How to strengthen a Wi-Fi router signal and expand Wi-Fi network coverage. Weak WiFi signal, what to do and how to improve reception: optimizing router settings

Strengthened wi-fi is necessary to improve the quality of reception and transmission of various data and watching videos over a wireless network. Since the number of different devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops), the operation of which depends on the availability of Internet access, increases every year, a weak or unstable radio signal worries almost every router owner.

The reasons for the decrease in Internet speed may be interior partitions, load-bearing walls, mirrors, household appliances, or other nearby access points to the World Wide Web. There are several ways to solve this problem.

Changing the channel used by the wi-fi router

• select the “Wireless mode” section in the router settings (“Wireless network” or “Wireless”);
• click on “Wireless Settings” and change the value of the “Channel” parameter by selecting a free (or least loaded) channel.

Changing the Router Location

Setting the maximum power value in the router settings

Before using this method of strengthening a Wi-Fi signal, you must study the instructions supplied with the router, since the procedure depends on the model and manufacturer. Most often, to increase the power of a router at home, you should change a parameter such as “signal strength” in the “Settings” (or “Advanced settings”) section by setting the highest value (“100%” or “High”).

Systematic router firmware update

Replacing the standard router antenna with a more powerful one

Installing a wi-fi repeater

Purchasing a router that supports the 5 GHz band

Using the above effective methods, you can significantly increase the speed of your home Internet via Wi-Fi, and you don’t need to purchase expensive gadgets for this. You just need to study the router settings in detail or use additional inexpensive devices.

The scope of application of wireless information transmission technologies is constantly expanding. At home and at work, you need WiFi for high-quality and reliable operation of your smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer with a WiFi adapter on the Internet. In a situation where, due to the low power of a router or a small antenna in remote areas of an apartment or office, Internet reception deteriorates, a WiFi signal amplifier will help. This device is otherwise called a repeater.

What is a WiFi signal booster

To increase the operating area of ​​the router, it is necessary to pick up the signal emitted by it, amplify it and transmit it further. This is the principle of operation of a WiFi signal amplifier. Most older routers operate at a transmission frequency of 2.4 GHz. More modern routers use the 5 GHz channel. If the same devices are operating within the coverage area of ​​your router, the signals they emit in each frequency channel reduce the speed at which all subscribers receive information. A WiFi signal repeater is capable of receiving on one frequency and relaying it on both frequency channels.

How it works

A Wi-Fi signal amplifier for a router is a device that plugs into a 220V outlet. When the router is turned on, the WiFi signal repeater receives its signal, amplifies it and transmits it to its radiating antenna. The repeater does not increase the Internet speed, but increases the transmission range. The repeater has an indicator of the received signal strength. If it lights up red, this indicates low signal strength and you need to move the repeater closer to the router. If the signal from the router is reliably received, the indicator lights up green or blue.

Types of WiFi signal amplifiers

Technical means of reception and transmission differ in their power and additional functions. Based on this parameter, repeaters are divided into three main classes:

• Personal – to work on a wireless Internet network with poor reception, you can use a compact amplifying repeater in the form of a USB device.
• Home repeaters are designed to work in wireless networks with 1-5 receivers, the coverage radius is no more than 10-20 m.
• Industrial or office repeaters are full-fledged access points. These are modules with several antennas and are designed to provide a stable signal for up to 50 consumers, connecting computers and phones to the Internet.

Router signal amplifiers are sold by computer showrooms in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities. Internet users have the opportunity to order promotions, sales, discounts and buy a WiFi signal amplifier in online stores. All goods are delivered by courier services or, cheaper, by mail.

WiFi amplifier TP-Link

One of the leaders among manufacturers of communication equipment is TM TP-Link. To solve the problems of dead zones and provide wireless and Internet in places where cable installation is difficult, TP-Link offers a WiFi router signal booster:

• name: TL-WA860RE;
• price: 1,750 rubles;
• characteristics: speed 300 Mbps, frequency 2.4 GHz, protection WEP, WPA, WPA2, types
• WiFi 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g;
• pros: two antennas increase the coverage area;
• cons: not noted.

The use of dual-band repeaters can reduce interference (mutual overlap) of router signals. The TP-Link TM line includes a WiFi signal repeater, which on a 5GHz channel is capable of providing a data transfer rate of 867 Mbit/s:

• name: RE305;
• price: RUB 2,690;
• characteristics: Wi-Fi standard 802.11a, speed 300 Mbit/s in the 2.4 GHz band, 867 Mbit/s in the 5 GHz channel;
• pros: high data transfer speed;
• cons: expensive.

Repeater Zyxel

ZyXEL occupies one of the leading positions in the wireless communication device market. In its product line, in addition to expensive models, there are cheaper products with good characteristics:

• name: ZyXEL Keenetic Lite III;
• price: RUB 1,927;
• characteristics: 802.11n, MIMO, 300 Mbit/s, router, 4xLAN switch;
• pros: Wi-Fi access point;
• cons: not noted.

TM ZyXEL offers a universal Internet center that can operate in access point, amplifier or router modes. The proposed model has a lot of additional features and is able to automatically detect the type of receiving devices, select the channel to work with them and strengthen the WiFi signal:

• name: Internet center ZyXEL Keenetic Extra II;
• price: RUR 3,590;
• characteristics: managed Ethernet switch, Wi-Fi at 2.4 GHz – 300 Mbit/s, at 5 GHz – 867 Mbit/s, four 5 dBm antennas, support for IPTV and Smart-TV, Yandex.DNS and SkyDNS protection;
• pros: universal model;
• cons: high price.

Asus

One of the leading manufacturers of computer equipment, the Asus brand creates models of routers and repeaters in a price range accessible to most buyers. The proposed model will provide good reception and amplification of the WiFi signal in any room of an apartment or small office:

• name: Access point with repeater mode Asus RP-N12;
• price: 649 rub.;
• characteristics: LAN speed 100 Mbit/s, WiFi:802.11g, 802.11n, frequency range 2.4 GHz, 2 antennas;
• pros: good price/quality ratio;
• Cons: 2.4 GHz band only.

A large office requires powerful amplifiers and antennas that can operate over long distances. TM ASUS has in its arsenal a model for large enterprises:

• name: Access point Asus RP-AC68U;
• price: RUB 4,390;
• characteristics: access point, 5 LAN ports, speed 1000 Mbit/s, WiFi: 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, frequency bands 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 4 antennas;
• pros: black column design;
• cons: not noticed.

Xiaomi

Manufacturers of Wi-Fi signal amplifiers advertise their products in different ways. TM Xiaomi simply indicates the gain parameter is 2 times. If your router worked at 20 meters, with this repeater the maximum range will be 40 meters:

• name: Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Amplifier 2;
• price: 649 rub.;
• characteristics: double gain;
• pros: does not require settings;
• cons: not noted.

TM Xiaomi offers many products in economy class. A similar device is the repeater model proposed below:

• name: Xiaomi Wifi Amplifier Access Point;
• price: 289 rub.;
• characteristics: WiFi:802.11g, 802.11n, frequency range 2.4 GHz;
• pros: low cost;
• cons: not noted.

Netgear

Communications equipment manufacturer Netgear pays great attention to the design of its products. Many computer users will be interested in the model:

• name: Netgear WAC120;
• price: RUR 5,263;
• characteristics: LAN speed 1000 Mbit/s, WiFi: 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, frequency range 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 1 antenna;
• pros: black stylish vertical design;
• cons: high price.

When purchasing computer equipment, many people like universal models. The proposed model from Netgear is both a repeater and an access point:

• name: EX6200;
• price: RUR 3,917;
• characteristics: 5 LAN ports, LAN speed 1000 Mbit/s, WiFi: 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 2 bands 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 2 antennas;
• pros: stylish black body with red trim;
• cons: not noted.

D-Link

Some of the best-selling router models on the market are routers from D-Link. For those who use equipment from this company, the repeater is well suited:

• name: DAP-1353;
• price: RUB 3,335;
• characteristics: 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 3 removable dipole antennas, antenna power 13 dBM, 2.4 GHz;
• pros: 3 antennas will provide more consumers with Internet;
• cons: high price.

If you need to purchase an access point with an amplifier function, a multifunctional device will do. D-Link offers a repeater with a good increase in power:

• name: DAP-2360;
• price: RUR 2,884;
• characteristics: WiFi 802.11g, 802.11n, frequency range 2.4 GHz, 2 antennas;
• pros: can work as an access point;
• cons: high cost.

Totolink

Totolink products are known for both cheap and more expensive models. Among the publicly available is a repeater - a Wi-Fi extender:

• name: TOTOLINK EX300;
• price: 497 rub.;
• characteristics: speed 100 Mbit/s, WiFi:802.11g, 802.11n, 2.4 GHz, transmitter power 20 dBM, 2 external antennas;
• pros: high power;
• cons: not noted.

For professional use, Totolink produces broadband routers with four antennas. The proposed sample provides WiFi speeds of up to 1167 Mbps.

• name: TOTOLINK A850R 1200M wireless router repeater;
• price: RUR 2,247;
• characteristics: QoS, 4 LAN ports, speed 1200 Mbit/s, protocols 802.11ac, 802.11b, Wi-Fi 802.11g, Wi-Fi 802.11n, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, 4 powerful antennas;
• pros: high transfer speed;
• cons: not noted.

Netis

To create a highly efficient mobile office or entertainment network with a wide coverage of users, use TM Netis equipment. The model below increases coverage by 100 meters:

• name: Netis E1+;
• price: RUB 1,190;
• characteristics: 1 port 10/100Base-TX, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n 2.4 GHz, 300 Mbit/s;
• pros: good gain;
• cons: not noted.

TM Netis produces equipment using the next generation WiFi technology 802.11ac. The proposed sample operates in two frequency ranges with signal level amplification:

• name: Netis WF2780;
• price: RUB 2,690;
• characteristics: at 5 GHz speed 900 Mbit/s, at frequency 2.4 GHz – 300 Mbit/s, transmitter power 100 dBm, 4 omnidirectional antennas;
• pros: high power;
• cons: expensive.

How to choose a WiFi signal booster

When purchasing, you should choose repeaters based on your requirements for its power. It’s not worth overpaying and buying a powerful transmitter that will output a signal outside your premises. This will interfere with other people's work and cause other signal sources to interfere with your channel. Therefore, choose a repeater according to the scope of application:

• Models from the simplest to dual-band and dual-antenna options are suitable for an apartment.
• For an office with a large assortment of used receivers, it is worth choosing dual-band models with 4 antennas and a power of at least 60 dBm. It is advisable to choose equipment with the 802.11ac protocol to enable new and emerging applications.

Video

A wireless Internet connection via a Wi-Fi router must be stable and fast. But in reality this is not observed - the signal may often disappear, not be available in all parts of the apartment, or simply be weak, which makes it difficult to even view photos rather than watch videos. In search of an optimal solution to the problem, several ways to solve it have been developed, each of which we will discuss in our article.

Initially, when you discover that the signal power produced by the router is weak, it is worth checking whether the power of the device is suitable for an apartment. One of the reasons why the Internet speed leaves much to be desired or the signal is not available in all areas of the apartment is the discrepancy between the equipment parameters and the size of the room. When choosing a router, you need to rely on the area of ​​your home - if it is large, then you need to look for a router with more power; for small areas, standard parameters are sufficient.

Attention! The cost of the purchased equipment does not matter - the quality of coverage and signal is influenced by many factors that a person is not always able to get rid of. So to ensure a signal, you should select based on reviews.

Step two. Isn't the problem with the router's power? There is another solution

You can do without using any amplifiers. If there are a large number of Wi-Fi networks in the house, they interrupt each other. Often the problem can be solved by amplifying the signal by adjusting the equipment.

To do this, just search and change the channel on the router. The need for this appears precisely at the moment when the router simultaneously detects several networks (for example, neighboring ones). It would seem that there is nothing wrong. But at the same time, such a load reduces the range of the router, and its signal is not available in the entire apartment.

To get rid of the load, it is enough to find a new, less busy channel automatically or using a special program. Of course, the last method is applicable even if you have a little more free time. To change channel:

• go to network settings;
• change the channel;
• save the settings.

You can select the best channel by simply searching, alternately turning on one or the other in the settings.

There is another way to influence through the settings - change the interaction network to 802.11N. Unfortunately, this operation cannot be carried out on old-style routers - they are simply not capable of accepting networks of this range. To do this you need:

• go to the router settings;
• find the wireless network settings among the entire list that opens;
• find the wireless network mode in the drop-down menu and enable the mode in which the router will only work with network N, since it is usually in mixed mode;
• All that remains is to save the selected values ​​and reboot the equipment.

Attention! There may be problems connecting to the network. In this case it is necessary

The third option for working with the settings is to change the signal transmission power. There are situations when a weak, unstable signal is explained by the fact that by default its transmission power is not at the maximum level. To solve this problem, it is enough:

• go to the device settings;
• find the item “Wireless network” or Wireless Advanced;
• set the signal strength to 100%;
• save and exit settings.

Table with changing the power of the router by configuring it

For greater convenience, we have combined all the configuration options mentioned above into a small table.

Step three. Strengthening with the use of additional means

If the problem cannot be solved by replacing the equipment or setting it up, it is worth using and Usually, settings are replaced by options with the purchase of additional tools:

• installation of a device that repeats the signal;
• replacing the antennas on the router with more powerful ones;
• purchasing a new router (in the most profitable option - one that would support the 5 GHz range);
• installation of homemade amplifiers.

Each option has its pros and cons. The first is the purchase of a repeater, which is advantageous because the device is installed where the signal is still there, but weaker, and it repeats the wave, increasing the range of the router. But there is also a noticeable disadvantage - the cost of the device. The second also involves monetary costs. Buying new antennas will increase the signal transmission power of the router itself. But when changing antennas in a router, you often have to buy not one, but several antennas. Because of this, you have to pay twice or even three times more, but when you buy really powerful modern antennas, it becomes easier to buy a repeater - the price is the same.

Wi-Fi Repeater

The third is beneficial because, despite the financial costs, buying a new router with a 5 GHz band eliminates problems with Internet access - today it is not possible to work with the 2.4 GHz band everywhere. Such a connection usually disappears or has many connection problems.

Fourth. Homemade amplifiers are the most inexpensive of all possible options. You can boost the signal yourself by installing a small reflector behind the antenna. Typically used as a reflector:

• foil;
• tin (you can get it from regular beer or soda cans).

The method for making an amplifier from these materials is almost the same - a curved plate is formed from foil, a tin can is cut to form the same plate (sometimes the top of the can is left to thread the antenna into it and make the structure more stable). The semicircle is usually secured to the router with tape.

This method has been criticized - it is usually of little use.

Additionally, you can also install a regular remote antenna (today they are sold almost everywhere and have proven themselves well). Such an antenna rises above the usual level of the router’s location, and is often even moved outside the living space, where there is much less signal interference.

Finally, it is worth checking if there are any obstacles near the router that are interfering with the signal. If there is, then you just need to move it.

Video - How to improve the Wi-Fi signal in an apartment

Video - How to make a Wi-Fi amplifier

Table of ways to amplify the signal using additional means

Almost every user thinks about how to strengthen the signal of a wifi router at one time or another. As a rule, such a brilliant thought occurs to a “user” when, at the most inopportune moment, the WiFi signal disappears in an unknown direction: for example, there is an urgent need to send a message on a social network, or the climax has arrived in a favorite movie.

However, it is quite possible to strengthen the signal of a wifi router in an apartment with your own hands, and you don’t need to be a “hacker in a Guy Fawkes mask” to do this.

How to strengthen the signal of a wifi router with your own hands?

1. One of the effective ways to improve the WiFi signal is. Let's say you have a 4-room apartment, and in each room there is a device that requires a wifi connection (for example, a laptop, smartphone, telephone and tablet): in this case, the optimal solution would be to install a router in the center of the apartment, so that between the wifi transmitter and the devices turned out to be the same distance.

Yes, modern router models “cannot be frightened” by small obstacles in the apartment (such as tables, headsets, refrigerators or thick walls), however, such “obstacles” have a significant impact on the propagation of the wifi signal from “early” router models.

2. A special device - a repeater - will help to strengthen the signal of the wifi router in the apartment.

This inexpensive device will cost several times less than buying a new, more powerful router, and by “cloning” the router signals, the repeater allows you to improve the wifi signal several times.

To configure the repeater correctly you need:

• - turn on the repeater and connect to it via cable or wifi connection;
• - go to the repeater interface from your computer: to do this, enter and specify your login and password in the browser;
• - on the main page, go to the “Repeater” section: after activation, the device will find all available wifi access points;

To strengthen the wifi signal in the apartment, select your access point and click “Apply”.

3. The network standard set in the router settings has a special impact on the wifi speed.

Today, the most common is 802.11n, which replaced 802.11g (we will not take the absolute leader 802.11ac as an example, since it has not yet entered mass production).

Setting the required standard is not difficult: the main thing is that your router fully “supports” it.

How to strengthen the wifi signal on a router?

4. On some models of D-link and Zuxel routers, it is possible to manually adjust the signal strength. To strengthen the wifi signal yourself, you need to find the “Transmit Power” (or “Wireless Transmit Power”) item in the router interface in the “Advanced settings” section and set it to 100%.

To do this:

Let’s take as a basis that , and the main router (let it be “1”) successfully distributes wifi;
- go to router settings “2”;

Select “Wireless mode” and fill in the fields in the same way as on router “1”;

Go to the “Enable WDS” section: a window with available WiFi networks will appear here;

Here you will see the SSID (network name of router “1”) and BSSID (router “2”): click “Search” and in the “List of Access Points” window that appears, select the network distributed by router “1”.

This option for strengthening the wifi signal is suitable for routers equipped with WDS standard technology. If your router does not support it, then simply connect the routers with a cable and set up a “bridge” between them:

Connect the cable on router “1” to the LAN input and on router “2” to the WAN;

In router settings “1”, enable DHCP;

On router “2” go to “WAN” - “Connection type” - “Dynamic IP address”;

The parameters “Ip address”, “ ”, “ ” must already be specified: this means that router “2” acts as a “client” of router “1”, and the bridge is configured.

All these methods can be used individually or in combination. Particular attention should be paid to the “repeater” - the device famously burst onto the market and quite quickly “picked up” it for itself. And this is deserved: for its low price (for example, a decent option from TP-LINK TL-WA850RE can be purchased for no more than 1,500 rubles), the device will fully work out the money spent.

And, of course, you can increase the distribution of the wifi signal by purchasing a more powerful router: for example, the Tp-Link Archer C60 router, the price for this “miracle” varies around $100.

A program for improving the Wi-Fi signal level on a computer, laptop and Android devices can improve the quality of network reception. Often the Wi-Fi signal functions intermittently and periodically disappears. Sometimes the speed may not match what is stated by the provider. In this case, you need to look for the optimal solution that will improve your connection to the wireless Internet. This could be a program that will allow you to activate the correct Wi-Fi signal settings on a laptop or computer, an application for Android gadgets, or changing factors affecting signal transmission. If the user is satisfied with the quality of the wireless Internet, then we do not recommend changing any parameters, since ultimately the result may be negative. It is worth noting that any existing programs for improving Wi-Fi on Android gadgets or computers and laptops with the Windows operating system are easy to use. Any user can test them to improve the network. At the same time, it is very important to remember all the actions taken so that you can always return to the previous settings.

The bands used by the device must be specified in the product documentation. The computer is under a metal desk and is trying to use a wireless mouse on the desk. You may not be able to pair your device with your computer, or your mouse pointer may not move regularly.

• The metal of the desk can be shielded between the mouse and the computer.
• The material between the two floors is reinforced concrete.

Reduce interference from other wireless devices

Edit wireless network channels. . There are hidden risks when using the Internet. Remove the router from the floor, replace the antenna or a new repeater. Someone who uses a wireless network to connect to the Internet may experience limited or no signal in at least some areas of the home.

You can strengthen the Wi-Fi signal both technically and programmatically

What should you do before using the programs?

Before using various programs, you can try to improve the signal level in the following ways:

1. Reboot the router. This process is carried out by turning off and then turning on the router on the network. You can reboot by logging into the router's web interface. To do this, you need to open an Internet browser and enter the address “192.168.0.1”. In the window that appears, enter “admin” next to the Username and Password fields and confirm the action using the OK button. After this, you need to find the corresponding section in the menu. For example, for a TP-Link router this is the command System Tools - Reboot.
2. Check that no one is connecting without the user's permission. This information is displayed in the router's web interface. On a TP-Link device, this is the Wireless Statistics tab of the Wireless section. All unknown connections must be blacklisted.
3. To strengthen the Wi-Fi signal, you can move the router to a new place where it will not be blocked by walls or electronic devices. Reducing the distance from the router to the laptop or computer usually improves network performance.

Place the router in a central location in your home. If the device is located on one of the perimeter walls of the house, the signal will be weak on the opposite side of the house. If moving your router isn't an option, don't worry, there are other ways to improve your connection.

Removing the router from the floor, walls, or metal objects may interfere with the signal. The closer the router is to these objects, the greater the interference and the weaker the connection. Those that are supplied are usually undirected. If the device is located near an outside wall, half the signal will be distributed outside the home. Therefore, a so-called “high gain antenna” is recommended, which concentrates the signal in one direction, the one that is most interesting.

If the above methods do not bring the desired result, we recommend using utilities that will help solve the problem.

Ways to improve the signal on laptops and computers

Very often, when setting up a Wi-Fi router, the loaded channel is set by default. There are programs that determine at what operating frequency the router operates. One of them is inSSIDer. It can be downloaded from the official resource. The utility will scan all available connections and determine loaded and free channels. Very often, residents of apartment buildings are faced with the fact that several connections use the same channel at once.

Secondly, you need to check whether the problem lies in the device itself

Another solution is to use a speed test, which will check the download speed and load of the Internet provider in your home. Also, if the values ​​that appear are not those during the contract, you can contact the manager and get some clarification. If the problem is not the connection, but the network is still slow, it is better to understand the problem directly on the laptop. Then you need to go to the Network and Sharing center, then right-click to find your connection, then click on Properties.

The fourth important parameter is responsible for the strength of the signal emitted by the router. Transmit Power.

On some models, the power is initially reduced to 40%. This is enough for one room, but it’s not enough for the whole apartment. To maximize the signal of the Wi-Fi router, set the parameter value to 100%.

Not on all devices the power of the router is regulated in . For example, on TP-Link routers this is done in the advanced settings of the WiFi network, the “Operation mode” parameter:

There are three settings available - high, medium and low power. First, set the average value and check the result. Wi-Fi coverage area is not enough - set high power and check again.

The third step is the correct location of the access point

Yes, yes, the quality of the Wi-Fi network directly depends on where the router is located. There are several common mistakes that are made when installing an access point.

A program for improving the Wi-Fi signal level on a computer, laptop and Android devices can improve the quality of network reception. Often the Wi-Fi signal functions intermittently, periodically...