We have technically explained how a router works and Wi-Fi connections explaining how they are made by radio waves generated by a device (the router), which spreads a Wifi signal. Wifi devices that receive the signal can connect to the network.
To learn more, read the article on everything you need to know about wireless networks and wi-fi devices .
However, these radio waves can be disturbed or obstructed by interference producing the so-called " dead zones " or " dead spots " where the wireless signal does not receive .
Wireless dead zones are easy to spot if you are walking around your home or office with your smartphone in your hand.
Where reception does not take, it is necessary to take measures and find the cause of the problem to cover the whole house or office with the signal and to be able to surf the internet from every point .
A dead zone is therefore simply a space inside our apartment, office, or any other area where wifi does not take over.
The most natural cause is the distance from the signal source.
If you live in a large house or office and the wireless router is located in a corner of the building, there may be a dead zone on the opposite corner of the building that is not reached by the Wi-Fi signal.
After all, the houses were certainly not built thinking about the diffusion of the signal and often the fault is the thick walls, crossed by metal elements that interfere with the wireless.
Large metal objects such as wardrobes or doors certainly do not favor signal diffusion.
Other devices can also interfere: old cordless telephones, a microwave oven, a baby monitor, wireless burglar alarm systems, wireless audio systems are classic objects that cause problems.
Not to mention the fact that those who live in heavily inhabited neighborhoods or large condominiums where everyone has their own wireless router, Wi-Fi coverage can be disturbed by continuous interference.
More precisely, if neighbors have their Wi-Fi networks on the same wireless channel as ours, this can reduce the network signal strength or even produce dead zones.
There is really no need for a program to find these dead zones .
You can use a smartphone or tablet or laptop and check if it takes all over the house.
If the signal strength drops to zero, here is the dead zone.
If the signal is picked up at a very low level it is also a problem, because an unstable signal can cause lower speeds.
Be aware, however, that the Wi-Fi light on wireless devices does not update immediately, so you have to walk slowly.
To be more precise, some applications can be used to identify the dead zones of the wifi signal.
In two other articles we have seen:
- 15 Android apps to enhance wireless reception and test Wifi
- Wifi network map to find out where the signal is best
Once we understood where the wireless dead zones are, we saw in another article how to amplify the wifi and extend the reception .
In particular, we explained what we need to do if the wifi does not reach the whole house.
- Reposition the router : if the router is in a far corner, it is better to put it more central in the apartment.
- Adjust the antenna of the router and orient it vertically.
- Try to eliminate obstacles .
- Change Wireless channel to find the most powerful and least congested one.
- Use a wireless repeater that attaches to the electrical outlet and extends the router signal.
This type of repeater costs very little, around 30 Euros, and needs no configuration.
If desired, you can also use a Homeplug repeater made of two powerline adapters, one near the router and the other at a distant point.
The two communicate via the electricity network and is ideal in multi-storey houses.
- Use a wired connection or connect two routers together .
For example, if there is good wireless coverage throughout the house except in a room, you can lay an Ethernet cable from the router to the bedroom and connect it to another wireless router in the room.
See also how to connect two wireless routers together .
If you have faced the problem in one of these ways or in others, let me know in the comments because I am really curious!
