Adjusting my router's antenna fixed my Wi-Fi problems - here's the best way to position it

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Adjusting a router's antenna can help boost Wi-Fi signals.
• The ideal setup depends on your home space, potential obstacles, and the angle of the antennas.
• For optimal performance in a multistory home, place the antennas at 30 degrees and the router in a central location.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

When I was a kid, I had to constantly adjust the rabbit-ear antenna on my old CRT TV to get a clear picture. As technology advanced, I figured those days were behind us. Most people watch their favorite shows and movies over Wi-Fi. You would think Wi-Fi is better than old TV signals, but you may need to adjust your Wi-Fi router's antennas to maintain a strong, consistent signal.

Also: Traditional Wi-Fi router vs. mesh: How to decide between the 2 popular networking options

Simply plugging your router into a modem and dropping it wherever there's space isn't enough. Proper placement and how you position those antennas play a big role in how well the signal reaches every corner of your home. In this guide, I'll walk through a few quick tips and tricks to help you get the best possible wireless network.

How to position your router antennas

When it comes to antenna placement, the "right" setup largely depends on your living space. If you're in an apartment or a single-story home, TP-Link recommends positioning all antennas vertically. This helps the signal radiate outward evenly across a flat space. If you live in a two-story home, angling the antennas to about 30 degrees can help improve vertical coverage between floors.

For larger, open spaces, ISP brand Optimum suggests setting antennas at roughly 45-degree angles to establish wide-reaching coverage. However, things get trickier if you're trying to cover multiple floors and many devices at once.

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In these situations, TP-Link even suggests experimenting with unique setups - like positioning the router on its side and spreading the antennas in different directions to maximize signal distribution. Similarly, Optimum recommends alternating antenna angles to optimize coverage throughout the home. Every home is different, so it does require a bit of trial and error.

I recommend using your router's companion app to monitor signal strength in real time. Apps will display signal strength in dBm (decibel-milliwatts). Below is an example of my Wi-Fi setup. You'll notice a reading of around -33 dBm, which is excellent and indicates a very strong connection. The closer to zero, the better the signal.

Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

If you'd rather not fuss with your router's antennas, another option would be to use a mesh system. These devices help extend wireless signals to the farthest corners of your home. In fact, mesh systems often don't have visible antennas, so there's no need to adjust anything.

The biggest downside to these devices is cost. I use the TP-Link Deco 7 Pro. It's a great gadget, and I love the consistently strong signal that it provides. However, at the time of this writing, it's $480 for two and $700 for three off Amazon.

Where to place your Wi-Fi router

In short, you'll want to position the router in a central location, roughly equal distance from the receiving devices. This helps the Wi-Fi signal spread out more evenly, ensuring consistent coverage throughout your house. It's also important to watch out for nearby obstacles that could interfere.

Optimum recommends avoiding placing the router in enclosed spaces, such as closets or behind large furniture, as this can weaken the signal. Keep it away from metallic objects, as Wi-Fi can bounce off metal, creating uneven coverage.

Also, avoid placing your router directly on the floor. The signal may not radiate vertically, limiting connection distribution. Instead, place it slightly elevated, like on a shelf, to help with coverage.