When wifi does not reach somewhere, most people look for a stronger router. But such a thing essentially does not exist, and the solution is almost always better placement or more access points. Let us explain how power, gain and antenna directivity work and where to actually put wifi.

Why placement matters more than power

Wifi is a radio signal, and it reacts very sensitively to where the transmitter is and what is in the way. A router hidden in a corner, in a cabinet or in the basement has no chance of covering the flat, no matter how expensive it is. Good placement makes a bigger difference than any “more powerful” model.

The myth of the strong router: regulations do not allow it

When someone asks us for a strong wifi router with the longest possible range, we just smile. The transmit power of wifi is limited by law. In our conditions, the cap on the 2.4 GHz band is around 100 mW, and every ordinary router is already at this limit. So you cannot buy a “stronger” one, because it would be illegal and would interfere with everyone around. The solution is not more power, but better placement or more access points.

Antenna gain and directivity

It is important to understand that an antenna does not increase power, it just distributes it differently. A higher antenna gain (in dBi) means the signal is sent as a narrower, flatter beam further to the sides, but at the expense of coverage above and below the antenna.

  • An omnidirectional antenna (an ordinary router) radiates the signal around itself in all directions, which is what you want at home.
  • A directional antenna aims the signal in one direction, suiting a link out to the yard or a wireless link between buildings, not covering a flat.

Where to place the router

  • In the center of the flat or house, not in a corner.
  • Up high on a shelf, not on the floor or behind the television.
  • Away from metal, mirrors, the microwave and water (an aquarium, a boiler), which absorb the signal.
  • With free space around it, not closed in a cabinet or a rack.
  • Orient the antennas vertically for coverage across a floor, and across several floors one vertical and one horizontal helps.

Obstacles that kill the signal

Every wall weakens the signal, and some materials especially: concrete, brick, metal, mirrors and water. It also helps to know this: the 5 GHz band is faster but penetrates walls worse, while 2.4 GHz reaches further but is slower and more congested.

When one point is not enough: more access points

In a larger house, across several floors or through thick walls, one router simply cannot cover everything. The correct and legal solution for “long range” is more access points ideally connected by cable, or a mesh system. Each point covers its zone and devices switch between them automatically. This works far better than one “strong” router.

Practical tips

Do you have places at home or in the company where wifi does not reach? Get in touch, we will measure the coverage and design the right placement of access points.