WiFi
How to improve WiFi coverage at home or in the office
By IPProtec · · 6 min read
Quick answer
To improve WiFi coverage reliably you need to bring the signal closer to where it's used: replace the single router or repeaters with several cabled access points placed according to the layout, with tuned channels and power and roaming between them.
First, identify the problem
- Low speed everywhere: it may be the line or the main device.
- Low speed only in some areas: it's coverage.
- Drop-outs when moving around: it's roaming.
- Slowness when many people are connected: it's capacity.
Solutions from smallest to largest
- Move the main device: central and high, not inside a cupboard.
- Review channels and power: avoid channels crowded by neighbours.
- Run cable to a second access point in the problem area.
- Replace repeaters with cabled access points with roaming.
- Redesign the network with a professional system when there are many areas or users.
Why repeaters usually aren't the answer
A wireless repeater reuses the same radio to receive and retransmit, reducing available speed, and adds one more hop for every chained repeater.
When a professional system is worth it
When there are several floors, outdoor areas, remote work or many devices. A system like UniFi lets you measure each point, see which clients are poorly connected and fix it with data.