I'm a Wi

Dec 26, 2023

WI-FI router speed can be vastly improved if you find the perfect position for the device at home.

One expert has revealed how a "good kick" could speed things up but not the literal kind.

Tech specialist Vladislav Biryukov explained his theory on the Kaspersky blog under a section called "Give it a good kick."

The expert quickly caveats that he doesn't actually expect you to hit your router.

Biryukov wrote: "The old adage — that when something is acting up you should try hitting it — is often surprisingly effective with wireless networks.

"We don’t mean you should literally kick your router, but it may well be that the fundamental problem with your home Wi-Fi lies in the specific combination of your home’s layout and where the router actually directs the radio waves."

He recommends moving your router around your home until you find the right spot.

The expert added: "This is the simplest method, requiring no extra time, money, or specialist know-how."

You need to find what position works for you, including how you place the antennas if your router has any.

If your router has two antennas, place one horizontal and one vertical.

Generally, you should put your Wi-Fi router as central in your home as possible.

Try keeping it in an open area that's raised off the ground.

If you can, make sure your router is plugged into the master socket rather than an extension cable so it works faster.

It should be kept away from metal objects, including TVs and fridges.

That's because metal is a conductor of electricity and the radio waves released by your router are electromagnetic.

The metal can absorb the waves, meaning most metal objects can undermine your connectivity.

Gadgets that release competing signals can also interfere with your speed.