Living without the internet in 2019 is a tough proposition. But even if you pay for WiFi, you may not be able to access the internet from all corners of your home, thanks to the dreaded “dead zones.”
Dead zones are areas of a building that don’t receive a WiFi signal. This can be due to a number of reasons, such as physical barriers.
If you’re tired of suddenly losing your connection when you go into a certain room, try one of these handy solutions, courtesy of Popular Science.
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One thing to keep in mind is that your router should be somewhere toward the center of your home. It should also be as close as possible to the devices that will need it. This may seem obvious, but sometimes, a simple relocation of your router can do the trick.
When you’re choosing a new location, note that WiFi signals have trouble crossing concrete and brick walls. Certain devices can also have an effect on the signal, including microwaves, baby monitors, large fish tanks and Christmas tree lights.
And if you feel limited to putting your router in one spot due to the location of the internet feed, you can always buy a longer connecting cable so that your router can reach the wall from further away.
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You may also want to simply switch out your router for a better, stronger one.
Some companies, such as Google, even offer routers that come with multiple devices automatically, instead of just one. Check out Google Wifi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7PPYNs5Xao
You can also try a device to extend the range of your WiFi, such as a WiFi extender, WiFi repeater, WiFi booster, or range extender.
The most effective device for extending the signal, though, is a powerline adapter. This device uses your home’s electrical wiring to transmit WiFi signals to any room in the house. All you need is an outlet that will fit an adapter! This solution can be pricey, but it works well for high speeds. If speed isn’t an issue, WiFi repeaters also work for a cheaper price.
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Lastly, you may want to go old school by using a wired connection instead of just WiFi. Hook up the dead zones with wired connections of their own by simply running a long Ethernet cable from the router into the room (you may need some pins to hold the cable in place). Then set up a second router or a wireless access point on the other end.
