When the Internet stops, our whole world stops which is why having a strong Wi-Fi signal is key to a happy home! With that said, there are many things could have an impact on your Wi-Fi signal strength. From interference caused by other devices to building materials many things can get in the way. In fact, your Wi-Fi connection might drop unexpectedly for no obvious reason. Things including insufficient Wi-Fi network range and power, radio interference and network overload can all have an impact on your Wi-Fi performance. Not to mention the fact that the performance of a wireless network depends greatly on radio signal strength.

If all of this sounds like Greek to you, do not worry you are not alone. The reality is, most people think by simply paying for fast Internet and installing the router provided by their ISP, their network should be fast. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case. That’s because the router supplied by your Internet provider is a one-size-fits-all. But the problem with this solution, is that does not account for the square footage of your home and the materials used to build it. Additionally, others things like channel congestion or the amount of devices all vying for bandwidth all have an impact on your Wi-Fi signal strength. With this in mind, we offer some insight on understanding what impacts Wi-Fi signal strength.

A basic Wi-Fi wireless home network can be assembled fairly quickly. However, the performance of a Wi-Fi network can decline for a number of reasons. Many homeowners aren’t aware of the options available to maintain a network and make it better over time. In fact, most people do not account for or even consider how the square footage, building materials, and other common sources of Wi-Fi signal strength interference have an impact on their wireless system when building their home network. It happens to many people because we assume our Internet service provider’s job is to make sure the network is working.

In many cases, when the signal is not strong enough throughout a home many people end up paying for more speed, which will not help if things like square footage, building materials, and the amount of devices connecting to the network have not been considered. It may be strong near the router but when you get to your second floor, your Wi-Fi signal is either weak, or non-existant. Remember, the router provided by your ISP needs to be the first thing you change, and for every 1,500 feet you must add a WAP if you want your signal to be strong no matter where you are in your home.

Wi-Fi network equipment including client devices and routers communicate over specific wireless channels. Similar to the channels on your TV, each Wi-Fi channel is designated by a number that represents a specific radio communication frequency. If you are spending money for high-speed Internet and not getting what you expected or your Wi-Fi network was working fine when suddenly you started to experience slow Wi-Fi data rates, not only is it your wireless router but also the channel you are using. By selecting the proper Wi-Fi channel you can significantly improve your Wi-Fi coverage as well as performance. That said, properly configuring a Wi-Fi network is more than plugging in the router and hoping for fast, reliable Wi-Fi.

Channels

In the 2.4 GHz band, 1, 6, and 11 are the only non-overlapping channels. Selecting one or more of these channels is an important part of setting up your network correctly. Many wireless routers today will automatically select the channel for you upon initial setup, where depending on your wireless environment, it could lead to slow Wi-Fi speeds and interference. As an example, many home networks in the United States utilize routers that by default, run on channel 6 (2.4 GHz). And, when neighboring Wi-Fi home networks run over the same channel, they generate radio interference. This can cause significant network performance slowdowns for everyone running on that channel.

2.4 vs 5 GHz Performance vs Reliability 

You may be thinking, why spend money on something your ISP gives you for free? Or you may be the type who thinks it does not matter if your router is outdated. Unfortunately, this leads to a situation where the important but ignored ISP provided router ends up being the source of your degraded Internet connection. Leading to a bad user experience for everyone at home. This happens because most homeowners are accustomed to using networking hardware provided by their Internet service provider or consumer brands found at a local retailer.

But, the problem with this type of equipment is the fact that they are built for a one-size-fits-all approach. As a result, it compromises the speed, performance, and reliability of your wireless network. REMEMBER: Wi-Fi and Internet speed are two different things. While your ISP (Internet Service Provider) determines your maximum Internet speed (the speed you pay for), your wireless router is what has the most significant impact on your Wi-Fi speed. If you are tired of having a slow unreliable wireless connection at home, it may be time for an upgrade!

The best home network is one you never notice. Movies and music are best enjoyed uninterrupted, which is why Araknis makes sure their products deliver a fast and reliable connection with every use. A smart network makes for a smart home. With Araknis, you’ll enjoy all the advantages of a business-grade network, right in your home. Araknis products provide the speed and dependability your family needs to effortlessly browse the web, stream music, play videos, and more.

WIRELESS ACCESS POINTS (WAPS)

Araknis designs its wireless access points to be fast, reliable, and hassle-free, because the best network is one you never notice. And with four distinct series, plus an outdoor option, it’s easy for us to design a home network that fits your specific needs. Keep your Wi-Fi signal strong with Araknis Networks®. A fast and reliable WAP ensures optimum performance with your wireless devices, and allows you and your family to enjoy uninterrupted Internet browsing, video, and music streaming. You can even schedule or restrict Wi-Fi access as you see fit.

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San Diego Home WiFi Specialists

Not sure what you need? We want to make certain you are getting the exact solution that you need for your home. Call us today to schedule your free home network evaluation (760) 505-7461.