Follow ZDNET: <\/em>Add us as a favorite source<\/span><\/a><\/span> On Google.<\/em><\/p>\n The more things change, the more they stay the same.<\/p>\n When I was a kid, I had to constantly adjust the rabbit-ear antenna on my old CRT TV to get a clear picture. As technology advanced, I thought those days were behind me. Most people watch their favorite shows and movies over Wi-Fi. You might think Wi-Fi is better than the old TV signal, but you may need to adjust your Wi-Fi router’s antenna to maintain a strong, consistent signal.<\/p>\n Also: Traditional Wi-Fi Router vs. Mesh: How to Decide Between 2 Popular Networking Options<\/strong><\/p>\n Simply plugging your router into the modem and leaving it wherever there is space is not enough. Proper placement and how you position those antennas play a big role in how well the signal reaches every corner of your home. In this guide, I’ll give you some quick tips and tricks to help you get the best possible wireless network.<\/p>\n When it comes to antenna placement, the “correct” setup depends largely on where you live. If you live in an apartment or a one-story house, tp-link<\/a> Recommends placing all antennas in a vertical position. This helps the signal to spread out evenly over a flat surface. If you live in a two-story house, tilting the antenna about 30 degrees can help improve vertical coverage between floors.<\/p>\n For large, open spaces, ISP Brand Optimum<\/a> It is suggested to set the antenna at approximately a 45-degree angle to establish wide-reaching coverage. However, things get tricky if you’re trying to cover multiple floors and multiple devices at once.<\/p>\n In these situations, TP-Link also suggests experimenting with unique setups \u2013 like placing the router on its side and pointing the antennas in different directions to maximize signal distribution. Similarly, Optimum recommends alternative antenna angles to optimize coverage throughout the home. Every home is different, so it takes a little trial and error.<\/p>\n I recommend using your router’s companion app to monitor signal strength in real time. Apps will display the signal strength in dBm (decibel-milliwatt). Below is an example of my Wi-Fi setup. You will see a reading of around -33 dBm, which is excellent and indicates a very strong connection. The closer to zero, the better the signal. <\/p>\n If you don’t want to mess with your router’s antennas, another option would be to use a mesh system. These devices help in transmitting wireless signals to the farthest corners of your home. In fact, mesh systems often don’t have visible antennas, so there’s no need to adjust anything. <\/p>\n The biggest downside of these devices is the cost. I use TP-Link Deco 7 Pro. It’s a great gadget and I love the consistently strong signal it provides. However, at the time of this writing, it’s $480 for two people $700 Off for Three at Amazon<\/span><\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n In short, you’ll want to place the router in a central location, roughly equidistant from receiving devices. This helps the Wi-Fi signal spread more evenly, ensuring consistent coverage throughout your home. It is also important to keep an eye on nearby obstacles that may interfere. <\/p>\nZDNET Highlights<\/h3>\n
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How to position your router antennas<\/h2>\n
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Where to place your Wi-Fi router<\/h2>\n