How To Improve Wi-Fi Signal In Your Home
Spinning wheels and loading screens? Here’s how to boost your Wi-Fi connection—and your home security.
Spinning wheels and loading screens? Here’s how to boost your Wi-Fi connection—and your home security.
In today’s world of remote work, Wi-Fi is essential for almost everything. Whether you’re streaming movies, turning on your smart home devices, or checking the feed from your Arlo security cameras, having a reliable Wi-Fi network is crucial.
However, many homes suffer from “dead zones” where the Wi-Fi signal is weak or nonexistent. Checking your placement, age of your router and signal strength are common solutions. Let’s learn how to improve your Wi-Fi signal today.
Your wireless router is the hub of your Wi-Fi network, emitting wireless signals that your electronic devices connect to. Factors like the router’s placement, the frequency band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), and physical obstructions can all impact your Wi-Fi signal.
Fun fact: Many people think the name “Wi-Fi” comes from “wireless fidelity,” but that’s actually not true. “Wi-Fi” stands for… nothing, it’s just a catchy brand name that has become common knowledge.
Most DIY home security systems rely on your Wi-Fi network to stream video and send alerts, and Arlo is no exception. Imagine you’ve just purchased the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Camera. When placing security cameras for the first time, you can use the Arlo app to connect your camera directly to your Wi-Fi router. Once set up, the camera wirelessly transmits video footage to your smartphone, allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere.
The same principle applies to other smart security devices, like the Arlo Home Security System. A reliable Wi-Fi network ensures that your alarm system can send alerts to your smartphone if an incident occurs, keeping you informed and in control.
To improve your home’s Wi-Fi signal, consider repositioning your router, upgrading your equipment, using Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems, and optimizing Wi-Fi usage. Here are nine strategies to reduce Wi-Fi dead zones and enjoy high-speed internet throughout your home.
Before trying to fix your Wi-Fi network, it’s worth checking if the Wi-Fi is the problem in the first place. The easiest way to do this is by plugging your computer into your router’s Ethernet port and running a speed test.
You can do a quick search to find several speed test websites. If your wired connection speed is lower than what you’re paying for, it might be time to contact your internet service provider. The Wi-Fi is most likely not the problem. If your wired connection is working fine, then you should try the following tips.
Just like motion sensors, router placement is everything. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your Wi-Fi signal is to move your router. Place your router in a central location, ideally elevated and free from obstructions. Avoid placing it near thick walls or metal objects. Electronic devices like microwaves and baby monitors can also interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Keep your router away from such devices.
If your router is outdated, it might be time for an upgrade. Modern Wi-Fi routers offer better performance and coverage. Look for routers that support dual-band operation (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to minimize interference and provide faster internet speeds. While tri-band routers are now available, they might be overkill for most homes. Also, keep in mind that too many devices connected to your Wi-Fi network can strain your bandwidth, especially in older routers.
For larger homes or homes with complex layouts, a mesh system can be a game-changer. Mesh systems use multiple nodes to create a seamless wireless network, ensuring strong Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Pro tip: Stick to reputable router manufacturers to ensure reliability and quality.
Wi-Fi extenders are another effective solution for eliminating dead zones. These devices amplify the existing Wi-Fi signal, extending the range to cover areas with weak signals. Place extenders halfway between your router and the dead zone for the best results. You can choose between wireless extenders and powerline extenders, both with pros and cons.
If you’re struggling to improve your Wi-Fi signal in certain areas, you might want to consider investing in a 4G LTE security camera. Options like the Arlo Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi Security Camera offer a perfect solution for 24/7 security in locations without power or Wi-Fi access.
The Arlo Go 2 features 4G LTE connectivity, a long-lasting battery, Color Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, and a built-in microSD card slot for local recording. These features make it the perfect choice for a construction site security camera. And if it works well as a jobsite security camera, it will surely protect your home too.
For devices that require a stable and high-speed connection, consider using an Ethernet cable. Connecting your desktop computers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs directly to the router via Ethernet ports can provide a more reliable connection than Wi-Fi, while freeing up the Wi-Fi signal for wireless-only devices like your Arlo security cameras. This setup ensures that your essential devices have the bandwidth they need without overloading your Wi-Fi network.
Most modern routers allow you to tweak settings to optimize performance. For example, you can change your router’s channel to avoid interference from neighboring networks. Additionally, ensure your router’s firmware is up-to-date to benefit from the latest performance improvements and security patches.
A secure network is not only safe from intruders but can also perform better. Use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi network and enable WPA3 encryption if your router supports it. This will deter internet poachers from slowing down your connection.
If you enjoy hosting or want to be a good neighbor by sharing your Wi-Fi with the family next door, consider setting up a separate wireless network for guests. You can create and print a Wi-Fi QR code to easily share your guest network without revealing the password.
Understanding the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands can help you optimize your network. The 2.4 GHz band provides slower speeds but offers longer range. For enhanced reliability, most Arlo security cameras operate on the 2.4 GHz band. On the other hand, the 5 GHz band offers higher speeds but has a shorter range, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities like watching movies and gaming. Many modern devices and routers can automatically switch between bands based on the activity.
Improve your daily online activities and enhance overall home security by optimizing your Wi-Fi network today. So, take these steps today to ensure your Wi-Fi signal is strong and reliable to support your Arlo security cameras, video doorbells, and Home Security System. Remember, Wi-Fi speed isn’t just about work and entertainment—it’s also about security and peace of mind.
