Given how connected the modern world is, having a weak Wi-Fi signal in your home can be incredibly frustrating. Unfortunately, this is an extremely common problem with larger homes. But why is that? Below, we reveal why large houses experience weak Wi-Fi and what to do about it.
Physical Obstacles and Wi-Fi Performance
Wi-Fi can pass through walls, but there is a limit to this capability. Thick walls, metal appliances, and even reflective surfaces can disrupt and weaken the signal. Since large homes typically have more of these features, they usually experience Wi-Fi dead spots throughout.
Distance from the Router
The farther your device is from the router, the weaker the signal will be. In large homes, devices in rooms far from the router will receive a diminished signal, resulting in slower internet speeds.
Bandwidth Distribution
Large homes usually have more people living in them. More people in the home means more devices connected to and using Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, multiple users and connected devices can strain the bandwidth. Streaming, online gaming, video conferencing, and smart home devices all compete for bandwidth, leading to congestion and reduced speeds.
Solutions for Improved Wi-Fi
Now you know why large houses experience weak Wi-Fi. But what can you do to improve connectivity? Below, we detail some of the best and easiest ways to enhance Wi-Fi in your large home.
Upgraded Router
Invest in a high-performance router designed for larger homes. Look for features like multiple bands and stronger antennas to improve coverage.
Strategic Router Placement
Next, place your upgraded router in a central location, elevated off the ground, and away from thick walls and electronic appliances. This ensures a more even distribution of the signal throughout your home.
Mesh Wi-Fi System
Mesh Wi-Fi systems are excellent for enhancing coverage in large houses. They use multiple access points spread throughout the home to create a single seamless network, effectively eliminating dead zones.
You can also consider Wi-Fi extenders. However, when you look at whether mesh Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi extenders are more effective, the mesh system usually wins out for generalized connectivity issues in large homes.
Wired Connections
Wires may not be the most aesthetic or convenient thing in this day and age, but they guarantee Wi-Fi for connected devices. Whenever possible, use Ethernet cables for devices that demand high-speed connectivity and anything you rely on, such as your work computer. This reduces the strain on your Wi-Fi network and provides a reliable connection.
If your large home has issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, now you know some steps you can take to fix the problem. Though frustrating, this issue is very common and easy to solve with a bit of effort. Soon, you’ll be enjoying seamless internet access everywhere in your home.