Experts Warn Against Common Wi-Fi Router Placement Mistakes

In today’s connected world, the placement of your Wi-Fi router can significantly influence your internet experience. Although it might be tempting to conceal this essential device behind furniture or in cabinets, experts warn against these common mistakes that can hinder your connection.

Julian, a technician from ThoseTechGuys in Renton, Washington, emphasizes the importance of placement. He said, ‘The main factor you have to consider is that Wi-Fi travels very well over open air, and it travels very poorly through hard material.’ Therefore, it’s crucial to position your router in a central location where obstructions are minimal.

Here are five common mistakes to avoid when setting up your Wi-Fi router.

Placing your router on the floor is a common oversight. While it won’t completely kill your signal, you won’t maximize it either. Like a light bulb, a router needs to be elevated to spread its signal effectively. ‘Radio waves typically send their strongest signals downward,’ Julian explains. A tabletop position significantly improves your coverage.

The urge to hide your router behind a couch may seem practical, but it can obstruct the signal. Julian advises: ‘You want to avoid as many hard materials that the Wi-Fi signal has to travel through as possible.’ Just a few feet away in a more open area could make a significant difference.

Storing your router in the basement is another common mistake. David Maxey, a senior technician at NerdsToGo in Bellevue, Washington, notes, ‘There’s also a lot more noise in the basement.’ Interference from fluorescent lighting and pipes can severely disrupt your connection, making central locations upstairs much more effective.

While placing your router inside a cabinet may clean up your space, it could lead to overheating and signal obstruction. Heat buildup can degrade your router’s performance over time.

Having multiple routers too close together can cause interference. According to Julian, ‘Any device that broadcasts on the same spectrum is going to interfere with it.’ It’s best to keep routers from competing and ensure they are part of the same network system.

The ideal position for your router is somewhere visible, centrally located, and elevated from the ground. Consider using non-metal containers to blend aesthetics with function, preserving signal quality while minimizing the visual clutter.