Getting the best Wi-Fi (wireless) signal
Here's how to get the strongest signal possible from your Wi-Fi network. They're just some general suggestions, so if any don't work, stick with the ones that work best for you. Alternatively check our general guide on How to improve Wi-Fi signal.
Wi-Fi signal FAQs
Have I found the best home for my router?
This can be a bit tricky, because there's two things you need to keep in mind. Where's best for both your broadband and your Wi-Fi signal. Here are some tips to help you decide.
Best for your broadband signal
First of all, find your master telephone socket. This is the best socket to connect your router to. It's usually closest to where the telephone line comes into your home or office. You don't have to connect your router to this one. But you'll get the best broadband performance from it, especially if you have a poor quality or long line.
If you find your broadband works just as well in other sockets, go ahead and use them instead. But if you're having problems, like connection dropping regularly, use the master socket whilst you're sorting it out.
Best for Wi-Fi signal
For the strongest connection, it's best to put your router:
- out in an open space in your home or office, that's not on the floor
- close to your computer (somewhere central in your home or office is best)
- away from any thick walls, metal objects or electrical appliances
Don't worry if you can't do them all, but do as many as you can.
How do I get rid of Wi-Fi interference?
Your router uses radio signals, which can be interrupted by other electrical appliances in your home. Microwaves, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, fridges and baby monitors are some of the most common culprits. So try and keep your router away from them.
If you're getting a lot of problems when you use a cordless phone, you might need to get one that broadcasts on a higher frequency. Before you buy one, tell the retailer about the problem you're having, so they can advise you on the best phone.
How do I get the best from my Wi-Fi channel?
For 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers there are 13 channels for Wi-Fi in the UK, each giving a slightly different frequency. You'll only be connected to one, so the others can sometimes disturb your connection.
So, how does your router decide which one to connect to? Well, it'll usually try to choose the one being used the least in the area.
The new Plusnet Hub One router is even cleverer. It uses dual-band Wi-Fi, which means it connects to two different frequencies, to give you an even stronger Wi-Fi signal.
Get the best from your new Hub One router by using devices alongside it which work on 5GHz. Newer computers should work fine, but older machines might need a bit of upgrading. You can do this easily using a dual-band USB dongle. Have a look at our Router guides for a bit more on this.
If you're having problems with any router, you should check it's connected to a channel that's as free as possible. There are ways to check how many routers are using the same channel as you, have a look on our forums for more info. If, when you look, your router is using a channel with a lot of routers on it, you'll be better off changing to a less common one. Channel one, six or eleven will usually give you the best speed.
Was this article helpful?
Thanks!
Thanks. Your feedback is really appreciated and helps us to improve our help and support.
Search Help articles
Still need help?
Get in touch
-
Give us a call
Our support phone lines are open 7 days a week.
Call us
Customer support
- 0800 432 0200 (from within in the UK)
- +44 345 140 0200 (from abroad)
8am - 8pm, every day Please have your username and password handy.
Business Customer support
- 0800 028 0282 (from within in the UK)
- +44 330 123 9123 (from abroad)
Open all day, every day. Please have your username and password handy.