WiFi dead spots are the bane of many people’s existence. Now that many people work remotely since COVID-19 hit, dead spots at your home office are no fun and can be a huge source of frustration!
We’re going to take a look at what causes WiFi dead spots, as well as how you can fix them if they’re already there. Keep reading to learn what you can do to get rid of this annoying issue!
Causes of WiFi Dead Spots
Generally, WiFi dead spots in your home are caused by physical barriers between the wireless router and the devices trying to connect to it. Anything can be a barrier, including walls, a refrigerator, large television, or tall pieces of furniture. Additionally, the distance between your router and the area that you want to connect from can have an impact.
Improving WiFi Strength and Coverage
The first (and easiest, cheapest) way to fix a WiFi dead spot is to move your router from one place to another. You might consider moving it nearest your home office or central to where most WiFi is used.
Changing the channel on your router is another option that may help improve the signal strength. Changing the channel can improve your WiFi signal strength because it reduces the amount of interference from other neighboring networks or other devices generating radio frequencies. If you don’t already know how to do so, a quick glance at the router’s user manual can help explain the process which is different for all makes and models
If, after moving your router and changing the channel, you’re still having an issue with dead spots, you may consider either purchasing WiFi signal extenders, or upgrading your existing wireless router (equipment) to a mesh system.
Signal extenders do exactly what they say – extend the signal of your WiFi router. These devices offer great results and can help minimize or eliminate dead spots entirely. To be most effective, you’ll want to strategically place them throughout your home – they must be in reach of the wireless coverage to work but also close to the dead spots.
Similar in concept are Wireless devices that create what are known as wireless mesh networks. These systems usually come with the router and at least one other extender that automatically integrates with the router, extending the range and signal without having to make any additional configuration changes.
Preventing New Dead Spots in Your House
Unless you plan to remodel your home, you’re probably not going to be moving the refrigerator, walls, or doors. However, you should know that the addition of cordless phones, wireless audio systems, nanny cameras, and (wireless) security systems all can impact your wireless coverage and signal strength. In other words, any device that generates radio frequencies can affect the performance of your WiFi.
If you happen to be adding any of these items or systems in the near future, consider their location and how they might impact your wireless signal strength.
Calling a Professional
If you’ve tried all of these tips to help minimize the WiFi dead spots and are still experiencing gaps in your WiFi coverage, it might be time to call a professional.
Unfortunately, without seeing your WiFi setup, the layout of your home, your router, and the other issues that can impact your wireless networks, it can be difficult to discern the exact problem. A professional technician can analyze any physical barriers, the WiFi signals and find other unknown causes of WiFi dead spots to identify the root causes.
From there, they can work with you to find a solution that fits your needs and maximizes your WiFi speed and coverage.
Our technicians can recommend hardware for your home proven to provide excellent coverage to help improve your WiFi speed and coverage while helping to eliminate dead spots. If you’re at your wit’s end and tired of trying to solve the mystery of your WiFi dead spots, we are willing to work through your employer to fix these issues. If interested and authorized by your employer, give us a call for an appointment!
We can help ensure that all of your devices connect to your wireless router, dead spots are minimized, and that your online activities are no longer interrupted by annoying gaps in coverage!