How to Position Your Router for Better Wi-Fi Coverage
Where you place the router matters more than most people think — a few placement rules can noticeably improve coverage without spending anything.
1. Central and elevated position
Place the router as centrally as possible in your home, and elevated (on a piece of furniture, not on the floor) — signal spreads better sideways and downwards than straight up from the floor.
2. Avoid obstacles and signal-blocking materials
Metal and reinforced concrete are the worst enemies of Wi-Fi signal — avoid placing the router inside a metal cabinet, near large appliances, or right up against a thick load-bearing wall if you can help it.
3. Keep it away from electronic interference
Microwaves, old cordless phones, and some baby monitors can interfere with Wi-Fi signal if they're very close to the router — keep some distance if you notice signal drops at specific moments coinciding with using these devices.
4. If the house is large: extenders or a mesh system
For multi-storey or long, stretched-out homes, a single router may not be enough by design — a mesh system (several access points working together) usually performs better than traditional standalone extenders.
Tip: use a Wi-Fi analysis app (many are free) to "map" the signal around your home before deciding on the final position — more accurate than guessing by feel.
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad to put the router on the floor?
Yes, Wi-Fi signal spreads better horizontally and downwards from the emission point — placing it elevated on furniture improves overall coverage of the home.
Are Wi-Fi extenders better than a mesh system?
For large or multi-storey homes, a mesh system usually performs better, since the access points work coordinated with each other, unlike traditional extenders which act more independently.