How to place your Mercusys wireless router for optimal reception and performance

When you buy a router, you may be confused about the best place to put your router for the best performance. This article will give you a few tips.

To better understand how a router's wireless works, it's important to first understand how antenna signals are transmitted.

In general, our antenna signals are radiated vertically and outward from the antenna. Therefore, in order for our antenna signal to be able to transmit better, we need to pay attention to the following problems when placing the router.

(Left) Scenarios that are not suitable for common-level use

(Right) The router has better wireless coverage with horizontal use

Tip 1. Place your wireless router in a central location.

The router's impact on network speed is critical, so keep your router as close to the center of the room as possible. Let it cover the surrounding signal as evenly as possible so that the signal can be maximized. If your wireless router is against an outside wall of your home, the signal will be weak on the other side of your home.

Tip 2. Put your wireless router at a certain height

It is better to place the wireless router on a table or shelf and keep it at a certain height so that the omnidirectional antenna's transmitting ability can be utilized.

According to our actual situation, we suggest that the table should be about 1-1.5 ft so that the signal of the router is on the same horizontal plane as the equipment you usually use.

Actual test case sharing:

For an actual height test, we placed the router at a height of 6 ft.

On Android, when we use the phone at a normal height On Android, when we hold the phone up to a 6 feet level

On iOS, when we use the phone at a normal height On iOS, when we hold the phone up to a 6ft level

The device will get a stronger wireless signal when it’s at the same altitude as the router.

Note: The smaller negative number is better performance, eg, the Signal Strength -32 will be better than the Signal Strength -50.

Tip 3. Pay attention to your wireless router’s antennas

As we know, our antenna signals are radiated vertically and outward. If you only need to use it on the first floor of your home, we recommend you place antennas vertically, so that the antenna coverage can achieve the best on the same level.

If you need to go upstairs or downstairs in your home, and the wireless needs to cover different floors, we suggest that you turn on the antenna at an Angle of 30°.

Actual test case sharing:

We did a test on the effect of antenna placement on horizontal radio. If your router needs to be hung on the wall for use.

The antenna is placed vertically and then the wireless signal strength is received by the iPhone in the horizontal plane. (Signal Strength -26)

The antenna is tilted forward at an Angle of 45°. (Signal Strength -35)

The antenna is completely horizontal. (Signal Strength -39)

So, if you only need to use it on the first floor of your home, or hanging on the wall to use the router in a horizontal direction, we recommend that you put the router antenna vertically.

Considering various requirements, we recommend the following antenna placement methods.

Tip 4. Stay away from high-powered appliances

When the router transmits signals, the high-power electrical appliances, and iron products may cause interference with Wi-Fi, so try to avoid microwave ovens, weak current boxes, TV, and other electrical appliances.

Tip 5. Avoid obstructions

In order to keep it neat, a lot of friends put the router in a cabinet. Putting it in the cabinet will block the signal, and the overall signal will be weakened. Besides, the position of the router should not pass through too many walls, because the walls are made of concrete, which is very strong in shielding the router's signals. The closer your wireless router is to these obstructions, the more severe the interference, and the weaker your connection will be.

Tip 6. Avoid overexposed areas

Keep it as cool as possible. Because long-term sun exposure will cause damage to the router, which will affect the stability and the network speed.

Note: If you want to hang it on the wall, make sure it doesn't shake or fade, because if the device is hit, it may be damaged and it won't work properly.