WiFi is everywhere, and for most readers, that includes your home. While desktop computers still frequently use Ethernet, most laptops, tablets, and smartphones use WiFi; in fact, the latter two often can't connect to anything other than a wireless network, whether it's your home router or a carrier's mobile data.
In an ideal world, this reliance on WiFi would be just an advantage, but in truth the technology isn't perfect. Although more reliable than ever, many homes and businesses still struggle with “blind spots” with low or no coverage. Here's how to find and remove these wireless dead zones.
Before troubleshooting any issues with your WiFi network coverage, you need to determine where they exist. If you're reading this article because you want to solve a blind spot you already know about, you could You can skip this step, but it can be helpful to gather more detailed information about the size and severity of the WiFi dead zone.
A WiFi analyzer is just a conventional computing device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone) with software installed that allows you to take a closer look at wireless networks in your area. In my opinion, an Android device is the best option. Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal At Home And Outside With These Android Apps Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal At Home And Outside With These Android Apps Are you looking to improve the Wi-Fi signal in your home or Find a Wi-Fi connection when you're away? This article has you covered. Read More This app can tell you not only the signal strength of your network, but also information about the strength and operating channel/frequency of other networks in the area. That's key information because a blind spot can sometimes occur when two networks interfere with each other.
The second best option is a Windows notebook. Laptops running this operating system are popular and various software tools are available including inSSIDer, Wi-Fi Inspector and NetStumbler. These tools provide the basic signal strength information you need, as well as some additional details. The last two are free, but inSSIDer costs $9.99 per month. In return, it provides the most robust feature set and possibly the best interface. InSSIDer also works on Mac.
Linux laptops aren't common, but if you have one, you can try LinSSID, a Wi-Fi analyzer available on Sourceforge. It is similar to inSSIDer as it was developed with that program as its role model.
Users on iOS have few options. The best option I can think of is Network Multimeter, but many users complain that it is unreliable. Even on my network, which doesn't have any blind spots, the multimeter can spin wildly for no apparent reason. You could use this to diagnose complete dead zones, but the app lacks the logging, graphing, and accurate signal strength data it needs.
Once you've decided on the device you'll use to measure WiFi strength, you need to walk around your home or business using the analytics tool of your choice to read the strength of the signal. I recommend organizing the data with a spreadsheet, categorized by room, listing WiFi strength in each corner of the room and in the center. If you want faster focus, you can focus only on the areas where you normally sit down to use a laptop or tablet.
Now you know where your problems are, but what do you do about it? There are some free options that may work.
First, take a look at the channel your WiFi network you are using and see if it overlaps with other nearby networks. The best analytical tools, like WiFi Analyzer for Android, can provide this information. Networks using the same channel can interfere with each other. In an urban area it is not uncommon to see three or four networks trying to use the same airspace. Fortunately, you can resolve this by forcing your router to use a different channel. How to choose the best Wi-Fi channel for your router How to choose the best Wi-Fi channel for your router What is the best Wi-Fi channel for your router and how do you change it? We answer these questions and more in this quick guide. Read more.
However, channel interference is not the most common cause of a blind spot. That honor goes to the construction of your home or business. WiFi can be blocked by thick concrete walls, pipes, or the ground itself. Any dense object in a direct line between the router and a device can interfere. Redesigning the interior of your home isn't practical, of course, but changing the location of your router can have the same effect as changing the line between your router and your device. Even moving the router a few feet can have a positive impact, although it may create a new blind spot elsewhere.
Desktop and laptop owners can also try building their own do-it-yourself signal booster. This is usually a sheet of metallic material, such as tin foil or an old soda can, that is cut into a U-shape around a system's Wi-Fi antenna How to make a Wi-Fi antenna out of a can of Pringles How to make an Antenna Fi antenna out of a Pringles can read more. This can improve a signal enough to be usable, but only works well with systems that already have an external antenna.
The above tips may solve your problem but they are not magic. There are situations where no amount of tinkering will get rid of a blind spot. What you really need is a way to strengthen and extend your wireless signal.
Owners of 802.11g (or older) routers should consider upgrading to a new 802.11n or 802.11ac router and upgrading any older 802.11g devices to an 802.11n and 802.11ac antenna. These new standards add a 5 GHz band to the existing 2.4 GHz band, increasing range and penetrating objects that would normally block the 802.11g WiFi signal. However, be careful to read the specifications of any new router or antenna, as these new standards only dictate potential support for the 5 GHz band; cheap models often do not include it.
If you already have at least one 802.11n router, but are still having problems, you might consider installing a WiFi repeater, extender, or bridge instead. Wireless Networking Made Simple:Terms You Need to Know Wireless Networking Made Simple:Terms You Need to Know Do you know? The difference between an "access point" and an "ad hoc network? What is a" wireless repeater "and how can it improve your home network? Learn more. These can pick up the signal from another router and repeat it, extending the range and offers a way to get around dense obstacles There are a variety of options available for $20 to $30 and many routers can be configured in repeater and/or bridge mode How to Convert an Older Router to a Wireless Bridge How to Convert Turn your old router into a Wireless Bridge Not sure what to do with your old router? Try turning it into a wireless bridge! The process is surprisingly simple. Learn more. This is a great option if you have a second router that you no longer use ..
Another option available for desktop and laptop computers is an external antenna, if not already in use. An antenna won't eliminate a dead spot, but you can fix it by making your computer's WiFi antenna easy to locate in a spot with maximum reception. Many antennas come with a three to six foot cable, and USB models can further enhance your physical range with a USB extension cable.
Blind spots can be frustrating, but they're not hard to tackle if you have the right tools and are willing to spend money on a repeater. Even large households can get by without more than a WiFi repeater or bridge, especially if you're using new 802.11n or 802.11ac equipment. Only businesses will see the need for multiple repeaters or bridges.
Have you had problems with blind spots? If yes, what steps did you take to fix it? Share your experience in the comments!
