配备ISP的无线路由器，大多数WiFi网络通常都相当高效。对于家庭设置，高质量的路由器(quality router)通常足以运行一个体面的网络。毕竟，即使是您的近邻也能正常看到您的无线网络(wireless network)。当然，也有一些例外。
如果你住在一个非常大的房子里，或者你的ISP将你的路由器安装在一个奇怪的位置，比如你的壁橱，你的WiFi 信号(WiFi signal)可能无法充分到达房子的每个部分。在流媒体方面，较弱的WiFi 信号(WiFi signal)会导致视频极度滞后和断断续续。
幸运的是，您可以做几件事来帮助提高WiFi信号强度。以下是我对改善弱WiFi的一些重要建议。请注意，本文专门针对WiFi而不是您的Internet 连接(Internet connection)。
如果您的Internet 连接(Internet connection)速度很慢，请查看我的文章，其中介绍了提高Internet 速度(Internet speed)的多种方法。
使用最新的 WiFi 协议(Use Latest WiFi Protocol)
无线 AC(Wireless AC)几乎已成为标准，但如果您尚未升级到无线 AC 路由器(Wireless AC router)并且仍在使用无线 G 或 N(Wireless G or N)，您可能需要考虑升级。无线 AC(Wireless AC)已被证明是一种功能更强大的技术，不仅可以产生更大的WiFi 范围(WiFi range)，而且还可以改善和更一致的信号强度。
当然，无线 AC 路由器对于(Wireless AC router)无线 AC(Wireless AC)设备的效率最高。如果您使用的是带有内置无线网卡(wireless card)的较新设备，例如笔记本电脑，请检查它支持的无线协议。
另外值得注意的是，在AC之后，还会有AD、AH、AJ、AX等。您不必总是使用最新的协议，但您也不希望落后于多个协议。无线 N 和 AC(Wireless N and AC)还支持MIMO，它允许使用多个天线。
获取双频路由器
您可能已经注意到，一些路由器提供了一种称为双频的功能。这意味着它同时支持 2.4 GHz和 5 GHz网络。那么有什么区别呢？5 GHz允许比 2.4 GHz更高的速度，但距离更短。
双频路由器(band router)可能会有所帮助，因为当您靠近路由器时，您会获得更快的速度，但是当您距离路由器较远时，您可以切换到 2.4 GHz 网络(GHz network)，因为 2.4 GHz信号可以传播更远并穿透更多墙壁。不幸的是，您大多必须在这两个网络之间手动切换。
致电您的 ISP(Call Your ISP)
由于大多数人使用ISP提供给他们的默认路由器(default router)，因此最好确保您拥有他们提供的最好的路由器。大多数ISP(ISPs)会安装速度更慢、功能更少的更便宜的路由器，然后尝试让您稍后升级。
如果您要连接服务，通常可以在注册之前让他们为您提供最好的路由器。如果您已经是客户，您可以随时尝试威胁要离开。不幸的是，要获得更好的路由器，您通常必须每月支付费用或预先购买。
但是，如果您预先购买路由器(router upfront)，请不要从ISP购买。而是去亚马逊或 eBay(Amazon or eBay)并从那里购买。如果您自己感觉(t feel)不舒服，您可以随时请技术人员来安装路由器。
使用有线信号增强器(Use a Cable Signal Booster)
如果您有有线互联网(cable internet)，有几个因素会影响从有线电视公司(cable company)到您家的实际有线信号强度。如果您住在一个有许多家庭的繁忙社区，那么您家接收的实际电缆功率(cable power)可能不是最佳的。除此之外，诸如允许在每个房间都有电缆出口(cable outlet)的分配器之类的东西往往会削弱信号，并且您拥有的分配器越多，信号就会变得越弱。
有线信号增强器可以充当放大器，帮助为您的家庭WiFi 网络提供最佳信号。(WiFi network)基本上(Basically)，这些设备的外观和工作方式与普通同轴分配器一样。但是，它们被设计为以最有效的方式分配电缆信号。有线信号增强器还将提高电视的信号强度。
优化路由器和更新固件(Optimize Router & Update Firmware)
这几乎是给定的，但最好为您的无线路由器拥有(wireless router)最新的固件(date firmware)。随着技术的变化，需要更新固件以保持路由器以最佳性能运行。
您还应该调整路由器上的设置以获得最大输出。例如，如果您受到很多干扰，您可能需要切换频道。大多数时候它设置为Auto，但有时值得手动配置。最好查阅路由器的用户手册以获取固件和设置提示(firmware and settings tips)。
重新定位 路由器( the Router)
为获得最佳WiFi 覆盖(WiFi coverage)，无线路由器应放置在家中的中心位置。它的位置也应该不太靠近地板，但也不能太靠近天花板。WiFi信号以横向模式传播，大多数时候，WiFi设备（例如笔记本电脑）在家中的中点使用。例如，您通常在使用笔记本电脑时坐在沙发上；你不会躺在(t lay)地板上（大部分时间），也不会站在梯子上。
使用多路由器网络设置(Use a Multi Router Network Setup)
如果你住在一个很大的房子里，而且距离太远，即使是最新的 MIMO 技术(MIMO technology)无线协议(wireless protocol)，上面提到的所有方法仍然对你没有帮助。在这些类型的情况下，您可能需要设置第二个路由器。
这可以以wireless extender/repeater、无线网桥(wireless bridge)或简单的第二个无线路由器(wireless router)的形式出现。我已经写过关于使用第二个无线路由器(wireless router)设置第二个独立网络的文章，但您也可以将第二个路由器添加到同一网络。
例如，如果您有Verizon FIOS，您可以购买另一个相同的路由器并将(router and configure)其配置为MoCA LAN 网桥(MoCA LAN bridge)。您可以使用相同的无线 SSID 和密码(wireless SSID and password)配置第二个路由器，以便设备将连接到更近的路由器。
购买 WiFi 系统
如今，有很多公司在销售 WiFi 系统。这些基本上是无线网状网络。它们包括您在家中不同位置连接的多个相同路由器。
这些系统的主要优点是它们可以自行配置并自动相互交谈。这使得它们非常容易设置，您可以添加任意数量的设备，以不断扩展您的无线网络(wireless network)范围。
Eero是(Eero)WiFi 系统(WiFi system)的一个例子。它带有三个接入点，价格约为 500 美元。您可以通过应用程序控制和配置所有内容，并且需要半小时才能完成设置。当然，您会失去购买传统路由器时所拥有的所有灵活性和控制力。(flexibility and control)
我知道的另一家受欢迎的公司是Open-Mesh。幸运的是，消费者也可以购买它，它适用于住宅用途。同样(Again)，这些是更昂贵的解决方案，但最终你会成为一个快乐的露营者。
添加 WiFi 增强器天线(Add a WiFi Booster Antenna)
根据您的WiFi 路由器(WiFi router)的具体型号，它可能与附加的WiFi 增强(WiFi booster)天线兼容。WiFi 天线(WiFi antenna)的购买者似乎有不同程度的褒贬不一，但对于大约 50% 的人来说，它们是值得购买的。WiFi 增强(WiFi booster) 天线的工作原理(antennas work)与旧音箱上的可伸缩天线的工作原理相同。虽然默认天线(default antenna)可能是内置的或最小的，但独立的WiFi 天线(WiFi antenna)可能有助于改善WiFi 网络(WiFi network)信号。
使用电力线适配器(Use Powerline Adapter)
对于某些人来说，您只是无法将无线信号输入房屋的某个区域。也许墙壁是由阻止WiFi的材料制成的，因此只有直接的电缆连接(cable connection)才能工作。您总是可以尝试将网络或同轴电缆连接(network or coax line)到该位置，但如果这不可行，那么电力线适配器(Powerline adapter)可能是一个不错的选择。
速度没什么好写的，但总比没有好。你基本上把它们插在墙上，一个是你的路由器所在的地方，一个是你需要以太网连接(Ethernet connection)的地方。大多数只有一个以太网端口(Ethernet port)，但有些像上面的Actiontec(Actiontec one)有几个端口来连接多个设备。
关闭其他设备
如果您是重度小工具用户(gadget user)，并且在家中连接了大量设备，例如相机、电话、显示器、物联网(IOT)设备等，那么关闭一些设备以查看是否存在某种干扰可能是值得的。
微波炉等其他电器也会造成干扰，因此请尽量让您的路由器远离任何其他电子产品。
使用上述任何一种方法都应该有助于加强您的WiFi 网络(WiFi network)，并且使用这些方法的组合应该可以极大地增强您家中的WiFi。还有其他帮助改善WiFi信号的好方法吗？在评论中让我们知道！享受！
Top Ways to Boost WiFi Signals & Improve Performance
Equipped with a wireless router from your ISP, most WiFi networks are usually fairly effіcient. For at-home setups, a quality router will usuallу be more thаn enough to run a decent network. After all, even yoυr close neighbors can normally see your wirelesѕ network. Of course, there are some exceptions.
If you live in a very large house or your ISP installed your router in a strange location like your closet, your WiFi signal may not reach every part of the house adequately. When it comes to streaming media, a weak WiFi signal result in extreme lag and choppy videos.
Luckily, there are several things that you can do to help boost WiFi signal strength. Here are some of my top recommendations for improving weak WiFi. Note that this article focuses on WiFi specifically and not on your Internet connection.
If your Internet connection is slow, check out my article that talks about the many ways you can boost your Internet speed.
Use Latest WiFi Protocol
Wireless AC has pretty much become the standard, but if you have not yet upgraded to a Wireless AC router and are still using Wireless G or N, you may want to consider upgrading. Wireless AC has proven to be a much more capable technology that not only produces greater WiFi range, but improved and more consistent signal strength as well.
Of course, a Wireless AC router will be most efficient with Wireless AC devices. If you are using a newer device with a built-in wireless card, such as a laptop, check to see what wireless protocol it supports.
It’s also worth noting that after AC, there will be AD, AH, AJ, AX and so on. You don’t always have to be using the latest protocol, but you also don’t want to be several protocols behind. Wireless N and AC also support MIMO, which allows for multiple antennas.
Get a Dual-Band Router
You may have noticed that some routers offer a feature called dual band. This means that it supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. So what’s the difference? 5 GHz allows for much greater speeds than 2.4 GHz, but over a shorter distance.
A dual band router can be helpful because you’ll get faster speeds when you are closer to the router, but you can switch to the 2.4 GHz network when you are farther away since 2.4 GHz signals can travel farther and penetrate more walls. Unfortunately, you mostly have to manually switch between these two networks.
Call Your ISP
Since most people use the default router given to them by their ISP, it’s a good idea to make sure you have the best one they have to offer. Most ISPs will install a cheaper router with less speeds and less features and then try to get you to upgrade later.
If you are getting service connected, you can usually make them give you the best router before you sign up with them. If you are already a customer, you can always try to threaten to leave. Unfortunately, to get a better router, you normally will have to pay a monthly cost or buy it upfront.
However, if you buy the router upfront, never buy it from the ISP. Instead go to Amazon or eBay and buy it from there. You can always call out a technician to come and install the router, if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Use a Cable Signal Booster
If you have cable internet, several factors can play into the actual cable signal strength coming from the cable company to your home. If you live in a busy neighborhood with many households, the actual cable power that your home receives may not be optimal. Aside from this, things like splitters that allow for a cable outlet in every room tend to weaken the signal, and the more splitters you have, the weaker the signal will become.
A cable signal booster can help give your home WiFi network the best possible signal by acting as an amplifier. Basically, these devices look and work just like normal coaxial splitters. However, they are engineered to distribute cable signals in the most efficient manner. Cable signal boosters will also improve the signal strength to your television.
Optimize Router & Update Firmware
This one is pretty much a given, but it’s always best to have the most up to date firmware for your wireless router. As technology changes, firmware updates are needed to keep the router running at peak performance.
You should also tweak the settings on your router for maximum output. For example, if you are getting a lot of interference, you may want to switch channels. Most of the time it is set to Auto, but sometimes it’s worth manually configuring. It is best to consult a router’s user manual for firmware and settings tips.
Re-position the Router
For best WiFi coverage, a wireless router should be placed in a central location within a home. It should also be positioned not too close to the floor, but not too close to the ceiling either. WiFi signals travel in a lateral pattern, and most of the time, WiFi devices, such as laptops are used at midpoint within a home. For example, you usually sit on the couch when using a laptop; you don’t lay on the floor (most of the time), and you do not stand on a ladder.
Use a Multi Router Network Setup
All the methods mentioned above still won’t help you if you live in a very large home and the distances are simply too great, even for the latest wireless protocol with MIMO technology. In these types of cases, you probably need to setup a second router.
This can come in the form of a wireless extender/repeater, wireless bridge, or simply a second wireless router. I’ve already written about setting up a second separate network using a second wireless router, but you can also add a second router to the same network.
For example, if you have Verizon FIOS, you can purchase another identical router and configure it as a MoCA LAN bridge. You can configure the second router with the same wireless SSID and password, so devices will connect to whichever router is closer.
Purchase a WiFi System
These days, there are a lot of companies selling WiFi systems. These are basically wireless mesh networks. They include multiple identical routers that you connect in different locations in your home.
The main advantage these systems is that they configure themselves and talk to each other automatically. This makes them really easy to setup and you can add as many devices as you want to keep extending the range of your wireless network.
Eero is one example of a WiFi system. It comes with three access points for about $500. You can control and configure everything via an app and it takes half an hour to set it all up. Of course, you lose all the flexibility and control that you have when you purchase a traditional router.
Another company that I know is popular is Open-Mesh. Luckily, consumers can buy it too and it works just fine for residential purposes. Again, these are much more expensive solutions, but you’ll be one happy camper at the end of the day.
Add a WiFi Booster Antenna
Depending on the exact model of your WiFi router, it may be compatible with an add-on WiFi booster antenna. WiFi antennas seem to have a varying degree of mixed reviews from purchasers, but for approximately 50% of people, they are worth the purchase. WiFi booster antennas work with the same concept that retractable antennas on old boom boxes work. While the default antenna may be built-in or minimal, a standalone WiFi antenna may help improve WiFi network signals.
Use Powerline Adapter
For some people, you just can’t get a wireless signal into a certain area of the house. Maybe the wall is made of a material that blocks WiFi and therefore nothing but a direct cable connection would work. You can always try to drop a network or coax line to that location, but if that’s not feasible, then a Powerline adapter might be a good alternative.
Speeds are nothing to write home about, but it’s definitely better than nothing. You basically plug them into the wall, one where your router is and one where you need an Ethernet connection. Most have just one Ethernet port, but some like the Actiontec one above, have several ports to connect multiple devices.
Turn Off Other Devices
If you are a heavy gadget user and have tons of devices connected all around your home like cameras, phones, monitors, IOT devices, etc., it might be worth turning some things off to see if there is some kind of interference.
Other appliances like microwaves can also cause interference, so try to keep your router away from any other electronic gadget.
Using any of the above methods should help strengthen your WiFi network and using a combination of the methods should greatly boost the WiFi in your home. Any other good ways to help improve WiFi signals? Leave us know in the comments! Enjoy!
