considered the most powerful, but they are not suitable for all devices of this type. To get results, choose an antenna with a gain of 8 dBi or higher. Alternatively, you can install an additional antenna, if such an option is supported by the device.

Change of standard

A proven method to increase the WiFi signal of a router is to set the 802.11N standard in the settings. Its feature is an increased range when compared with the outdated parameters for 802.11 A, B and R. But this method does not amplify anything if the router has one antenna installed. To switch the mode, follow these steps:

• go to settings;

• go to the wireless network section;
• enter Mode ;

• select N only and then save the settings.

If desired, you can strengthen the router's WiFi signal using another router. To do this, you need to connect the router to the PC and change the operating mode. At the final stage, you need to set WPA2-PSK protection and reboot the device.

Another way is to install a booster that connects to a specific modem. Its peculiarity is its wider spectrum of action. Unlike a repeater, it increases the range strength, improves the quality of the Wi-Fi network and helps strengthen the power of wireless equipment. For greater efficiency, bidirectional models should be used.

Buying a 5 GHz router

Above we looked at a way to strengthen the WiFi signal of a router using a second router. It works, but a more effective method is to buy a 5GHz router outright. With such assistants, you can forever forget about poor connection speed. There is only one minus - not all devices yet support this frequency.

Installing alternative software

You can find a lot of firmware on the Internet that are created by craftsmen and help expand the capabilities of the router. Using such programs, you can strengthen the WiFi signal of a Rostelecom router without an antenna and achieve more stable operation. This approach is also actively used for devices from other manufacturers. But it is worth remembering the risks, because no one guarantees the result. In addition, the “handicraft” manufacturing method can damage the device. Such attempts to increase power are made at your own peril and risk.

Directional Antenna Connection

The main disadvantage of modern routers from the budget segment is the low quality of the antenna. This item can be replaced, but you don't have to spend the money in the store. To strengthen a weak WiFi router signal, you can. To solve the problem you will need 1-3 empty tin cans. The principle is simple. Cut off the bottom. Next, cut the can lengthwise and move the edges left and right to make a kind of locator. Now use the existing hole in the neck to attach the device to the antenna.

A simpler option is to install foil behind the antennas, which can strengthen the signal and direct it only in one direction from the WiFi router. This method is good at an affordable price, but has a number of disadvantages - an unaesthetic appearance, poor efficiency and loss of time for production. To get more results, it is better to buy a ready-made antenna.

Why might the router signal be weak?

Above, we looked at how to strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi router at home in different ways. But before taking any measures, you need to understand the reasons for the deterioration in communication quality. The expert identifies the following factors:

1. Mechanical. Many structures create obstacles for the passage of data packets - ceilings, furniture, walls. That's why the router needs to be installed in a place where there are no such obstacles or a minimum number. The greatest interference is caused by mirrors, glass, water, as well as structures made of concrete or brick. If you don’t strengthen Wi-Fi, distant parts of the room will remain without communication.
2. Electromagnetic. The sources of interference are microwave ovens, radiotelephones, bluetooth and other devices. They create a background that interferes with the operation of the access point. When asked how to strengthen a WiFi router signal, many experts answer simply - find the main source of interference and turn it off.
3. Problems with the firmware. Outdated software can affect the quality of the Wi-Fi network. To avoid consequences, you need to update the firmware from time to time. Router manufacturers post information publicly on official platforms. All that remains is to download and install the software through the interface.
4. Incorrect antenna installation. One of the reasons for a poor WiFi signal is the vertical placement of antennas. If there are two of them, place the elements at an angle of 45 degrees relative to each other.

The knowledge gained allows you to quickly determine the reasons and find the best method for increasing the range of a WiFi router at home.

Reasons for a weak signal

It’s hardly worth reminding why a router is needed and what a signal is. When you turn on the internet, does it work better than after a few hours? One of the reasons for this situation is old firmware. The solution may be to reboot daily. For example, you just came home and decided to turn on the computer. Make it a habit to reboot your router immediately.

Another problem may be overheating of the iron. If this is observed, it is quite possible that during your absence the router is “overworked”, distributing the Internet. This story is typical for older models, so turn off the device before leaving home.

Another option for solving the problem is setting up an automatic reboot. This can be done on a laptop using DD-WRT firmware.

Using DD-WRT to improve feed quality

Let's figure out how to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal of a router using DD-WRT firmware. First you need to install it. The software product allows you to use a wide range of functionality, but the presence of the firmware itself already stabilizes the signal and amplifies it, even if the device’s power is not too high.

If desired, you can set a reboot timer and take advantage of other functions.

Choosing a location for the router

For the device to work well, you need to choose a good place for it. Basic rules and recommendations to enhance the reception and sending of information:

• A place in the corner will not work. The walls around will become an obstacle and reduce the distance over which the signal will be sent.
• Model the location of all points that will connect to the wireless network. Consider the placement of an armchair, sofa, etc. The distance from the router to the receiving devices should be approximately the same. If you want to direct the Internet outside, place the router closer to the window.
• Install the router higher, perhaps on top of your computer, or as close to the ceiling as possible. This will avoid many obstacles, which are usually furniture.

Antenna operation

Firstly, the antenna can be directed to the place where you usually are. This is relevant for cases when users can place the router in a specific location located far from the point of operation.

Secondly, it is possible to extend the antenna. Upgrading will lead to a significant improvement in the signal, but this is only relevant for those devices whose antenna is located outside, and not built-in and hidden inside.

How to build a device with your own hands that will help strengthen the signal? Take foil or something else that is made of metal. A low-alcohol jar or canned food is also suitable. Of course, curved metal sheets will be the best solution. Look at the diagram below to understand the next steps.

The antenna signal will be strengthened if you replace the weak model with a new one. How do you know if the product you are buying is suitable? Find out the technical parameters. All variations cost between 300-500 rubles, but some will be much more expensive. If your antenna has a gain of 2-3dBi, buy a new one with a gain of 5-8dBi - you will immediately feel the difference.

Step by step video:

There is one caveat here. If the KU is currently 4, there is no need to buy a five - this will not give much effect.

Repeater Application

Repeaters are becoming increasingly popular. They cost between 600-1000 rubles, and if you order the device in China, it will be even cheaper. The device connects to the router and works as an information flow multiplier. Some modern models combine several Wi-Fi points, due to which the signal is significantly improved and spreads over a long distance.

For the repeater to work, you only need the ssid and network password. The device plugs into a standard outlet and does not take up much space.

Using the adapter

Adapters are either built into the router, which happens most often, or connected separately via a USB port. If you have a model that matches the second option, try choosing a new adapter.

How do you know which model is better? Evaluate the technical characteristics of the device, and also look at the length of the antenna. Typically, the power of the equipment can be determined using the length of the antenna unit - the larger it is, the better the signal will be. Operators such as Promsvyaz help you get a medium-power signal, but with the help of a good adapter you can amplify it.

Selecting a wireless standard

Let's figure out how to increase the power of the router using settings. 802.11ac is a modern standard, but its predecessor 802.11n is also not bad. It has a number of advantages:

• use of several antennas simultaneously;
• increasing the network coverage area;
• stability;
• 5 GHz band – not subject to interference.

Algorithm of actions for switching to the old standard:

• go to settings;
• select the “wireless networks” section;
• select the “operating mode” parameter;
• select the 802.11n standard;
• save;
• restart the router.

The only caveat is that new gadgets may not see a router with this standard. Therefore, it may not be possible to strengthen the wifi antenna. If you have difficulty finding an access point, return the settings to their previous settings.

The advantage of a situation where few technical models see the router is that third parties are less likely to connect to you. And hacking access is not such a problem now, even if you use MTS or Megafon.

Setting up the receiver on a laptop

Power management is a useful feature found in many modern laptops, but sometimes it can cause poor signal reception. At home, it is quite possible to quickly change the situation.

What is the reason? Developers of portable equipment, in this case laptops, include a simplified operating mode to save battery power. With its help, the charge is retained longer, but the router, like many other devices, does not work at full capacity.

What can the user do? Go to the power management settings and turn off the corresponding mode. You will immediately be able to see that your device has begun to find more Internet sources.

The influence of other equipment on the signal

Electromagnetic radiation has a direct impact on the operation of the router, namely, on the clarity and range of the signal. What equipment can conflict with the router? Microwave ovens, smartphones, televisions, and now refrigerators. The more modern the technology, the more powerful the radiation coming from it.

The installation distance of the router from such household equipment should be maximum, taking into account the placement of corners, walls and furniture.

There is an important tip. If the signal range conflicts with household appliances, and you are sure of this, you can try changing the frequency of the router. This is done through the settings. It will not be possible to give more precise recommendations - everything is individual here, so you will have to experiment with different indicators, recording the results.

Password protection

You may be surprised, but finding a router password is not a problem now. Especially if it is short and consists only of letters or numbers.

Operators such as Beeline or Rostelecom give a good signal, but it can drop due to overloads created by ill-wishers. Protect yourself with a long password, develop a complex combination and write it down. Use letters, numbers, large and small font.

So, we have looked at many factors that can influence signal attenuation. Each of them has the right to exist in your home. To figure out the reason, you will have to try everything in turn. This will help you understand how to significantly strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi router for the most comfortable use of communication at several reception points.

Among other things, there is always one more option - purchasing a modern, expensive router with a powerful large antenna, significant technical parameters, from a well-known brand. If money is not a problem, and there is no desire to waste time looking for difficulties, then the problem will be solved in this way. At the same time, do not forget that the location of the device is very important. The more open and accessible it is, the better and further the signal will go.

Video - adjusting the speed:

7 simple steps to improve your internet at home.

Nothing is more annoying than a slow speed on your home Wi-Fi network. You can’t download a movie, you can’t watch YouTube videos, you can’t play online games. But what if we say that there are several ways to improve the signal quality and Internet connection speed? Moreover, it will only take you a few minutes to implement them.

1. Choose the right location for your router

Fact from “Captain Obvious” - if you have a five-room apartment and the router is located at the front door, do not be surprised that the signal to the fifth room will be weak.

Try to place the Wi-Fi router in the center of your living space in an open space. So that there is approximately the same distance to any room. Don't forget that the higher the router is, the better. Radio waves propagate downwards and to the sides better.

2. Don’t put the router in the kitchen

Remember, microwave ovens use the same frequency as your Wi-Fi router (2.4 GHz). In addition, it is better to move it away from baby monitors, cordless phones and halogen lamps; they can also interfere with the reception of radio signals.

3. Turn the router antennas up

Most routers have physical antennas, the placement of which can be adjusted. Many users place the router on cabinets and tilt the antennas horizontally, thereby worsening the signal.

To ensure maximum signal strength, position the antenna vertically, pointing straight up.

If there are two antennas on the router, then they should be pointed in the same direction, otherwise you will not get better performance.

4. Move the router away from metal surfaces

Remember that all metal surfaces reflect the Wi-Fi signal. Therefore, you should not place the router near large metal objects, such as metal shelving or safes.

Choose the most modern equipment:

• Access point Apple AirPort Express– 7,990 rub.
• Base station Apple AirPort Extreme– 16,990 rub.
• Base station + external storage Apple AirPort Time Capsule– from 23,990 rub.

5. Choose the best frequency channel

If you open a list of all the Wi-Fi access points in your apartment building, you will be surprised at the number of them. In fact, now every second apartment has a router, and they all interfere with each other and clog frequency channels. For example, in my house the Macbook sees 18(!) different networks at once.

Try to find out exactly where your neighbor has his router, and, if possible, move yours further away.

But the best thing you can do is switch to a different Wi-Fi channel. You can find the setting you need on the router settings page.

In order to select the appropriate channel, download special applications that will show the most “unclogged” Wi-Fi channel. Unfortunately, . But don’t worry, there are analogues for Mac, for example, Wifiscanner. The program will show the networks in the area and the frequency channels they occupy.

6. Switch your router to 5GHz frequency

Expensive models of wireless routers can operate in the 5GHz band (802.11a). If your router can do this, feel free to switch it to this range, as it should be almost completely free. No “garbage” of frequency interference from neighbors’ access points.

7. Turn off the leeches

Also, using special applications (for example, Fing), you can check your Wi-Fi network for the presence of “illegally” connected devices. There is always a chance of running into a cunning neighbor who, like a leech, was able to connect to your network and sits downloading everything from a torrent.

You can make a list of allowed MAC addresses of devices in the router settings.

All these simple but effective actions will help improve the speed of your home Internet and save nerve cells. Share in the comments which method helped you personally, and whether you discovered a freebie from your neighbor who joined.

P.S.: thanks to re:Store for the useful tips!

The Wifi standard was developed at the end of the twentieth century by an Australian engineer, and has since become popular with Internet users from all over the world due to the absence of clutter of wires and cables and its great convenience and ease of use. To connect to network resources, you just need to have a laptop if you are in the signal reception area, or a router if you want to enjoy wireless Internet while sitting at home in a comfortable chair. Problems in operation may be due to the fact that the signal is susceptible to the negative effects of various interferences, in which case it simply needs to be amplified.

The bandwidth of the wifi standard allows you to use the Internet on a laptop or any other portable device at speeds of up to 60 Mbit/s, but, unfortunately, the signal quality in many establishments and access points still leaves much to be desired. It often happens that the reason for poor reception lies in the device itself, so this article will talk about how to improve wifi reception on your laptop.

Method 1: Update drivers and firmware

If the Internet connection on your laptop constantly jumps and disappears, the first thing you need to do is update the router firmware, especially if Windows picked them up automatically. Download the driver for the Wi-Fi adapter from the official website of your laptop manufacturer. After which you need to restart the computer and check the signal.

Method 2. What to do if the laptop does not see wifi?

If your device cannot recognize the access point, then you need to make sure that the wireless module is not disabled. Go to the “adapter settings” section, which is located in the “Network and Sharing Center” and see what status the current connection is in. If it is disabled, then the problem can be solved simply by pressing one “connect” button. After this procedure, it is recommended to restart the laptop and check the reception level again.

Method 3: Change the wireless network channel

This seemingly insignificant point at first glance may turn out to be key to the problem of poor reception. If the majority of users within the distribution radius simultaneously use the Internet through the same channel, then at best the speed drops significantly, making it impossible to view video and audio content, and at worst this threatens connection interruptions every fifteen seconds. To solve this problem, you need to install a special utility on your laptop that will display a list of all wireless networks within the access radius of your device, their frequency characteristics, bandwidth and load at the current time. Now you can independently select the most available channel and click on the “connect” button.

Wi-Fi Analyzer shows used Wi-Fi channels nearby

Method 4: Upgrading the adapter

Another way to enhance wifi reception on your laptop is to improve the adapter itself. This especially applies to those users who use adapters that connect to a laptop via USB ports. It is not recommended to turn them on directly, as the reception and signal will be greatly affected. It would be best to use an extension cord, or purchase a special signal amplifier, which can significantly improve reception.

Method 5: Setting a strong password

Of course, you can use special programs to find out all the users who have “joined” your Wi-Fi, but most likely your goal is to improve reception, and not to punish freeloaders, so it’s best to take the time and come up with a complex password.

Method 6. Reduce the number of electrical appliances within the wireless range

The fact is that devices such as microwaves, cell phones and other household appliances can significantly degrade reception. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that, if possible, minimize the presence of electrical appliances within the operating radius of your router and laptop. In the event that you need to strengthen wifi, for example, while in an office or cafeteria, where it is not possible to rearrange interfering devices at your discretion, all that remains is to change the location.

Method 7. Remove obstacles

Load-bearing walls made of brick or concrete, as well as mirrors and aquariums can serve as a serious obstacle, significantly weakening reception. Since it is not possible to move them like small household appliances, you should find the most suitable place where the signal will be best.

Method 8. Free method for those with skillful hands

If you urgently want to improve your reception, let’s say you have an urgent need for high-quality Internet, but you don’t want to wait several days for the delivery of a new router or amplifier, then skillful, direct hands can come to the rescue. There are several ways to improve the signal on any laptop in this way. For the first, you need two cans of any drink, for the second, a roll of baking foil from which the reflector is made. We will not dwell on the details of the manufacture of these “devices” in this article; there are already a huge number of them on the Internet and on video services like Youtube. Of course, this option has a lot of disadvantages: firstly, the performance quality of such devices will be much worse than those that can be purchased in a store. Secondly, their appearance will be extremely unaesthetic and unattractive.

Method 9. Eliminating interference in the “face” of another router

The signal from another router may interfere, which is a common problem for residents of multi-story buildings. First, you can change the location of your router and configure the antenna. You can also purchase special reflectors in the store that are attached to the antenna and can enhance the reception by directing it in the desired direction.

Method 10. Expensive and reliable

There is an effective method of increasing Internet speed, but its significant drawback is the need for financial costs to purchase a high-quality modern router model. This method can greatly improve the performance of wifi on your laptop, but it is worth considering the fact that today such a purchase will not be cheap.

Method 11. Installing a special repeater

This method is cheaper than the previous one, and its point is to purchase an additional router, preferably the same model that you are currently using. It can be very easily configured to operate in signal repeater or access point duplication mode. This method can significantly improve the signal.

Method 12. Replacing antennas

Most external adapters and routers are equipped with removable antennas, and often the quality of those included with the device leaves much to be desired.

Method 13. Power settings

Often in the properties of your laptop computer, the manufacturer has default settings for the priority of power consumption, which can weaken the signal and degrade reception. First, you need to enter the “control panel” of your laptop, then select the “security and system” section. Now you need to go to the “power supply” directory and manually set the power consumption mode during the wifi connection. To do this, find the “energy saving mode” tab and set performance to maximum, after which you do not forget to save the settings.

Method 14. Installing the router in another location

Some users place it on a cabinet or push it to the far corner of the room, where it may be susceptible to interference and the signal will be constantly interrupted. It is advisable to move it closer to the center of the room, where the reception level will be highest.

Method 15. Using a special amplifier

If the signal remains intermittent and weak, using a special amplifier may be the solution. They are usually sold in the form of small compact antennas that connect to a laptop via a USB port. This will not only significantly expand the coverage area, but will undoubtedly improve the signal.

The question is of course fair and the answer will also be unexpected - two routers are not needed for most users.

However, if you look at a situation like this, the picture of utility changes.

For example, in a large apartment you want to avoid numerous wires. Or you have a lot (two, three) TVs and you don’t want to get an Internet cable for everyone.

Then you will see that the standard Wi-Fi range is not enough.

What then?

Then combining two routers via Wi-Fi

In this option we don't need any cables, so I think it's more attractive.

And the result will be wonderful. Because we still have a single network, but with the addition of one more access point.

And the main thing is that Wi-Fi coverage area increases without loss of quality.

The only requirement for such a connection is that the second router acts as a repeater for the main signal. If I’m not mistaken in the names, this function is called repeater mode, and today most routers have WDS technology.

Settings for a bunch of routers.

We do not change anything in the main router, all parameters remain the same. You need to check the channel number in the Wireless section (Chanel line).

We check the same thing in the second router, otherwise they will not start working together. Now the main task is to configure the second device to signal relay mode. Make sure the second router supports WDS technology.

This can be checked in the documents or on the manufacturer's website. Then connect it to your computer and go to settings through your browser.

Here we make the following changes:

In the WPS section, disable the active status and reboot the router.
It is recommended to go to the DHCP section and disable the server of the same name, since the function of the repeater is to receive network data and not distribute it.
Select the Network section and change the last number in the IP address (you can increase it by one) so that it does not coincide with the combination specified in the operating data of the main router. After the reboot, enter a new set of numbers to enter the parameters.

Open Wireless:

1. Change the Network Name - come up with a name for the access point so that you know which device you are connecting to.
2. Go to Chanel and select the same number as in the basic Internet settings.
3. Check the box next to Enable WDS Bridging - this will enable the operating mode as a repeater.
4. Now that work has begun in the new mode, new settings will appear - click on Survey to search for the network to which we will connect.
5. From the search results, select the main access point, click Connect. In the window that appears, all that remains is to set the encryption type (Key Type) and enter a password for logging into the Internet.

After installing a second access point, you will significantly increase your Wi-Fi coverage area without losing speed and connection quality.

And this is what we need!

So beat it, in one touch about the cable connection.

There are two types of connection using a LAN cable - LAN-WAN or LAN-LAN

Here, equipment for accessing the Internet is located in one network segment. To establish a LAN-to-LAN connection in the main device, all data remains as default.

And in the LAN-WAN process, one of the routers becomes the main one and it receives the Internet. And the second router plays the role of a secondary network and receives data from the “main” access point.

There are relatively many settings:
Enter your IP address in your browser and you will see your device settings.
In the LAN section there should be a checkmark next to the DHCP server.
In the WAN section, the connection type is set to Dynamic IP. And so on…

That’s why I don’t consider it any more than we settled on a Wi-Fi connection. So two routers are not an unnecessary luxury!

Tiny bonus in the topic:

Did you know that the modem mode in modern phones allows you to “distribute” the Internet connection to other mobile devices using both a wireless connection and a USB connection. No, .

Good luck, Friends!