Most people set up their router wherever the cable or phone jack happens to be, push it into a corner, and never think about it again. That's completely understandable, but it's also one of the biggest reasons people deal with weak or spotty WiFi in their own homes.

The good news is that moving your router, or even just repositioning it, can make a real difference without spending a dime.

WiFi signals spread out in all directions

Your router broadcasts a wireless signal in a bubble shape, roughly equal in all directions. If your router is against a wall in a corner of the house, you're sending most of that signal into walls and the outdoors, where it does you no good. Put it as close to the center of your home as possible and you'll get much more even coverage throughout.

This is especially true in two-story homes. A router on the first floor covers the floor above it much better than one in the basement.

Height makes a difference too

WiFi signals travel slightly better downward than upward. Putting your router on a shelf or desk at mid-room height, rather than on the floor, helps the signal spread more evenly. You don't need to mount it to the ceiling, but getting it off the floor and out in the open is worth doing.

Things that interfere with your signal

Concrete and brick walls absorb WiFi signals significantly more than regular drywall. If your router has to push through a concrete basement wall or a brick fireplace to reach part of your home, that part of your home will have noticeably weaker WiFi.

Microwaves and older cordless phones can also interfere with WiFi, especially if you have an older router. They operate on similar radio frequencies and can cause temporary slowdowns when in use.

Fish tanks, large mirrors, and metal appliances (like a refrigerator) can reflect or block signals too. It sounds surprising, but a fish tank between your router and your couch can actually degrade your connection.

When repositioning isn't enough

Some homes are just too large, or have too many thick walls, for a single router to cover well. If you've got a dead zone in the back bedroom or the garage and repositioning hasn't helped, a WiFi extender or a mesh network system can fill in the gaps. These are relatively inexpensive and plug into a regular outlet. It's worth considering before you assume your internet service is the problem.

Not sure if your setup is as good as it could be? A quick conversation can usually get you pointed in the right direction. Reach out to PCRescue anytime.