How do I boost the Wi-Fi signal at home?

The quality of an internet network has become a must in one’s home. Whatever your profession, the members of the house, the needs and the activities of each one, it is important today to be able to benefit from a good network signal. Indeed, what is the point of having subscribed to a THD or fiber offer if behind all the applications seem slowed down?

In recent years, internet needs have changed dramatically. While in the past most households simply watched TV channels, today few skip box TV or video streaming. And that’s without counting the various daily activities such as video games, telecommuting, or even video calls. However, by dint of being connected, the distribution of the signal can be difficult or worse, can go to devices dedicated to leisure rather than those necessary for work.

Also, whether you are in a small apartment or in a large house, we have decided to present the main solutions to increase the Wi-Fi signal in your home and be able to access it from any room.

What are the differences between Wi-Fi standards?

When you subscribe to a box, it is normally specified with which network standard the equipment offered is compatible. To date, most of the equipment has Wi-Fi 5 and a handful of them have Wi-Fi 6. Some boxes, often for first-price or older offers, are limited to Wi-Fi 4 .

Let’s take a look at the differences between these wireless network standards. The first major characteristic between these three variations is the maximum power of the flow. The more recent technology you choose, the more consistent it is.

Wi-Fi 5, also called by its code name 802.11ac can offer a maximum bandwidth of 5.3 Gbps, while the sixth generation (also called 802.11ax) can exceed 10 Gbps. Data, whether received or transmitted, therefore travels faster with Wi-Fi 6 than with Wi-Fi 5.

Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) theoretically does not exceed 288 Mbps, significantly less than its two successors.

The notions of 2.5 GHz and 5 GHz

Note, however, that another parameter comes into play. You may have already noticed it when you connect to your home Wi-Fi network, two options are generally available to you: either in 2.4 GHz (the classic version ), i.e. 5 GHz. As soon as you select 5 GHz, the speed becomes more important. On Wi-Fi 4, it can go up to a maximum of 600 Mbps.

The 2.5 GHz frequency is the original one. Due to its historical existence, it is often saturated, which is why it is recommended when possible to select the home network in 5 GHz. Less saturated, it therefore offers better power.

I have set up my box correctly, but my signal is weak in some rooms. How to do ?

When you live in a small apartment, you are less concerned by this problem, because Wi-Fi is present everywhere in the room (s). But when you live in a house or even in a duplex apartment, for example, accessing the home Wi-Fi network can be more complicated from certain areas of your home.

It is in this context that it may be advantageous to amplify the Wi-Fi signal. Four solutions are then to be considered.

Validate the Wi-Fi standard of your box

First, it may be appropriate to check if your box offers at least Wi-Fi 5, or even Wi-Fi 6, which is still quite rare. Indeed, if you live in a house but your box is limited to Wi-Fi 4, as mentioned above, the speed is naturally reduced compared to other standards.

In this specific case, it may be important to start by changing your box, either by requesting a more recent version from your access provider or by changing the Internet offer and therefore the equipment.

Note that if you hesitate to opt for a box offering Wi-Fi 6, first check that the rest of your equipment (PC, smartphone and other connected objects) are compatible otherwise this change will not bring you any major change. daily.

Repeat the Wi-Fi signal through your outlets

This is the most used solution. Thanks to this system, all you have to do is connect a Wi-Fi repeater in rooms where the signal is absent or weak, which amplifies the network as if the box were placed next to it. Nothing could be simpler, no prerequisites in terms of technical knowledge are required.

You can have as much of it in the house as you need, although the idea is not to put it in every room either.

If you want to opt for this technology, the brands TP-Link and NetGear offer it, for prices varying from 34.99 euros

Powerline as an alternative solution

Sometimes Wi-Fi repeaters are not sufficient and suitable. This is especially the case when the walls are too thick and do not allow any signal to pass through.

In this case, another technology can answer your problem. These are CPLs. They also plug into power outlets. The initial box is connected to the box. The network then passes through the current to arrive in another associated PLC, which will be placed in a room where the network is absent, or even too weak. However, it is essential that the associated PLCs be installed on outlets belonging to the same electrical network. Otherwise, it will not work as there will be a break in signal tracking.

The strength of the CPL is that it allows you to have a strong signal as if you had the box at that precise location.

The TP-Link brand is the most represented in terms of CPL kit. It takes between 50 euros and 99 euros for a double CPL.

Mesh Wi-Fi or Mesh Wi-Fi

Some PLCs are equipped with this technology. This system acts as a router and automatically redirects the internet signal to all your connected devices. To be able to intervene throughout the house, including in areas far from the box, it acts through access points which can be multiple (small boxes called satellites), which are responsible for collecting the signal and returning it to the devices. concerned. You can put as many satellites as you need.

In addition …

Some good practices are also to be observed. Indeed, when there are several of you in your household, it becomes essential to optimize your connections. When you are not using a device, keep it off the network so that it does not use up part of the bandwidth.

Sometimes, it may even be appropriate with the agreement of each member of the family to devote time slots for greedy use. As such, successive confinements have brought up these issues. Communicating with your hierarchy by video when your spouse or your child is playing on a network or watching movies and series in streaming can quickly become an obstacle course.