7 Router Placement Myths Busted (and What Really Works)

You might be paying for the best internet plan your ISP offers, but the truth is that your router’s placement can make all the difference in how good or bad your Wi-Fi performs. That’s why I’m busting seven common router placement myths to help you make the most of your Wi-Fi’s speed and quality.

Myth 1: You Can Keep the Router in the Corner to Reduce Clutter

While tucking your router away in the corner of your living room or bedroom might make your space look tidier, it can severely affect your Wi-Fi signal. Ideally, you should place the router in a central location so it can emit signals in all directions. This is the easiest way to improve your Wi-Fi router’s speed.

If you have a multi-level home, consider upgrading to a mesh network for better and more consistent coverage. Of course, there are multiple features you should check when buying a mesh Wi-Fi system. However, it’s worth investing in if you live in a large enough space. In this case, too, you’ll want to ensure that the primary node is centrally located, with others strategically placed across the house to maximize Wi-Fi performance.

Myth 2: You Can Place the Router on the Floor for Stability

I’ve walked into houses where the Wi-Fi router was placed on the floor for stability and easy access to the power outlet. While it might seem practical, placing the router on the floor can limit the spread of the Wi-Fi signal. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi signals travel downward as well as outward.

If you place the router on the floor, the flooring will absorb at least some of the signal. To prevent this, you want to place your Wi-Fi router at a slight elevation. If you have a bookshelf or table nearby, place the router on one of these objects to maximize the spread of the signal.

Myth 3: You Can Position the Router Near a Window for Better Range

Placing the router near a window where it can broadcast Wi-Fi signals with fewer obstructions might seem logical. However, glass can scatter or reflect Wi-Fi signals, which might lead to poor connectivity within the house.

Even if the window is open, you risk exposing your router to direct sunlight, which could cause it to heat excessively and hinder its performance. So, instead of placing the router by the window, you’re better off keeping it in a shaded, non-reflective area.

Myth 4: You Can Stash the Router Near Other Electronics to Save Space

It might be tempting to place your router on a shelf with other electronics and gadgets to save space and keep the area more organized, but this can seriously impact the spread of Wi-Fi signals.

Many gadgets, especially those that operate on the same 2.4 GHz frequency as your Wi-Fi network, can interfere with and weaken the router’s signals. If you’re on the 5 GHz band, as opposed to the 2.4 GHz band, this may not be as much of a problem, but you might still face interference from the metal components on other gadgets, which might reflect the signals.

To prevent this, place your router at least five feet away from other electronics. If this isn’t practical for your home, try to place the router as far away as possible from other gadgets in your space.

Myth 5: You Can Hide the Router Behind Furniture or Other Objects

Walls and pillars can affect the router’s performance. Bulky objects like a couch or bookshelf around the router can weaken Wi-Fi signals that travel outward. If you want to optimize the Wi-Fi reception in your house, do a quick scan for large objects around the router that could be blocking the signal.

Try to move these objects away as far as possible so the Wi-Fi signal has a more open area to travel freely. If you can’t move your furniture around, raise the router so the signals can bypass obstacles.

Myth 6: You Can Place the Router in the Basement or Attic for Better Coverage

By now, you’ve likely figured out that the best location for your router is somewhere central and open. This means the basement and attic are naturally the last places you should put your router.

However, if you have a home office in the basement or attic or just spend a lot of time on those floors, you may still want strong Wi-Fi connectivity in these areas. In this case, you’re best off using a mesh Wi-Fi network or a signal extender to boost your Wi-Fi coverage. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy decent Wi-Fi coverage in different parts of the home without having to place your router in an obscure part of the basement or attic.

Myth 7: You Can Place the Router Near Water Sources

Like windows, water absorbs and weakens Wi-Fi signals. So, whether you’ve accidentally placed your Wi-Fi router beside a fish tank, near the kitchen sink, or near the bathroom, you’ll want to move it away to ensure more reliable connectivity.

Being mindful of water sources near the router also ensures you won’t have to worry about accidental water splashes that might damage your router over time.

How to Really Optimize Your Wi-Fi Signal

Now that we’ve debunked some of the most common router placement myths, you should have a better idea of how to find an optimal location in your home to place the router. But keep in mind that location, while extremely important, is only part of the solution.

To boost your Wi-Fi signal even further, you should update the router’s firmware occasionally, use wireless repeaters or mesh networks as needed, check whether your current internet plan meets your needs, and replace your antenna with a high-gain version if possible. These changes, combined with the optimal placement of the router, will ensure you enjoy reliable Wi-Fi throughout your home.