Wi‑Fi that drops out during a meeting or buffers your favorite shows is more than annoying—it disrupts your routine. Whether you’re working, streaming, or simply browsing, reliable internet access is essential. The good news is that weak Wi‑Fi signals can often be improved with a few simple adjustments, without changing your internet provider or upgrading your plan.
This guide will walk you through proven, practical tips to boost your Wi‑Fi strength and coverage throughout your home.
1. Optimise Your Router Placement
Where you place your router matters more than most people think. Positioning it poorly can lead to signal loss, dead spots, and slower speeds.
Router placement tips:
- Keep it central in your home for even signal coverage
- Place it on a shelf or mount it—avoid floors and corners
- Keep it away from walls, metal objects, and appliances
If your signal is weak in specific rooms, even a small adjustment in placement can make a noticeable difference.
2. Reduce Interference from Other Devices
Many household electronics operate on the same frequencies as your Wi‑Fi, especially the 2.4 GHz band. This can lead to signal disruption and slower speeds.
To minimise interference:
- Keep the router away from cordless phones, baby monitors, and microwaves
- Switch to the 5 GHz band when possible for devices nearby
- Turn off unused connected devices to free up bandwidth
The more crowded your signal environment is, the more performance drops you’ll experience.
3. Keep Your Network Secure and Optimised
An unsecured network can allow others to connect without your knowledge, slowing your internet and posing security risks.
What to do:
- Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption with a strong password
- Regularly check your device list for unknown users
- Set up guest access with limited bandwidth when needed
You can also enable Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritise traffic for streaming or video conferencing.
4. Upgrade or Extend Your Wi‑Fi Equipment
Older routers often can’t handle modern demands. If you’ve had yours for several years, it might be time to upgrade.
Options to improve coverage:
- Upgrade to a dual-band or tri-band router with strong antennas
- Add a Wi‑Fi range extender to reach dead zones
- Install a mesh system for seamless whole-home coverage
If multiple family members are streaming or gaming at once, updated hardware will help maintain strong speeds across all devices.
5. Use Ethernet for Stationary Devices
Devices that don’t move—like smart TVs, game consoles, or desktops—don’t need Wi‑Fi. Connecting them via Ethernet improves their performance and frees up bandwidth.
Benefits of Ethernet:
- Faster, more reliable speeds
- No interference or signal drop
- Frees up wireless capacity for mobile devices
A hybrid setup of wired and wireless ensures both speed and flexibility.
6. Reboot Your Router Regularly
Sometimes, slowdowns happen due to memory leaks or glitches in the router itself. A simple restart can clear temporary issues and restore normal speeds.
How to do it:
- Power off the router
- Wait 30 seconds
- Plug it back in and allow it to reboot fully
Some routers allow scheduled reboots—you can enable this for automatic maintenance.
7. Switch Frequency Bands for Better Performance
Modern routers offer multiple bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Choosing the right one for your device and distance makes a big difference.
- 2.4 GHz: Better range but slower speed
- 5 GHz: Faster, less interference, shorter range
Devices closer to the router should use 5 GHz, while those farther away may work better on 2.4 GHz.
8. Limit Bandwidth-Heavy Activities
Large downloads, backups, or cloud syncs can overwhelm your network. This can slow things down for other users.
Tips to manage bandwidth:
- Schedule backups and software updates for off-peak hours
- Pause syncing apps during meetings or video calls
- Disable auto-play features on multiple devices
A little bandwidth planning goes a long way.
9. Consider Professional Network Assessment
If you’ve tried all the above and still have trouble, it may be time for a professional check-up. Issues like hidden interference, internal wiring problems, or inefficient layouts can limit your Wi‑Fi strength.
A technician can:
- Test signal strength across your home
- Recommend placement or equipment changes
- Install access points, Ethernet lines, or mesh systems
You’ll get a customised solution tailored to your space and usage.
Final Thoughts
Improving Wi‑Fi signal strength at home doesn’t always require expensive tech or complicated setups. With a few practical adjustments—like better router placement, upgraded equipment, and reduced interference—you can enjoy faster speeds and more consistent coverage across every room.Need help assessing or upgrading your home Wi‑Fi? Contact Brocky’s Internet for expert support and custom solutions tailored to your space.