Home / Home Internet / Enhance your Wi-Fi Signal
Right plan, wrong coverage?
Wi-Fi is a way of connecting to the internet anywhere in your home without using wires. It is important to remember that a number of elements within your home have the potential to affect your Wi-Fi signal and internet speed — even if you are on the right speed plan.
The following steps will help you with your home set up, whether you are connecting for the first time or simply hoping to enhance your Wi-Fi capabilities around your premises.
the five steps
Step 1 | Analyse your Wi-Fi signals |
Step 2 | Consider your modem location |
Step 3 | Check your modem |
Step 4 | Expand your Wi-Fi coverage |
Step 5 | Additional tips |
Analyse your Wi-Fi signals.
Key Points
Your Wi-Fi signal loses its intensity as your device gets further away from your modem, which can potentially impact the quality of your internet experience.
A simple speed test can help you assess whether you may have Wi-Fi coverage issues.
Speed test
A simple speed test will allow you to check for Wi-Fi coverage issues by comparing your speed when connected via an Ethernet cable and also via Wi-Fi at different points throughout your home.
How to conduct a speed test
If you have a device such as a laptop or desktop computer that you can plug an Ethernet cable into, start from step 1. If all your devices are Wi-Fi only, start from step 4.
- Plug your device into your modem via an Ethernet cable.
- Using your device, open a web browser and head to a www.speedtest.net
- Run the test and take note for your speed. Since your connected by Ethernet cable, this speed should be the fastest speed possible for your device.
- Unplug the Ethernet cable and connect to your Wi-Fi. Stand within one meter of your mode ensuring nothing is in your path.
- Using your device, open a web browser and head to a www.speedtest.net take not of your speed. This unobstructed connection should reveal the fastest Wi-Fi speed possible for your device.
- Move to another point within your home and repeat the speed test. Record your findings and repeat at different location throughout your home.
Minimal difference in the recorded speeds:
If the speeds you recorded while connected by Ethernet are similar to the speeds you recorded while connected by Wi-Fi your Wi-Fi network coverage should be adequate and capable to providing consistent speeds.
If you conducted the test over Wi-Fi only and the speeds you recorded at various locations in your home are similar to the speed you recorded while standing next to your modem this too is an indication that your Wi-Fi network coverage should be adequate.
Significant difference in the recorded speeds
If your recorded speed over Ethernet is significantly faster than those recorded over Wi-Fi or if some locations in your home are faster than others, this is an indication there is room for improvement with your existing home Wi-Fi coverage. Work through the following steps to optimise your connection.
Note: that the speed test result is influenced by a range of other factor not just your Wi-Fi connection such as how many other devices are using the connection at the same time, your speed plan, wireless interference and congestion (typically higher during peak times 7-11pm)
Consider your modem location.
Key Points
Try moving your modem to a central location — preferably off the ground and away from wireless interferences (such as those caused by microwaves).
When connecting your modem, take the time to ensure you have selected the optimal Wi-Fi band.
Where you place your modem matters
The physical objects between your device and your modem can play a big part in the quality of your Wi-Fi signal. Some materials that can significantly reduce your Wi-Fi signal include:
Thick walls
Brick, cement walls
Metal panels
Cupboard doors, mirrors, shelves
Appliances
Refrigerators, television, microwaves
Tips on modem placement
Try to place your modem in a raised central area (never on the floor).
Avoid putting your modem behind the TV or tucked away in a cupboard.
Connect fixed devices, like your TV, directly into your modem with an Ethernet cable.
Keep in mind, the smaller the distance from the modem the better the signal and the faster the speed.
Check for wireless interference
Wi-Fi signals from other networks and devices, as well as non-Wi-Fi sources, have potential to overlap and cause wireless interferences that can slow down the speeds you receive. While this type of interference can often be inconsistent and difficult to detect, there are some known causes you can try to avoid:
Microwave ovens
Bluetooth devices
Wireless security systems
Cordless phones
To help minimise any potential wireless interference, try connecting to the 5GHz band of your modem whenever possible, or move your devices and modem away from known sources of interference.
Choose the optimal Wi-Fi band.
The Wi-Fi band you connect to can have a big effect on the strength of your signal. When connecting to your modem for the first time you may see two networks on your device.
[MyNetwork]
2.4GHz
[MyNetwork]_5G
5GHz
These networks signify that your modem supports two Wi-Fi bands, which each operate on separate frequencies (2.4GHz and 5GHz). When connecting to your Wi-Fi network, it is best to choose the _5G network first, assuming your device recognises this as an option. Some newer modems will automatically select the best network for you. There are a handful of notable differences between each frequency.
WHAT DIFFERS | 2.4GHZ | 5GHZ |
|---|---|---|
Range | Reaches further into your home | Doesn’t reach as far as 2.4GHz |
Speed | Slower than 5GHz | |
Interference | More susceptible to interference |
Check your modem features.
Some modems perform very differently to others. If you are dissatisfied with the default device you were initially supplied with, you may want to consider upgrading to a high-performance modem.
Key Points
Be sure to check whether yours is a standard or high performing modem. Keep in mind, a high performing modem has the potential to provide a stronger Wi-Fi signal, strength and stability.
Be sure to check whether yours is a standard or high performing modem. Keep in mind, a high performing modem has the potential to provide a stronger Wi-Fi signal, strength and stability.
Modem features to look out for
Upgraded modems have a range of helpful features.
Additional antennas
For potentially faster and more reliable Wi-Fi at a longer range, look for modems with antenna specifications referenced as “4×4”.
Multiple Wi-Fi bands and band steering
Band steering devices will automatically select and push your device to the best band (2.4GHz or 5GHz).
Active device management
Some retail service providers actively monitor and manage the Wi-Fi performance of your modem. This makes it easier for providers to help you with any issues.
Beam forming
This feature allows devices to direct the Wi-Fi signal towards your modem, which can lead to higher signal strength, speed and stability.
Expand your Wi-Fi coverage.
Key Points
Consider investing in a Wi-Fi extender to improve the Wi-Fi coverage in your home.
A Wi-Fi mesh can also help by replacing the Wi-Fi connection from your existing modem.
Wi-Fi extenders and mesh devices
Wi-Fi extenders and Wi-Fi mesh devices can broaden Wi-Fi coverage throughout your entire home, while also reducing the instances of dropouts and slow speeds due to limited Wi-Fi coverage. There are however some differences between the two.
Extenders
Wi-Fi extenders work with your existing modem to boost the Wi-Fi signal to additional areas of your home, but typically don’t provide as much Wi-Fi coverage as mesh devices. They may also broadcast a new network name, meaning you will have to select a new network on your device to connect to the extender.
Mesh
Wi-Fi mesh devices replace the Wi-Fi connection from your existing modem and generally provide more complete coverage. They also automatically connect your portable device to the strongest and closest Wi-Fi mesh node. Wi-Fi mesh systems are however more expensive than Wi-Fi extenders.
Additional tips.
Reset properly
Try turning off your devices and modem before resetting or restarting them.
Older devices
Turn off older devices when not in use.
In-home cabling
Speak to a registered cabler about a range of options for improving your in-home cabling.
We’d love to hear from you.
Whether you need help choosing the right plan or have a question about your connection, we are ready to help. Give us a call or drop us a message.