Router placement tips for better Wi-Fi

You can double your effective Wi-Fi range without buying a single mesh unit. It's mostly where the router sits.

The rules

1. Central and elevated. The router radiates outward and downward. Bury it under the TV stand and half the signal goes into the floor.
2. Away from metal. Fridges, radiators, filing cabinets — all block Wi-Fi.
3. Away from other 2.4 GHz gear. Microwaves and old baby monitors clash on the same band.
4. Vertical, not flat. Antennas (internal or external) work best upright.
5. Not in a cupboard. We know it's ugly. Signals don't care.
6. Not on the floor. Height helps.
7. Not next to the smart meter. Weird, but true — some IHDs interfere.
8. Line-of-sight matters. Every wall between you and the router costs ~10–20% of signal.
9. Move it 30cm and re-test. Small moves make real differences.
10. If nothing works — consider mesh. But try the above first; it's free.

FAQ

Should I use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz? 5 GHz for speed at short range, 2.4 GHz for range through walls. Modern routers auto-pick.

Powerline adapters? Fine as a last resort; a well-placed router beats them every time.