Your NETGEAR router features high powered amplifiers and antennas to maximize your WiFi coverage. However, your WiFi range can be affected by factors like router placement, home layout, or wireless interference from other devices.
As you troubleshoot, keep in mind that it’s normal for your speeds to decrease as your move away from your router, as your WiFi device must switch to lower frequency wireless bands to maintain its connection. Higher frequency bands provide a faster connection, but have less range, and cannot penetrate solid objects like walls and floors. For more information, see What is the difference between 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz wireless frequencies?
To resolve poor wireless range or a weak WiFi signal from your NETGEAR router, try the following:
Move your router
A clear line of sight from your router to your devices provides the best WiFi signal. The signal strength decreases as it passes through walls and other objects; some objects, like metal cabinets, might block the signal entirely. Consider this as you experiment with different locations and orientations.
For maximum coverage, place your router in a central position in your home. Install the router as close to the center of the room as possible, away from the corners of the room. We recommend that you avoid placing your router in rooms like a basement, attic, or closet, and avoid other devices that might cause interference, like microwave ovens or baby monitors.
Because of the 6 GHz band’s shorter range, WiFi 6E routers must be positioned close to where you require the high-speed 6 GHz connection. Some devices might roam off the 6 GHz band to the 5 GHz band when they are out of the 6 GHz range and might not automatically reconnect to the 6 GHz band when they are back in range. This is dependent on the individual device and not the router.
Adjust your router’s antennas
If your router has adjustable antennas, you can adjust their position to suit the layout of your home. Router antennas typically project a WiFi signal perpendicular to where they are pointing; an antenna pointing vertically projects a WiFi signal horizontally, while an antenna pointing horizontally projects a WiFi signal vertically. Keep this in mind as you adjust your router’s antennas.
For example, a single-story home might benefit from a fully vertical antenna position, as WiFi coverage isn’t needed above or below the router. A multi-story home, however, might benefit from a mixture of vertical, angled, and horizontal antenna positions to provide coverage in all directions.
Change your wireless channels to avoid interference
Most routers automatically select a 2.4 GHz channel based on your network environment, and use default 5 GHz (and 6 GHz, if equipped with WiFi 6E) channels based on your region. If you are experiencing frequent lost connections, slow data transfers, or other WiFi issues that can be caused by interference, you might want to manually change the wireless channels on your router. For more information, see How do I change the wireless channel on my NETGEAR router?
Consider a WiFi extender or mesh WiFi system
If you are still unsatisfied with your router’s WiFi coverage, you might want to consider adding a WiFi range extender or replacing your router with a mesh WiFi system. Range extenders are cost effective and work well in smaller homes and apartments, while mesh WiFi systems like Orbi WiFi and Nighthawk Mesh provide whole home coverage with devices that are easy to set up and manage. For more information, see When should I use a Nighthawk router, a range extender, or an Orbi WiFi System?