How to Extend WiFi Range

Weak WiFi signals can be frustrating—especially when streaming, gaming, or working from home.
Whether your internet drops in certain rooms or your speeds crawl, it’s likely a range or interference issue.

The good news?
There are simple, cost-effective ways to improve your WiFi coverage.
This guide covers what causes weak signals and how to fix them, using both basic and advanced solutions.

From adjusting router placement to adding extenders or upgrading your network hardware, you’ll learn how to get better internet where you need it.
Let’s get started.

Why Your WiFi Signal Might Be Weak

Understanding the root cause helps you fix it faster.
Common reasons include:

  • Your router is in a bad location (corner, floor, behind walls)
  • Too many devices are competing for bandwidth
  • Outdated hardware limits signal strength
  • Interference from other electronics
  • Physical barriers like brick walls or floors

 

WiFi signals weaken with distance.
They also struggle to pass through metal, brick, and concrete.
Microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors can interfere too.

If your home is large or multi-storey, the signal might not reach certain areas.
Even furniture can block signals if your router is hidden behind it.

Knowing these barriers helps you take practical steps to overcome them—starting with simple fixes before investing in new gear.

Simple Tips to Boost Your WiFi Range

Reposition Your Router

Placement is critical.
Your router should be in a central, elevated location—like a shelf in the middle of your home.

Avoid corners, basements, or placing it behind TVs or furniture.
Walls and floors absorb signal strength.

Try placing it as high and unobstructed as possible.
You can even angle the antenna(s) vertically or diagonally to maximise coverage upstairs or across rooms.

If moving the router makes a noticeable difference, you’ve found a quick win.

Limit Interference from Other Devices

Many household electronics share the 2.4GHz frequency.
Microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and even fluorescent lights can cause signal dropouts.

Try to keep your router away from such devices.
If possible, switch to the 5GHz band—it’s faster and less congested, though it doesn’t travel as far.

Also, reduce the number of actively connected devices.
Too many simultaneous streams can overload older routers.

Use guest networks to split traffic when hosting or managing smart devices.

Update Your Router Firmware

Manufacturers release firmware updates to improve performance and security.
Outdated firmware can cause weak signal, bugs, or vulnerabilities.

Log into your router’s admin page (usually via your browser), then check for updates under the settings menu.
Follow on-screen prompts to install.

Set it to auto-update if the option exists.
This ensures your router stays current without manual checks.

Hardware Solutions for Better WiFi Coverage

Use a WiFi Extender

WiFi extenders repeat your existing signal into hard-to-reach areas.
They’re ideal for one or two dead zones.

Place the extender halfway between the router and the weak spot.
Too far, and it won’t receive a usable signal. Too close, and it won’t reach far enough.

Most are plug-and-play and cost-effective.
However, some reduce speed by half as they rebroadcast the same signal.

Upgrade to a Mesh WiFi System

Mesh systems use multiple nodes to blanket your home in WiFi.
They’re seamless, fast, and ideal for large or multi-level houses.

Unlike extenders, mesh nodes talk to each other to hand off your connection as you move.
This creates a unified network with no dead zones.

Brands like Google Nest, Eero, and TP-Link Deco are popular and easy to set up via app.
While pricier, they offer the most reliable long-range coverage.

Consider a Better Antenna or Router

If your router has removable antennas, you can upgrade to high-gain versions.
These boost range in specific directions.

Also, consider buying a dual- or tri-band router with modern WiFi 6 support.
It handles more devices, offers better speeds, and has stronger coverage.

Choose a model with beamforming technology—it focuses the signal toward connected devices instead of broadcasting in all directions.

Advanced Tips for Tech-Savvy Users

For those comfortable tinkering:

  • Use a WiFi analyser app to scan signal strength in each room
  • Change your router’s channel to avoid interference with neighbours
  • Set static IPs for key devices to reduce lag
  • Enable Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritise important traffic (e.g., Zoom calls)
  • Consider wired backhaul if your mesh system supports Ethernet between nodes

 

These tweaks can improve speed and reliability, especially in congested urban areas.

Need Reliable WiFi for Events? OWR Event WiFi Delivers

Boosting home WiFi is one thing, but live events need robust, high-performance connectivity.
Whether you’re organising a corporate conference, trade expo, product launch or outdoor activation, OWR Event WiFi offers custom internet solutions tailored to your venue and audience size.

Why choose OWR Event WiFi?

  • 4G/5G bonded internet routers for fast, stable speeds
  • Temporary WiFi networks for indoor or outdoor events
  • Dedicated on-site technicians to monitor and support throughout
  • Secure, private networks for staff, guests, or exhibitors
  • Nationwide coverage across Australia — from metro cities to remote areas

 

Our team has delivered WiFi for events of all sizes and complexities. From setup to pack-down, we ensure your connectivity is smooth, secure, and scalable.

Whether you’re hosting an event in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or anywhere in between — we’re ready to connect your audience.

Final Thoughts on Strengthening WiFi at Home

Weak WiFi isn’t something you have to live with.
From small adjustments to full system upgrades, there are solutions for every budget.

Start by identifying problem spots, trying simple fixes, then scaling up with extenders or mesh setups.
A strong, stable connection makes all the difference in work, streaming, and smart home performance.

Keep your gear updated and placed wisely, and you’ll enjoy seamless internet wherever you are in the house.

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Get a personalised quote tailored to your needs.

Thank you for considering OWR Event WiFi for your rental needs. Our team will review your quote request and get back to you with a tailored quote that meets your requirements as soon as possible. If you have any urgent questions, please contact our customer support at +61 292 478 008 or sales@owreventwifi.com.au.

We look forward to assisting you with your event's technology needs!