The modern Internet provides a wealth of advice on how to strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi network. But the disadvantage of many articles is that useful information is hidden behind mountains of recommendations that are not related to the given problem or have a meaning that is completely indirect. As a result, the user tries to increase the range of the Wi-Fi signal using settings that cannot be used to solve such problems. They are simply useless for the network, and even more so for the radius of its activity.

Updated and larger instructions: .

Signal amplification task Wi-Fi networks assumes the influence on changes in the radius of its coverage and the operating distance of Wi-Fi. You can often encounter a problem when it is impossible to use Wi-Fi in the back rooms of your home, although the router has been restored and no problems with its operation have been identified. There may also be inconvenience if it is possible wireless transmission data on different floors of the same room.

What determines the range of a Wi-Fi network? There are many answers to this seemingly simple question. The following factors play an important role in the distribution area of ​​the Wi-Fi network:

• Number and power of router antennas;
• Thickness of the walls in the room;
• Quantity wireless systems transmission of data located nearby;
• The location of the peripheral device that provides Internet access;
• Other interference.

Often, when purchasing a router, buyers ask to choose a device that will provide a stable signal for a home with different amounts rooms or a private house. But it is impossible to advise anything specific in such cases, since many conditions need to be studied. The area of ​​the room may be the only factor that you should pay attention to when buying a router. For an apartment with one room, the option of equipment that is inexpensive and has one antenna with a power of 3 dBi would be quite suitable. To provide a Wi-Fi network signal to rooms with a fairly large area, you need to take into account other characteristics of the router. At the same time, the price factor should not be taken as the basis for purchasing the necessary equipment. For comparison, the device has a number of advantages: multiple antennas, a function to increase the radius of Wi-Fi activity from Asus. But if you use it along with another model, less expensive, at the same distance, the result of its work is not much different from a router model with a price several times less. Although last option equipped with antennas located inside the device.

Changing hardware settings to improve wireless Wi-Fi signal strength

If you have and install equipment for accessing the Internet in a residential or office space, you can try to independently influence the signal strength of the wireless data network. The following tips will help you do this. First you need to decide on a way to solve the problem:

1. Reconfigure the router to strengthen the signal
2. Resort to additional devices or devices

Searching and changing the channel on the router

Step #1: search and change channel on the router. The active operation of your network can be influenced by the networks used by your neighbors. They provide heavy load to the channel on which the operation of your network depends. This can be found out if the device installed in your premises sees available neighboring networks for connection.

There is no way around this without experimentation. There are several options in this case:

• Set up any statistical channel
• Select channel Auto
• Taking advantage additional program select a free channel

What you choose must be fixed in the settings of the data transfer device (router).

There is no point in focusing on the instructions for replacing and installing the frequency range in this article. The easiest way is to use this useful article. It contains information about the essence of the channel and the method of finding an unloaded one. For routers of various models, the frequency range changes according to a certain method.

Transferring the network to 802.11N

Step #2: We switch our network to 802.11N operating mode. b/g/n (11bgn mixed) mode is the standard setting for wireless network operation. For routers with more than one antenna, you can force it to change. The choice in favor of 802.11N is characterized by new advantages of the router: improved Wi-Fi broadcasting, increased speed and expanded coverage area.

In the tab that opens, find the item Wireless mode and set the command only in N mode ( N only).

Below the described technique is clearly displayed using the example of an Asus router.

The stage ends by saving the settings and completely rebooting the device. If problems are detected while connecting the router, you must return to mixed operating mode.

Transmission Power Test

Step #3: We check the transmission power in the router settings. You can set the power of the Wi-Fi network yourself. Unfortunately, this option is not available for all devices and serves mainly to reduce power, but it is still worth paying attention to this fact.

For equipment from the manufacturer Asus, you need to use the tab with the item Wireless network- Professionally. At the bottom there is the following: “ Tx power transmission power control. The power indicator is adjusted by a scale with a unit of measurement - percentage. Visually it looks like this:

For Tp-Link routers, changing parameters is done using Wireless — Wireless Advanced. To determine the signal strength parameters, there is a point Transmit Power. The maximum power is indicated by the word High.

Additional devices to increase the active coverage area of ​​the wireless network

1. Installation repeater, or setting up a second router in amplifier mode.

This method differs from all others in its particular reliability and efficiency. But, along with this, it requires additional material costs for the purchase of a repeater. This device amplifies the signal and is installed in a place where Wi-Fi can still be detected, but its signal is already quite weak. It works on the principle of a repeater and transmits the network signal further. In the article, you can get acquainted with this small device in detail.

To perform repeater functions, you can use additional routers from manufacturers ZyXEL and Asus. It is possible to set the repeater mode in them, guided by the following methods:

1. Changing the router antennas to more powerful ones.

Using this method, the coverage of the Wi-Fi network can be increased, but only slightly. The result of changing antennas is not effective. Moreover, as in the first case, it requires additional investments. Yes, the price of removable antennas for a router is not that high, but is it worth spending money if it won’t do any good?

If you decide to change antennas, then you need to take the most powerful ones.

1. Buying a new router, switching to 5 GHz.

Since most routers operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the device has an operating range of 5 GHz. will be operated much more efficiently. This is explained by the comparative freedom of this range and the absence of numerous interferences. The result of this is an increase in speed and an increase in the range of the wireless network.

You resort to switching to another band and purchasing a new router when the signal of your network is influenced by various other networks. Problems with low speed, constant “glitches” and loss of access can be solved by purchasing a new expensive router with a 5 GHz operating range.

Tip 1. Select the correct location for your router. It’s worth taking this advice, because most people have a router installed either in remote rooms or in the hallway. As a result, you should not expect efficient operation of the wireless network.

The best place to place the router would be in the center of your home or office, and you should also be aware that walls interfere with the Wi-Fi network signal.

Tip 2. Homemade amplifiers for Wi-Fi antennas. The device can be made using available materials. Foil and tin are suitable for this. Many articles by folk craftsmen repeat this. In practice, you can place foil or a tin near the router so that the signal seems to bounce back and change direction, but this is not very effective. Moreover, from an aesthetic point of view, such a solution does not look very good.

Owners of three-room apartments and large country houses often face such a problem that the signal Wi-Fi router in some rooms it is too weak and does not allow normal use of the Internet. This is not surprising, since any waves tend to fade as they propagate, especially when there are too many obstacles in their path. Moreover, the quality of the signal is influenced not only by physical objects, but also by various types of noise created by electrical appliances. In this article we will talk about how to strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi router at home using the simplest and most affordable methods.

Choosing the optimal location for a Wi-Fi router

Let's start with the definition best place location of your router. Obviously, the router should be located in that part of the apartment/house that will provide the maximum signal coverage area (radius). For example, the corner room of a three-room apartment is not suitable for this role, but the living room, usually located in the center, looks much more preferable. In a two-story house, you need to choose a place so that both tiers fall within the coverage area.

Bad location:

A good option:

This is ideal, but in reality it is also necessary to take into account the amount and strength of interference encountered along the signal path. Both physical obstacles (walls, partitions, etc.) and those operating at the same frequency (2.4 GHz) weaken the signal. wireless devices(microwave oven, baby monitor, radiotelephone, Bluetooth devices etc.) Metal objects, glass, mirrors negatively affect the signal quality.

Failed scheme:

Best option:

Strengthening the signal using manual channel selection

We have already said that various types of wireless devices located in close proximity to your Wi-Fi router can seriously degrade its signal. These same devices also include other routers, of which there may be a great variety in the neighborhood. There are special utilities and applications that allow you to scan surrounding wireless networks for the channels used and their congestion. One of the most popular programs of this kind is inSSIDer. Let's download it from the Internet and study the functionality.

Let us immediately note that the inSSIDer application is best suited for desktop computers, laptops and tablets. Smartphones have their own programs that are easy to find and install. So, launch the utility, select the adapter type (in our case, D-Link DWA-125 is used) and click the “Start Scan” button. Based on its results, all Wi-Fi networks detected nearby will be displayed with full specifications– MAC address, name (SSID), channel involved and signal strength (RSSI). We are primarily interested in channels here, but before we start working with them, it wouldn’t hurt to figure out what they are.

Modern Wi-Fi routers can operate in two frequency bands – 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz frequency (actually the range 2.4-2.4835 GHz) is the most common and is supported by most routers offered today. For this frequency band in the Russian Federation, channels 1-13 are reserved. At a frequency of 5 GHz (5.15-5.35 GHz) only the most latest models Wi-Fi routers, using channels 34-64. So, in the table of the inSSIDer program we can see which channels are used by nearby routers (the “Channel” column) and what the signal strength is (the RSSI column). The lower the RSSI number, the better signal. For convenience, below are the graphs – Channel Graph and Time Graph.

The first trapezoid graph displays channels and signal strength.

The second graph shows the timing diagram of the signal.

The optimal situation is when on the “time graph” the signal of your Wi-Fi network does not intersect with other networks. If this happens, interference may occur and it may be worth experimenting with the channels. To do this, you need to go to the router settings.

As an example, let's take the TP-Link TL-WR841N router that we cited. We go to the administrative panel of the router, and then to the section Wireless Mode - Wireless Settings. Here, in the drop-down list, you can manually set one of 13 channels (the default mode is “Auto”). Select the channel that is not used by neighboring routers and, accordingly, is less loaded. After changing the settings, save them and restart your device.

Rescan your wireless networks and see how the Wi-Fi signal strength has changed. In any case, you will have to experiment with the settings yourself to achieve the best configuration.

Switching to another frequency

If your router can operate not only in the 2.4 GHz band, but also at a frequency of 5 GHz, then it is advisable to switch to the second, more high frequency. As a rule, it is less busy.

Increasing the transmitter power of a Wi-Fi router

Most network devices allow you to change the power of the signal transmitter in the same web interface. You can set this parameter for the TP-Link TL-WR841N router in the section Wireless Mode – Advanced Settings. If the power is set to “Medium”, then change the value to “High”. This action should strengthen the router's Wi-Fi signal.

Changing the direction of the antenna

Improving signal quality can be achieved by simply changing the angle of the router antenna. True, there is, of course, no talk of any serious strengthening here. But it is quite possible to provide good coverage for a specific area of ​​the room, in which the Wi-Fi signal will mainly be received. Rotate the antenna in different directions, measuring the signal intensity, and find its best position.

Curiously, the correct position Wi-Fi antennas router depends on their number. And this is due to the peculiarities of the propagation of wireless network waves. So, if there is only one antenna, it is recommended to position it perpendicularly. If your router has two antennas, then it is better to place them at an angle of 45 degrees. However, these are only general tips; each specific case has its own recipe for the optimal direction of the antennas.

Installing a more powerful antenna

Many router models have replaceable antennas, which makes it possible to install an emitter with a higher gain (dBi). In this case, you need to understand that in fact the total intensity of the transmitted signal will not increase, since the same fixed power (maximum 100 mW) will be supplied to the antenna. It’s just that antennas with a high dBi rating are able to concentrate power in a certain direction, significantly improving the signal quality in some areas and worsening it in others. Those. The benefits of using more “powerful” antennas can only be obtained if all signal receivers are located in one place.

Using a signal amplifier (repeater)

One of the most effective ways to expand the coverage area of ​​a wireless Wi-Fi network is to use a so-called repeater (also known as a repeater, also known as a repeater). This portable device, which is sold in any computer store or home appliance hypermarket. The repeater must be located in that part of the house/apartment where the signal from your Wi-Fi router is still available, but it is already quite weak. The repeater receives this signal, amplifies it and transmits it further. This ensures a significant increase in the area of ​​stable and reliable reception.

The advantages of a repeater include the fact that it allows you to easily scale the coverage area of ​​your wireless network. In this case, the network broadcast by the repeater is a complete copy of the network created by the original Wi-Fi router. Among the disadvantages, we note the decent cost of the repeater, comparable even to the price of some routers. By the way, the routers themselves can also perform the function of strengthening the Wi-Fi signal, although not all models have this capability. If you have an unused router sitting somewhere collecting dust, then you can adapt it as a repeater, after first making sure that it has this functionality.

Updating Wi-Fi router firmware

In certain cases, reflashing the router with the installation itself helps improve the Wi-Fi signal latest version software. This procedure may vary depending on the model, so it is recommended to look for instructions specifically for your router.

Results

We have listed all the main ways to boost a Wi-Fi signal. This article does not address the situation when Internet speed drops due to unauthorized connection of third-party users to your network. To avoid this, set a strong password for your Wi-Fi. Sometimes deterioration in quality wireless communication occurs due to a malfunction of the router or simply after a long period of continuous operation. In this case, a simple reboot usually helps.

We hope that the information provided will help you correctly configure your home Wi-Fi network and ensure reliable signal reception within the maximum radius.

Reasons for a weak signal

It’s hardly worth reminding why a router is needed and what a signal is. When you turn on the internet, does it work better than after a few hours? One of the reasons for this situation is old firmware. The solution may be to reboot daily. For example, you just came home and decided to turn on the computer. Make it a habit to reboot your router immediately.

Another problem may be overheating of the iron. If this is observed, it is quite possible that during your absence the router is “overworked”, distributing the Internet. This story is typical for older models, so turn off the device before leaving home.

Another option for solving the problem is setting automatic reboot. This can be done on a laptop using DD-WRT firmware.

Using DD-WRT to improve feed quality

Let's figure out how to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal of a router using DD-WRT firmware. First you need to install it. Software allows you to use a wide range of functionality, but the presence of the firmware itself already stabilizes the signal and amplifies it, even if the device’s power is not too high.

If desired, you can set a reboot timer and take advantage of other functions.

Choosing a location for the router

For the device to work well, you need to choose a good place for it. Basic rules and recommendations to enhance the reception and sending of information:

• A place in the corner will not work. The walls around will become an obstacle and reduce the distance over which the signal will be sent.
• Model the location of all points that will connect to the wireless network. Consider the placement of an armchair, sofa, etc. The distance from the router to the receiving devices should be approximately the same. If you want to direct the Internet outside, place the router closer to the window.
• Install the router higher, perhaps on top of your computer, or as close to the ceiling as possible. This will avoid many obstacles, which are usually furniture.

Antenna operation

Firstly, the antenna can be directed to the place where you usually are. This is relevant for cases when users can place the router in a specific location located far from the point of operation.

Secondly, it is possible to extend the antenna. Upgrading will lead to a significant improvement in the signal, but this is only relevant for those devices whose antenna is located outside, and not built-in and hidden inside.

How to build a device with your own hands that will help strengthen the signal? Take foil or something else that is made of metal. A jar of low-alcohol, canned food is also suitable. Of course, curved metal sheets will be the best solution. Look at the diagram below to understand the next steps.

The antenna signal will be strengthened if you replace the weak model with a new one. How do you know if the product you are buying is suitable? Find out the technical parameters. All variations cost between 300-500 rubles, but some will be much more expensive. If your antenna has a gain of 2-3dBi, buy a new one with a gain of 5-8dBi - you will immediately feel the difference.

Step by step video:

There is one caveat here. If the KU is currently 4, there is no need to buy a five - this will not give much effect.

Repeater Application

Repeaters are becoming increasingly popular. They cost between 600-1000 rubles, and if you order the device in China, it will be even cheaper. The device connects to the router and works as an information flow multiplier. Some modern models combine several Wi-Fi points, due to which the signal is significantly improved and spreads over a long distance.

For the repeater to work, you only need the ssid and network password. The device plugs into a standard outlet and does not take up much space.

Using the adapter

Adapters are either built into the router, which happens most often, or connected separately via a USB port. If you have a model that matches the second option, try choosing a new adapter.

How do you know which model is better? Rate specifications device, and also look at the length of the antenna. Typically, the power of the equipment can be determined using the length of the antenna unit - the larger it is, the better the signal will be. Operators such as Promsvyaz help you get a medium-power signal, but with the help of a good adapter you can amplify it.

Selecting a wireless standard

Let's figure out how to increase the power of the router using settings. 802.11ac is a modern standard, but its predecessor 802.11n is also not bad. It has a number of advantages:

• use of several antennas simultaneously;
• increasing the network coverage area;
• stability;
• 5 GHz band – not subject to interference.

Algorithm of actions for switching to the old standard:

• go to settings;
• select the “wireless networks” section;
• select the “operating mode” parameter;
• select the 802.11n standard;
• save;
• restart the router.

The only caveat is that new gadgets may not see a router with this standard. Therefore, it may not be possible to strengthen the wifi antenna. If you have difficulty finding an access point, return the settings to their previous settings.

The advantage of a situation where few technical models see the router is that third parties are less likely to connect to you. And hacking access is not such a problem now, even if you use MTS or Megafon.

Setting up the receiver on a laptop

Power management is a useful feature found on many modern laptops, but sometimes it causes poor signal reception. At home, it is quite possible to quickly change the situation.

What is the reason? Developers of portable equipment, in this case laptops, include a simplified operating mode to save battery power. With its help, the charge is retained longer, but the router, like many other devices, does not work at full capacity.

What can the user do? Go to the power management settings and turn off the corresponding mode. You will immediately be able to see that your device has begun to find more Internet sources.

The influence of other equipment on the signal

Electromagnetic radiation has a direct impact on the operation of the router, namely, on the clarity and range of the signal. What equipment can conflict with the router? Microwave ovens, smartphones, televisions, and now refrigerators. How more modern technology, the more powerful the radiation comes from it.

The installation distance of the router from such household equipment should be maximum, taking into account the placement of corners, walls and furniture.

There is an important tip. If the signal range conflicts with household appliances, and you are sure of this, you can try changing the frequency of the router. This is done through the settings. It will not be possible to give more precise recommendations - everything is individual here, so you will have to experiment with different indicators, recording the results.

Password protection

You may be surprised, but finding a router password is not a problem now. Especially if it is short and consists only of letters or numbers.

Operators such as Beeline or Rostelecom give a good signal, but it can drop due to overloads created by ill-wishers. Protect yourself with a long password, develop a complex combination and write it down. Use letters, numbers, large and small font.

So, we have looked at many factors that can influence signal attenuation. Each of them has the right to exist in your home. To figure out the reason, you will have to try everything in turn. This will help you understand how to significantly strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi router for the most comfortable use of communication at several reception points.

Among other things, there is always one more option - purchasing a modern, expensive router with a powerful large antenna, significant technical parameters, from a well-known brand. If money is not a problem, and there is no desire to waste time looking for difficulties, then the problem will be solved in this way. At the same time, do not forget that the installation location of the device is very important. The more open and accessible it is, the better and further the signal will go.

Video - adjusting the speed:

Nowadays, the computer has become an integral attribute of progressive life. It is used to perform a variety of tasks, not least to access the Internet. Since almost everyone at home has several devices with this capability, a router is used to meet the interests and needs of each family member.

But when several users simultaneously use the same access point, problems with Wi-Fi reception may occur. In order not to suffer from poor communication and not to run around the apartment looking for a signal, you can carry out some equipment upgrades. We would like to show you how you can increase the quality of reception with your own hands.

Reasons for a weak signal

Typically, a router with a built-in antenna has a coverage radius of a maximum of several tens of meters, and often even less. This is due to the fact that a cheap router has a low-power transmitter that is unable to provide high-quality Wi-Fi reception over the entire coverage radius. Also, when installing the router near sockets to which other devices are connected, radio signal interference may occur, which will affect the quality of reception and the wave propagation range will deteriorate.

Correct placement of the router indoors

To ensure uninterrupted reception of the wireless signal, you need to position the Wi-Fi router correctly. The operation of the network is affected by the walls located in the apartment and their thickness, the location of the computer, and the operation of electrical appliances.

The router should be placed as high as possible and close to the center of the apartment or house

The router should be installed in such a way as to minimize the number of walls the radio signal can overcome, because each of them significantly reduces the coverage radius. It is better when the signal passes perpendicular to the wall, and not at an angle.

Routers operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, which is also used by almost all other household appliances - refrigerators, microwaves, televisions. Therefore, try to place Wi-Fi equipment a few meters away from other equipment.

In addition, the following may cause interference:

• glass and mirrors;
• aquariums;
• soundproofing of walls;
• metal constructions.

Selecting a communication channel

To transmit the signal from the router to other devices, 11 communication channels are used. The router automatically changes the channel, choosing the optimal one. But sometimes the channels are not selected quite correctly, which is why they overlap each other and the signal weakens. You can change the channel manually.

1. Enter the router settings mode. To do this, enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), login (usually admin) and password (usually admin or password) in the browser.
2. Go to the Wireless Network - Settings tab. In the Channel line, select one of the 11 available channels.

But which channel should you choose? You can use special utilities, for example, Free Wi-Fi Scanner on a laptop or WiFi Analyzer on Android. They will show which channels are free and which are busy.

Launch the utility on your laptop. Its task is to scan all available networks and show which channel each of them operates on. Information about each connection is displayed in chart form. Please note that some channels may overlap, which may impair reception. Connect to a completely free channel, then don’t forget to click the Save button.

Selecting a broadcast standard

All Wi-Fi equipment operates in one of four standards: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n. The most common of them are b, g, n. The latter provides better gain and stability. In the router settings you can determine which standard your device will operate in.

1. Enter your router settings.
2. Go to the Wireless network - Settings section, in the Mode line select 802.11n.

Wi-Fi wireless network parameter “Mode” - allows you to select the broadcast standard

Attention! Not all devices support this standard, so it is better to choose automatic standard selection.

During continuous operation, the router may malfunction due to heating of the board or software errors, for this reason Wi-Fi begins to work worse. It is best to reboot through the router’s web interface, for which you need to go to the settings mode, section System Settings, where you will find the corresponding button.

Making a booster antenna

Option 1. Parabolic antenna. We will need a metal beer or drink can, or food foil. We cut out a piece of foil as wide as the height of the router antenna, or we cut out the bottom and top from the can and cut it on one side to make a rectangle. The jar is already curved, but if we use foil, bend it so that it becomes parabolic. Now we need to attach our creation to the antenna. This way you can increase the coverage range, and Wi-Fi will be less scattered.

Parabolic antenna for router made from aluminum can

Option 2. Focusing attachment. You will need copper wire with a diameter of 0.8–1 mm and a piece of cardboard or plastic. We cut the wire into lengths of 48 mm (2), 50 mm (2), 52 mm (1) and 59 mm (1). They are attached to the cardboard exactly in the middle at a distance, as indicated in the diagram. We cut out the cardboard and attach the structure to the antenna. It will help to significantly enhance signal reception and coverage range. If the router has two antennas, we make an amplifier for each.

This method is suitable if the router has a weak translator or if the router is located at a sufficiently distant distance from the devices, due to which the connection is not stable and the network is constantly interrupted

Signal repeater

If no method brings the desired result, you should try a scheme with two routers, one of which will act as an amplifier. To improve reception in this way, you can buy a special device, but if you have an old router lying around, you can use it.

1. Enter the router setup mode.
2. In the Wireless network section, find the Operating mode item.
3. Select the “Universal Repeater” mode.
4. Click the "Search" button to find the network of your main router. Connect to it and reboot your device.
5. Select an encryption algorithm and reboot again.

Conclusion

There are really many ways to strengthen your home Wi-Fi signal. To increase the coverage radius of your home network, a specific method is suitable for each user. For some, it will be enough to rearrange the router, while others will have to make an amplifier. But the truth is that you don’t have to resort to the services of specialists to do this.

How do you improve signal quality? wireless connection? Share your ideas in the comments.