Of course, WiFi networks can also interfere with one another, a problem that’s especially common in apartment buildings and other densely populated areas. Interference: WiFi signals occupy the same radio frequency band of the electromagnetic spectrum as actual radios, cell phones, microwave ovens, walkie talkies, baby monitors, and many other devices, all of which can interfere with WiFi signals.
These WiFi blockers have especially negative effect on 5 GHz WiFi networks, because higher frequency signals don’t penetrate solid objects nearly as well as lower frequency signals.
Obstructions: WiFi signals can be partially absorbed or even completely blocked by various obstacles and objects, including walls, duct work, furniture, home appliances, and even people.You can determine the reach of your WiFi router using a WiFi analyzer app like NetSpot. Cheaper routers may even struggle to cover a relatively small apartment with a strong WiFi signal - let alone an entire house. Physical distance: For obvious technical and safety reasons, WiFi routers don’t have the same transmitting power as cell towers.
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Often, though, that software is second-rate compared to stand-alone apps for analyzing your Wi-Fi.The seemingly unreliable nature of WiFi networks has everything to do with the fact that there are many factors that influence their performance. App AssistanceĬhances are that any extender you buy comes with its own software for optimizing its position and performance. If you experience this issue, try using a different network name for the extended segment. But it also means that there can be problems in the areas covered by both the router and the extender where their signals overlap. Using the same log-in credentials allows you to roam between the router and extender without re-logging in and connect with networked printers and storage drives. When setting up the extender you’ll have to decide whether to keep the same network name and encryption passcode or use a different one. The prime culprits here are microwave ovens, cordless phones, refrigerators or even baby monitors. Another big disruptor of Wi-Fi extenders are stray radio-frequency signals from things that interfere with the Wi-Fi signals. When picking your extender’s location, avoid objects that will either reflect the signal (like mirrors or large pieces of metal) or absorb it (walls, closets or masonry supports). In fact, it often works best in multi-story situations if the router and extender are roughly above or below each other. Solve this by moving the extender closer to the router than you might if both devices were on the same floor. However, when setting up an extender for a floor above or below the router (such as for a basement or attic), you’ll need to take account of the extra height and all the wood, steel and plaster in your floors and ceilings - building materials that can absorb part of the Wi-Fi signal. If you have a ranch house or a single-floor apartment, you should be home-free. Upstairs, downstairs: Better signal in multistory homes Netgear's Nighthawk EX7000 is among our top choices for Wi-Fi extenders.