Wi-Fi is incredibly convenient, allowing you access to the internet anywhere in your home or business. Occasionally, however, people find locations where their devices lose connectivity, even if the area is within their internet router’s range. These locations are called dead zones.
What is a Dead Zone?
Dead zones describe any location that should have Wi-Fi but doesn’t. Devices either cannot connect in dead zones or have meager signal strength. Dead zones are annoying, inconvenient, and interfere with the full enjoyment of your satellite internet connection.
Understanding the Causes of Dead Zones
Dead spots happen when the radio waves sent from your router are blocked or somehow disrupted. Common causes of dead spots include obstructions such as thick walls and large metal appliances or furniture. Wireless devices like baby monitors, security systems, and microwaves can disrupt router signals. Dead zones also occur if your router’s signal is too weak and are common at the edges of your router’s coverage area.
Assessing Your Home Wi-Fi for Dead Zones
If you have dead zones in your home, you probably know where they are already. However, before you resolve the dead zones you know about, it’s a good idea to check for additional dead spots so you can resolve all your wireless problems simultaneously. The simplest way to identify dead spots is to simply move through your house with a network-connected phone or tablet, using the Hughesnet© speed test in each location to test your connection speed.
If you're technically minded, you can download a W-Fi analyzer onto your phone or laptop. An analyzer automatically evaluates signal strength as you move the device through the house. This option works well if you have a larger home or business facility.
Once you identify a dead zone, you can take the following steps to resolve the issue:
Upgrade Your Router and Modem
How old are your routers and modems? Older equipment may not be able to fully take advantage of the newest wireless standard, Wi-Fi 6, especially if you have multiple devices connected to your network. Replacing your modem or router may resolve dead spot issues if it is several years old.
Optimal Router Placement
Where you locate your router is essential. Routers send wireless signals in all directions to a set distance; an incorrectly positioned router may only cover part of your building. The best location for a router is in a central location, ideally raised off the floor and away from as many walls as possible. Avoid corners or locating the router in the kitchen, where microwave signals, your oven, and your refrigerator can disrupt Wi-Fi signals.
Wi-Fi Range Extenders and Boosters
If you still have dead zones after repositioning your router, try a Wi-Fi booster or range extender. Wi-Fi extenders rebroadcast the router signal to areas outside the router’s reach.
Change Your Wi-Fi Band
Routers have two wireless bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 5 GHz band offers higher speeds but has a shorter range. Switching your devices to the 2.4 GHz band sacrifices some speed but can result in stronger signals in dead zones or at the border of your router’s range.
Mesh Network Systems
A mesh network describes a group of router-like devices connected to create a single network. Your router serves as the center of the network, with each mesh device sharing and redirecting the Wi-Fi signal. Mesh devices are excellent for large homes, networks that support multiple connected devices, or networks with latency or dead zone issues.
Powerline Adapters
Powerline adapters plug directly into electrical outlets. One adapter connects to your router with an ethernet cable and sends router signals through your home’s electrical wiring to the other adapters.
Wi-Fi Signal Enhancing Accessories
Other Wi-Fi-enhancing devices include Wi-Fi antennas and signal amplifiers. Wi-Fi antennas include dongles that plug into devices and antennas that connect directly to the router. Both connect devices to the router over a greater distance. In contrast, signal amplifiers strengthen your existing router signal to improve connection.
Troubleshooting Tips for Persistent Dead Spots
- Still need help with dead zones? Try the following fixes:
- Switch your router from the more commonly used 2.5GHz to the less-used 5GHz
- Adjust your router’s antenna.
- Reposition your router to a central location, away from walls or bulky furniture.
- Position the router away from electronic appliances, including refrigerators and televisions.
- Install a Wi-Fi signal booster to extend the router’s coverage.
If you need help resolving dead zones, contact your internet provider for help.
Hughesnet® offers home internet plans for different household sizes and internet usage needs. With Whole Home Wi-Fi, you can add optional Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes to extend your modem's signal throughout your home.
