It is no surprise that having a stable and fast WiFi connection has become a basic necessity in any home. However, many users experience problems that affect their network and their experience.
From areas without coverage, slow speeds or unstable connections, to somewhat more specific technical problems, the truth is that having a good connection at home depends on multiple factors. The good news is that most of these problems can be solved, so below we tell you what you should look at in your network to optimize it to the maximum.
The location of the router is a key factor
The position of the router largely determines the performance of your WiFi network. Ideally, it should be located in a central point with respect to the rooms that need a connection. Height also matters: place it at least at table level, never on the floor. In houses with several floors, try placing it on an intermediate floor to distribute the signal better.
A common mistake is to leave it in the room where the fiber connection arrives. If this input is at one end, it is preferable to use an Ethernet cable to take it to a more central point.
Obstacles blocking the signal
WiFi waves are attenuated when they pass through obstacles. Metallic materials are especially problematic: refrigerators, ovens or washing machines act as shields blocking the signal. Wooden furniture can also affect it, so don’t install the router inside cupboards or behind televisions.
The kitchen is usually the least recommended location, as it concentrates metallic appliances, microwaves that generate interference, water pipes and a higher density of obstacles.
Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz
Modern networks operate in two bands with different characteristics:
- The 2.4 GHz band offers greater range and better penetration through obstacles, ideal for large spaces or spaces with many walls. However, it provides lower speeds and suffers from greater saturation.
- The 5 GHz band allows for significantly higher speeds and operates in a less congested spectrum, but has less penetration capacity and a more limited range.
It is not necessary to choose one or the other: devices close to the router that demand high speed will work better on 5 GHz, while those further away will obtain more stable connections on 2.4 GHz.
For example, a television that plays 4K streaming content and is close to the router will benefit more from the 5 GHz band, while a smart home device, such as a speaker with Alexa, that is far from the router is better off using a more stable band such as 2.4 GHz.
We don’t want signal interference
Interference occurs when several signals compete for the same radio space. In dense urban environments, dozens of neighboring networks can saturate the spectrum, especially in the 2.4 GHz band.
Bluetooth devices, which operate in the same band, can also degrade connection quality. Even USB 3.0 ports generate electromagnetic emissions that interfere with WiFi when they are close to the receiver.
Microwave ovens also emit radiation at frequencies close to 2.4 GHz, which explains why some connections suffer interruptions during use.
If you have several smart devices at home, and each one uses the WiFi standard to communicate with each other, this can saturate the network and end up creating interference. In this sense, it is also advisable to use low-energy standards independent of WiFi, such as Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave and similar. These standards allow smart devices to communicate with each other without using WiFi, thus decongesting the network. In addition, we also have the option of creating a network with an independent SSID to which we connect all these devices.
Channel configuration
Selecting the right channel can substantially improve performance, especially in saturated environments. The 5 GHz band offers more channels available and less overlap between them.
To optimize this configuration, use applications for WiFi analysis that identify the least congested channels in your area. Most modern routers perform this analysis automatically, although you can configure it manually through the router’s administration page.
A good coverage map of the area
Before implementing random solutions, try to identify the exact nature of the problem through an analysis of the coverage. You can use specific applications such as Fing or the apps of your telecommunications company such as Smart WiFi from Movistar, or simply observe the signal indicators of your mobile phone from the rooms where there are problems.
If the signal progressively weakens as you move away from the router, you have a coverage problem. If you have a good signal but experience slowdowns or disconnections, you are probably suffering from interference.
Solutions to improve your coverage
When router optimization is not enough, there are several technologies to expand your network:
- Mesh systems use multiple nodes to create a single intelligent network. They offer the best experience in terms of stability and performance, although they are more expensive.
- Powerline technology uses electrical wiring to transmit the internet between different points. Its performance varies according to the electrical installation.
- Traditional WiFi extenders expand the coverage area at a lower cost, but they tend to reduce the bandwidth by half and require a good original signal.
- The additional access points connected by Ethernet cable to the main router offer maximum performance where they are installed, although they require cabling.
- For specific situations there are solutions such as directional antennas or routers with high-gain antennas.
Important: continuous maintenance
It is best to check your network from time to time to optimize it as needed. Scheduling periodic reboots of the router from time to time and installing firmware updates can also help maintain the network. In homes with multiple devices, you can also make use of technology (QoS) to prioritize certain types of traffic.
The proliferation of smart devices also represents an increasing challenge. Therefore, consider grouping them in a separate network to improve overall performance.
Finally, the old reliable: if you need maximum speed and stability at all times, consider using Ethernet cable connections, which continue to offer unbeatable advantages in terms of latency, stability and speed.
