Wi-FI Zones
Wi-Fi dead zones—those areas in your home or office with weak or no signal—can be frustrating. Whether you want a stable connection in the garden, a strong signal in the garage, or seamless coverage upstairs, Rocket Fibre’s full-fibre broadband gives you the speed you need. But without the right setup, you’ll still face Wi-Fi black spots and slow internet connections. This guide shows you how to boost your Wi-Fi signal, eliminate dead zones, and maximise your wifi range so every corner of your space enjoys fast, reliable connectivity.
Understanding Why Dead Zones Happen
Dead zones occur when your wireless network can’t reach certain areas. Common causes include:
• Distance: The farther you are from the wireless router, the weaker the signal gets.
• Obstructions: Walls, floors, and furniture absorb or block Wi-Fi signals.
• Interference: Microwaves, cordless phones, and neighbouring networks on the same channel can disrupt your network.
• Router Placement: If your router sits in a corner or behind furniture, the signal can’t radiate evenly.
Even with Rocket Fibre’s gigabit-capable broadband, poorly placed hardware or a lack of coverage tools can leave parts of your home offline or stuck on a slow 4G backup.
Step 1: Optimal Router Placement
Before buying new gear, start with your existing equipment:
• Central Location: Position your wireless router in the middle of your home or office. This balances coverage in all directions.
• Elevated Position: Place the router on a shelf or table, not on the floor. Wi-Fi signals travel outward and downward better when the device sits up high.
• Clear of Obstacles: Avoid placing it inside cabinets, behind TVs, or next to large metal objects.
• Away from Interference: Keep the router at least one metre from microwaves, cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers, and other electronics.
A simple shift in placement can improve your wifi range by 20–30%.
Step 2: Use Ethernet Cable Backhaul
Wired connections are immune to interference and offer the fastest, most stable link:
• Ethernet Port Connections: If you have a spare ethernet port in another room, connect a secondary access point or mesh node via ethernet cable backhaul.
• Powerline Adapters: Where running cable isn’t practical, Powerline adapters use your home’s electrical wiring. Plug one adapter near your router and the other in the dead-zone room. Then connect a Wi-Fi access point or PC via Ethernet.
This hybrid approach combines the best of wired and wireless. Your mesh or extender devices get a full-speed wired link, so they broadcast a strong Wi-Fi signal locally.
Step 3: Upgrade Your Router or Add Mesh Wi-Fi
If your router is more than three years old, a modern wireless router or mesh system can transform coverage:
• Wi-Fi 6 Routers: The latest standard supports more devices, higher throughput, and better range.
• Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: These kits include a main router and one or more satellite nodes. Nodes communicate with each other to blanket your space in a unified wireless network.
• Easy Setup: Rocket Fibre’s mesh packages come pre-configured for simple plug-and-play installation.
Mesh systems automatically steer your devices to the strongest signal, avoiding dips in performance as you move around.
Step 4: Add Range Extenders or Access Points
For targeted coverage, range extenders or dedicated access points work well:
• Wi-Fi Extender: Plugs into a power socket halfway between your router and the dead zone. It picks up the router’s signal and rebroadcasts it.
• Dedicated Access Points: Mounted on walls or ceilings, these connect via Ethernet cable to your router for maximum performance. They often support Power over Ethernet (PoE), simplifying installation.
When placing extenders or access points, use the signal-strength meter in your phone’s Wi-Fi settings to find the sweet spot—not too close to the router, not too far.
Step 5: Tweak Your Wireless Settings
A few adjustments on your router’s admin page can boost performance:
• Channel Selection: Switch to a less crowded channel (1, 6, or 11 on 2.4 GHz).
• Band Steering: Enable automatic steering so dual-band routers place devices on 5 GHz when close and 2.4 GHz when farther.
• Transmit Power: Maximise transmit power if your router allows it, but balance to avoid interference with neighbours.
• Separate SSIDs: Create unique network names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to manually choose the best one for each device.
These tweaks help your internet connections stay strong, even in a busy wireless environment.
Step 6: Monitor and Maintain Your Network
Once you’ve extended your range, keep an eye on performance:
• Regular Speed Tests: Run tests in different rooms to verify coverage improvements.
• Firmware Updates: Update your router and extenders to patch vulnerabilities and improve stability.
• Reboot Schedule: A weekly reboot can clear memory leaks and keep your network running smoothly.
• Device Management: Disconnect old or unused gadgets; each device consumes bandwidth and can cause slowdowns.
You can manage all of this remotely using the Rocket Fibre app, which lets you reboot devices, check speeds, and update firmware without digging out your admin credentials.
When to Call Rocket Fibre Support
If you still have dead zones after following these steps, Rocket Fibre’s expert customer service is here to help. We can:
• Evaluate Coverage: Send a tech to run a full-site Wi-Fi survey and map signal strength.
• Recommend Upgrades: Advise which mesh nodes, access points, or extenders best match your layout.
• Schedule Professional Installation: Our engineers can neatly install cable and access points where needed.
Our goal is 100% coverage—no more buffering in your favourite spot or dropped Zoom calls during meetings.
Ready for Seamless Wi-Fi Everywhere?
Eliminate dead zones and boost your internet connections with Rocket Fibre’s full-fibre broadband and expert Wi-Fi solutions. Enter your postcode now to check availability, explore our mesh and extender packages, and get started. Your devices—and your family—will thank you.
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