WiFi provides network access without troublesome cables and contributes significantly to convenient internet use. WiFi allows you to conveniently surf or engage in other internet activities with your laptop, smartphone, or tablet anywhere within its coverage.
Besides, many devices, especially smartphones and tablets, have no wire-based network interface, so they require a WiFi connection. However, the transmission power of wireless access points is limited, which means that the maximum range is, too. Interference factors can also impair the internet connection. However, there are measures you can take to enhance your WiFi range.
It is a good idea to start by taking stock – you can use our “WiFi help” Android app, for instance. The devolo solution is available, free of charge, in the Google Play Store. The app can determine the optimum position for a repeater that is to receive the existing WiFi signal from the router. A repeater shouldn’t be simply set up at the midpoint between the router and the farthest room without further thought; instead, it should be set up where the router still has coverage.This is where our app can help. It analyses where the signal is usable.
Is the router outside of the actual living space – maybe even in the basement? If so, your WiFi certainly has a range or speed problem. But before you buy a new router, you should optimise your router position: The ideal position is slightly elevated – on a sideboard or cabinet, for instance. That will make a difference. If the router has movable antennae, try out different angles with them until reception improves. Elevating the router can also enhance WiFi reception.
Routers should always support current WiFi standards such as IEEE 802.11 ac (WiFi ac). This standard is higher-performing than WiFi n. Moreover, in many population centres, part of the WiFi n range, specifically the 2.4 GHz range, is hopelessly overloaded. A WiFi ac standard change to the 5 GHz range gives WiFi new life. But be careful: Both the router and the WiFi reception devices such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets must also support the new ac standard.
If the router’s WiFi signal has to penetrate more than three or four walls or several storeys in a large flat, the WiFi gets slower and slower until there is not connection at all. For short distances – to the next room, for instance – a WiFi repeater may well be a good solution. But in large flats or sing-family houses, repeaters are no help because solid reinforced concrete ceilings and walls noticeably impair the WiFi network.
The best way to simply supply large living spaces with WiFi is with our Powerline solution: The devolo adapters use the building’s electricity circuits like on long data cable. This has a decisive advantage: Since it is a wire-based solution, walls and reinforced concrete ceilings present no obstacle at all. Each wall socket with a WiFi-capable Powerline adapter becomes a stable wireless access point.
And this is how it works: A devolo starter kit consists of two adapters. The first is connected to the router via LAN cable and plugged into a free wall socket. The second WiFi Powerline adapter is placed on the storey where there has so far been no internet access. If necessary, up to eight WiFi Powerline adapters can be used – more than enough for a strong WiFi network throughout the house.
Unfortunately, maximum ranges tend to be purely theoretical, since sources of interference limit range. Within buildings, walls and storey ceilings present obstacles for the propagation of the WiFi signal. Metal walls and reinforced concrete ceilings are particularly disruptive. In addition to these passive sources of interference, there are a number of active interferers. For instance, any electrical device can impair WiFi. Microwave ovens can be especially bad. Because the usable frequency band is quite narrow, other WiFi routers in the near vicinity also create interference. This is because they often use the same wireless channel, and the two signals impair one another.
You want to find out more about WiFi range, getting rid of dead spots, or router and product compatibility?
Use our guidebook for optimisation tips and product recommendations
