7 Router Placement Myths Debunked (And What Really Works)

You may be paying for the best internet plan your ISP offers, but the truth is that the location of your router can make a big difference in how well or poorly your Wi-Fi works. That’s why I’m busting seven common myths about router placement to help you get the most out of your Wi-Fi speed and quality.

Myth 1: You can keep your router in the corner to reduce clutter

While tucking your router into the corner of your living room or bedroom may make your space look cleaner, it can seriously affect your Wi-Fi signal. Ideally, you should place your router in a central location so that it can broadcast signals in all directions. This is the easiest way to improve the speed of your Wi-Fi router.

If you have a multi-level home, consider upgrading to a mesh network for better and more consistent coverage. Of course, there are several features that you should check when purchasing a mesh Wi-Fi system. However, if you live in a large enough space, it is worth investing in it. Again, you’ll want to ensure that the primary node is centrally located and the others are strategically placed across the house to maximize Wi-Fi performance.

Myth 2: You can place the router on the floor for stability

I’ve gone into homes where the Wi-Fi router was placed on the floor for stability and easy access to an electrical outlet. Although it might seem practical, placing the router on the floor can limit the spread of the Wi-Fi signal. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi signals propagate downward as well as outward.

If you place the router on the floor, the floor will absorb at least some of the signal. To avoid this, place the Wi-Fi router at a slight altitude. If you have a bookshelf or desk nearby, place the router on one of these objects to maximize signal spread.

Myth 3: You can place your router near a window for better range

Placing your router near a window where it can broadcast Wi-Fi signals with fewer obstacles might seem logical. However, glass can scatter or reflect Wi-Fi signals, which can lead to a poor connection in the home.

Even with the window open, you risk exposing the router to direct sunlight, which could cause it to overheat and limit its performance. So instead of placing the router near a window, keep it in a shaded, non-reflective area.

Myth 4: You can hide your router near other electronics to save space

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It may be tempting to put your router on a shelf with other electronics and gadgets to save space and keep the area more organized, but this can seriously affect the propagation of Wi-Fi signals.

Many gadgets, especially those that operate on the same 2.4 GHz frequency as your Wi-Fi network, can interfere and weaken the router’s signals. If you’re on the 5GHz band, as opposed to the 2.4GHz band, this may not be as much of a problem, but you can still face interference from metal parts on other devices that can reflect signals.

To avoid this, place the router at least five feet away from other electronics. If this is not practical for your home, try to place the router as far away from other gadgets in your space as possible.

Myth 5: You can hide the router behind furniture or other objects

Walls and pillars can affect router performance. Bulky objects such as a sofa or bookcase around the router can weaken the Wi-Fi signals that propagate outside. If you want to optimize Wi-Fi reception in your home, do a quick scan for large objects around the router that could be blocking the signal.

Try to move these objects as far away as possible so that the Wi-Fi signal has a more open area to move freely. If you can’t move furniture, raise the router so that signals can bypass obstacles.

Myth 6: You can place your router in the basement or attic for better coverage

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By now you’ve probably figured out that the best location for your router is somewhere in the middle and open. This means that the basement and attic are naturally the last places you should put your router.

However, if you have a home office in the basement or attic, or just spend a lot of time on those floors, you may want a strong Wi-Fi connection in those areas. In this case, it is best to use a mesh Wi-Fi network or signal extender to increase Wi-Fi coverage. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy decent Wi-Fi coverage in different parts of your home without having to put your router in an obscure part of the basement or attic.

Myth 7: You can place your router near water sources

Like windows, water absorbs and weakens Wi-Fi signals. So whether you’ve accidentally placed your Wi-Fi router next to the fish tank, near the kitchen sink, or near the bathroom, you’ll want to move it away to ensure a more reliable connection.

Being aware of water sources near the router also ensures that you don’t have to worry about accidental water splashes that could damage the router over time.

How to really optimize your Wi-Fi signal

Now that we’ve debunked some of the most common router placement myths, you should have a better idea of ​​how to find the optimal location for your router in your home. But keep in mind that location, while extremely important, is only part of the solution.

To make your Wi-Fi signal even stronger, you should occasionally update your router’s firmware, use wireless repeaters or mesh networks as needed, check that your current internet plan meets your needs, and if possible, replace the antenna with a version with high profit. These changes, combined with the optimal placement of the router, will provide you with reliable Wi-Fi throughout the house.