Wifi Routers – wifi routing devices – allow you to share your internet connection with computers, phones, and other network devices in your home through wifi signals.
Each wifi router model has different designs and transmission speeds, but generally includes:
– 1 WAN port which creates a private network and assigns an IP range according to the Default Gateway (usually colored blue or yellow for easy distinction).
– 2 LAN ports that allow users to connect from the main modem to end devices such as laptops, computers, and TVs to use the internet through Ethernet cables. The network transmission speed of each LAN port is different: There are types with 10/100Mbps, 10/100/1000Mbps.
– Antennas: There are 2 types of antennas – external and internal antennas. Routers with external antennas are more commonly used and the more antennas there are, the larger the wifi coverage.
Routers function to send network data packets between 2 or more networks, from one router to multiple destination points. In simple terms, a router can connect wifi to phones, tablets, while also connecting to wired networks with desktop computers, laptops, and TVs.
Recommended Router Placement
Placing a wifi router in unsuitable locations will affect the signal quality and connection performance with your technological devices. The following locations should be avoided for wifi router placement:
Placement of the wifi router in unsuitable locations reduces internet access speed. (Image: Istock)
Locations near mirrors, inside glass cabinets
Mirrors and glass cabinets act as obstacles and also have the ability to reflect signals. Placing a wifi router near a mirror or glass cabinet will cause unstable wifi speed and unreliable device connections. Therefore, locations near mirrors or glass should be avoided for wifi router placement.
Locations near kitchen shelves, landline phones
Router devices, as well as landline phones and even microwaves, emit radio waves when in operation. This seriously affects the wifi signal quality in your home.
Corners, near the television
Many people believe that placing a wifi router in a corner or near a television is convenient and saves space while still providing wide coverage for the installation area. However, these are not suitable locations for wifi router placement because they will cause unstable network transmission speed.
The reason is that these places have strong magnetic field activity, which interferes with the wifi router signal.
Where is the best place to put a wifi router?
Here are some recommended wifi router placement locations:
– Central location in the house: The wifi signal will be evenly distributed throughout the house, providing convenience for users.
– Elevated positions: Bookshelves, the top of cabinets are suitable locations for placing wifi routers. This helps the wifi signal spread wider and is not blocked by obstacles.
– Open locations, avoiding large obstacles such as concrete walls, thick doors, or large metal objects.
Some notes when installing a wifi router
Do not stack devices on top of each other: Stacking devices on top of each other may save space, but it is considered a taboo. Installing devices in a stacked manner will quickly damage the wifi device because it cannot dissipate heat, and it also causes wifi signal interference and unstable network connections.
Do not place near metallic furniture: Placing the router near metallic furniture obstructs the wifi signal and causes signal interference, resulting in an unstable internet connection.
Do not place 2 or more routers close to each other: Placing routers close to each other will cause signal interference and not achieve optimal results.
Point the antennas upwards or horizontally to increase wifi coverage.
Source: VTC
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