In today’s connected world, a strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal is essential for nearly everything we do, from working remotely and managing our homes to relaxing and interacting with our social communities. The more we rely on Wi-Fi to power our daily activities, the more frustrating it becomes when connectivity issues get in our way. In this guide, we’ll help you understand how walls and other structures interfere with Wi-Fi signals and share tips on what you can do about it.
There’s no shortage of obstacles that interfere with Wi-Fi connectivity. Dense materials, such as concrete, brick and metal can absorb or reflect the radio waves that Wi-Fi relies on.
As Wi-Fi signals pass through walls, these materials significantly reduce signal strength. In addition to these physical barriers, interference from various electronic devices further compounds the problem.
Here are some common barriers that can interfere with Wi-Fi signals:
Understanding these sources of interference is the first step toward optimizing your network. By mitigating these obstacles, you can ensure more reliable and consistent Wi-Fi coverage throughout your space. If you are an EPB Fiber Optics customer you can always contact EPB Tech ProsSM support 24/7/365 who are happy to assist you in troubleshooting your Wi-Fi at no charge.
Finding the perfect location for your router is one of the most effective ways to achieve strong, consistent Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. The position of your router can determine whether you enjoy seamless connectivity or struggle with dead zones and weak signals.
To maximize your Wi-Fi signal strength, follow these strategic placement tips:
By following these placement tips, you can significantly improve your Wi-Fi signal strength and ensure more reliable connectivity throughout your space.
One of the most effective upgrades you can make is switching to a router that supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, such as Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Wi-Fi 6 offers several significant advantages over previous generations, including better performance in high-density environments and improved speeds.
A newer standard, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), was released in January 2024 and promises even greater enhancements, including faster speeds and improved efficiency through walls. However, as of August 2024, it is still new to the market, and compatible devices are not yet widely available.
Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy by upgrading your router:
If your current router already has external antennas, consider upgrading them for a low-effort, cost-effective signal boost. Most external antennas are easy to replace—simply unscrew them at the base and insert the new antennas.
Here are a few features to consider when shopping for external antennas:
Wi-Fi extenders are an effective solution for expanding coverage in areas that are too far for your primary router to consistently reach. Extenders work by capturing your primary router’s existing Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcasting it to cover a larger area.
When setting up a Wi-Fi extender, it’s crucial to place it in a location where the signal from your router is still strong enough to be effectively captured and relayed. High-quality extenders ensure optimal performance, helping to eliminate dead zones and provide reliable coverage throughout your space.
🧑💻Tech Tip: To learn more about Wi-Fi extenders, check out our blog post.
For more comprehensive coverage, consider installing a mesh network system. Unlike extenders, which simply rebroadcast the signal, mesh systems create a unified network across multiple nodes that work together to deliver consistent Wi-Fi coverage.
Each node communicates with the others, ensuring seamless connectivity as you move throughout your home or office. Proper placement of mesh nodes is key to their effectiveness; positioning them in strategic locations ensures that the signal is strong and evenly distributed, providing a stable and reliable connection across your entire space.
🧑💻Tech Tip: If you'd like to enjoy the benefits of a mesh Wi-Fi network but want to skip the hassle of installing it yourself, consider adding EPB Smart Net Plus whole-home Wi-Fi. Learn more.
Powerline networking adapters provide a robust alternative for extending your internet connection to areas where Wi-Fi signals are weakened by walls or other obstacles. These adapters utilize your home’s existing electrical wiring to transmit data, effectively turning every outlet into a potential network connection point.
Powerline networking adapters send your internet signal through the electrical wiring in your home. By plugging one adapter into a wall outlet near your router and another into an outlet in the area where you need better connectivity, you can extend your network without the limitations of Wi-Fi.
This method bypasses the challenges of thick walls, floors, or other structural barriers, delivering a more stable connection.
Tips for Selecting and Installing Powerline Adapters
Benefits of Powerline Networking
By opting for powerline networking, you can overcome the limitations of Wi-Fi and enjoy a stronger, more reliable internet connection in every room, even those far from your router.
Fine-tuning your router’s settings can significantly enhance your Wi-Fi performance by reducing interference and improving signal strength. Here are some practical steps you can take to optimize your router:
By optimizing these settings, you can minimize interference and maximize the efficiency of your Wi-Fi network, ensuring a smoother and more reliable connection throughout your space.
Interference from other wireless devices can significantly weaken your Wi-Fi signal, leading to slower speeds and unreliable connections. Many household electronics emit signals on similar frequencies as your Wi-Fi, causing disruption.
Repositioning these devices away from your router can help improve your network’s performance. For stationary devices, consider using wired connections like Ethernet to reduce the load on your Wi-Fi network.
As mentioned earlier in this post, devices that commonly interfere with Wi-Fi include microwave ovens, cordless landline phones, baby monitors, Bluetooth-enabled devices, wireless security cameras, fluorescent lights and some smart home devices.
Enhancing your Wi-Fi signal strength so that it can pass through walls without losing quality requires a combination of strategies. From optimizing your router’s placement to upgrading your hardware with extenders, mesh systems or powerline adapters, each step contributes to a more robust, reliable connection.
By experimenting with these tips, you can identify the best solutions tailored to your specific environment, ensuring consistent Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home or office. As Wi-Fi technology continues to evolve, keeping your network equipment up to date is crucial for maintaining optimal performance.
Whether you upgrade your router, replace its external antennas or update your firmware, staying current is key. If you’re an EPB customer, consider upgrading to the Gig or faster to see if a higher-speed connection is what you need. Or, add EPB Smart Net Plus to enjoy a whole-home, mesh Wi-Fi network, installed and supported by the EPB Tech Pros.