Wi-fi is a fantastic invention, you can access the internet almost anywhere and on lots of different devices. Sit in bed and watch the latest series of House of Cards on Netflix, play Xbox Live from your sofa or stream internet radio in the kitchen.
But there will be occasions when you struggle to get a decent wi-fi signal. There are many reasons for this – if your house is large, the wi-fi signal may struggle to reach far corners, for example – but the problem could be that your router is in the wrong position.
Tip 1: Find a central location: Place it in the middle of your home rather than at one end. Solid surfaces slow down wi-fi speeds and this reduces the number of walls it has to go through.
Tip 2: Make sure it’s away from thick walls: The thicker the wall, the harder it is for the wi-fi signal to pass through.
Tip 4: Ensure it’s visible: The more you can see your router, the better the signal. If you put it in a cupboard, wi-fi speed and distance the signal can travel will reduce.
Tip 5: Avoid windows: Place the router near a window and some of the signal will be sent outside.
Tip 6: Keep it away from your TV: Metal objects can reflect your signal, dispersing it.
Upgrade your router. If you own an older BT Home Hub, consider upgrading. BT is continually improving its Hubs and you’ll get better performance and features from a new device.
Thick walls are the enemy of wi-fi. They simply block the signal. Position your wi-fi router in a central location, so its signal has as few obstructions as possible. Ideally, it needs to have plenty of clear space around it.
Try putting it on a shelf at around waist height or on a desk. Avoid putting it on the floor or close to a TV, as metal objects scatter your signal.
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