Why your Wi-Fi has dead spots, and how to fix them

Wi-Fi that works at the counter but drops out in the back corner is one of the most common tech complaints in homes and small businesses. The fix is usually straightforward once you know the cause.

Common causes

• Router placement. Routers tucked in a cupboard, behind a TV or at one end of the building leave the far side with weak signal.
• Walls and materials. Concrete, brick, metal, mirrors and even large fish tanks block or absorb Wi-Fi.
• Distance. Every router has a limit. Large or multi-level spaces often need more than one access point.
• Interference. Neighbouring networks and some devices compete for the same channels.
• An old router that is not designed for the number of devices you now have.

Things you can try first

1. 1Move the router somewhere central, high up and out in the open.
2. 2Restart the router and update its firmware.
3. 3Check whether the problem is the internet connection itself, not the Wi-Fi, by testing near the router.

When you need more coverage

Mesh Wi-Fi systems use several units that work together as one network, which suits homes and small venues. For businesses, wired access points connected back to a switch by network cable are usually the most reliable option, because each one gets a full-speed connection.

Range extenders can help in a pinch, but they often halve the speed and create a second network name that devices do not switch to smoothly.

Find networking and Wi-Fi technicians near you.