Does changing router placement help in ensuring better internet speed?

You must have heard so much about how the router's repositioning can help improve the internet connection speed but are yet to really understand the idea behind it. You don’t have to worry any longer as the issue will be extensively dealt with in this article. However, before we proceed further, it’s necessary to affirm the question raised above – which also doubles as the topic of this write-up. The answer is: YES! Changing your router placement will surely help you gain better internet speed.

How does placement affect?

It all comes down to the transmission of signals – which are primarily radio waves. So, the farther away your device is from your router, the lesser the signal strength, which ultimately causes slow internet speed. This is why it is advisable to have the router close to the connected device(s). It would be best if you also understand the impact a dead spot could have on your signal strength. A dead spot is simply that part of your home where signal strength reduces to zero – this won’t change irrespective of how many times you run an internet speed test . Hence, you should not place your Wi-Fi in a dead spot. Again, interference from devices such as microwaves, TV, etc., can also significantly negatively affect your internet connection. Likewise, metal doors, walls, mirrors, aquariums, and so on can disturb the flow of the radio signals from your router, leading to poor internet speed..

Best place for a wireless router

You have to keep your router away from areas where you have the objects or devices highlighted in the preceding discussion. This would see you picking another spot that would assure better signal strength. You may have to run an online internet speed test to ascertain the part of the home or office that will be perfect for your router - doing an Ookla speed test should suffice in this regard. Let’s now see three different places you can have your router for better internet speed:

• Keep it in the open:

  You should get your router out of any hidden area – the cupboard, underneath the bed, or behind the TV. You will have a better signal strength when your router is in the open, where it has no obstruction around.

• On a bar or shelf:

  Placing your router on the floor is never a good idea, especially if you desire the best speed for your internet connection. This is where a bar or shelf – or something that would be elevating – will come in handy. You should have your router on this height, and you can sit back to enjoy a steady connection.

• At the center of your home/office:

  You should locate the middle of your home or office, where you should have your router positioned. Having the router centrally placed will keep it away from the walls and ensure that the house's radio signals are well circulated.

Before you settle for a particular position from the list above, you should conduct a speed test by Ookla for each spot and then go with the one that returns the best outcome – an improved and stable internet connection.