Whether you’re working from home, streaming your favourite series, gaming, or taking part in video calls, having a stable Wi-Fi connection is integral to modern life. In bigger homes, the challenge of maintaining a stable signal across all rooms becomes a real struggle. If you have ever tried walking around your house in an attempt to find bars, this guide is tailored for you.
This article will dive into solving how to improve Wi-Fi coverage in larger properties while addressing the most frequent concerns broadband users have regarding speeds of Wi-Fi, router placement, and even broadband speeds used in the UK.
Why Does My Wi-Fi Signal Vary in Different Rooms?
The range of a Wi-Fi connection is affected by other factors, including distance from the device, walls, other electronic signals, the materials used to make the house, and even the construction of the device itself. In larger homes, the range of routers comes into question. Important details to consider are:
- The location of the router in relation to other areas is not ideal. For example, if the router positioned far from critical areas such as upstairs offices and back bedrooms.
- Walls and floors are made of thick materials like steel and concrete.
- Other electronic devices like baby monitors and microwaves are interfering.
- There is not enough broadband speed for the needs of the household.
Knowing these factors can significantly assist in the decision-making process of how to extend the range of the network available in the home.
How to Extend WiFi Coverage Within Large Houses
Use a Mesh Wi-Fi System
One of the leading options for spacious homes is a mesh wifi system, which consists of a main router and one or more satellite nodes placed around the house. They create a seamless, unified network. Unlike extenders, mesh systems switch to the best signal based on the location of the user in the house. When compared to extenders, mesh systems enable users to “roam” through their home and connect to the strongest signal instead of being fixed to one location, providing instant connectivity.
Install Wi-Fi Extenders
Simply plug one adapter near your router and another where the internet signal is needed, many of them come with a Wi-Fi router included. This is useful for homes with thick walls or many floors. It is recommended to purchase dual-band extenders that use both 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals.
Use Powerline Adapters
For homes experiencing thick walls or multiple floors, powerline adapters are more suited, as these adapters utilise a house’s electric wiring to carry internet signals. All that users have to do is connect one adapter alongside the main router and the other next to the dead zone—some models even provide a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot at the destination point.
Upgrade Your Router
A router that is older than 3-5 years is likely out of date in terms of modern speeds and features it supports. Newer routers tend to have a better range, advanced features. If you are using the ISP’s default router, consider getting a third-party router that supports Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E, which uses a 6 GHz band and is far more effective in dense household settings.
How Fast Should My Broadband Be?
A broadband speed of 50 to 100 Mbps is adequate for web browsing, streaming, or remote work for most UK households. However, if multiple users are online simultaneously – especially if they are on video calls, gaming, or uploading files – they will require fiber broadband that exceeds 100 Mbps for optimal performance.
In the UK, FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) and FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) options are widely available. Though FTTP is still rolling out in rural areas, it does offer faster, more stable connections.
Do I Need to Upgrade My Broadband Plan?
You may be lagging behind on your broadband plan if you often experience lagging, buffering issues, or disconnection even with adequate Wi-Fi coverage. Ensure to check your current speeds using the available resources like free online Broadband Speed Tests and cross-check that with what you are paying for.
How Many Devices Can Slow Down Wi-Fi?
Too many connected devices can cause an overload in your network and too much syncing, streaming or downloading can give you low bandwidth. Smart devices like home security cameras, lights, cloud based gaming tools, gaming consoles can increase your data usage.
Try a high-speed broadband plan with a router that can handle multiple connections
Top Tip For Switching Broadband Provider
Talk to your provider about getting an upgrade. Alternatively, you might want to change providers if better deals or faster service is available in your region. The majority of the time, new clients are offered lower prices than old clients.
