These are the main mistakes you make when installing a Wi-Fi network that you should avoid
Both businesses and homes, whether they are home automation or something, need well-designed Wi-Fi networks to make everything work properly. In this article, you will discover the most common mistakes to avoid when installing Wi-Fi networks. Get ready to see a good set of solutions and alternatives to designing networks that properly support the Internet in your home or business.
While the internet is important, whether at home or at work, sometimes design mistakes occur that can affect connection quality, coverage, or security. Whether for home or professional use, it’s important to know the most common faults to avoid and improve your Wi-Fi network’s performance. Read on to discover the most common Wi-Fi design mistakes and how you can easily fix them.
Not planning the router location well
One of the most common mistakes when setting up a Wi-Fi network is placing the router in a bad location. The signal spreads in all directions, so if you place it in a corner or behind large objects, the coverage will be weak. This affects the quality of the connection in different areas of the house or office, which makes us need to install additional devices such as Wi-Fi repeaters or PLCs with Wi-Fi to cover all these areas as best as possible.
Tip: Place the router in a central location, in an elevated position without obstructions. Avoid objects such as furniture or thick walls that may block the signal. This way, the signal will be distributed evenly and will reach more areas. If the router has external antennas, the ideal is to not place them all vertically but also tilt them at a 45-degree angle to maximize the vertical coverage we have in our home, especially if you live in a multi-story house.
does not take into account the number of connected devices.
Another common mistake is underestimating the number of devices that will be connected to the network. At home, you may have many mobile phones, computers, smart TVs, and other devices that consume bandwidth, while at work, the number of devices is larger. If you do not plan well, the connection can become slow and frustrating. It is very important to determine the size of the network correctly, and before installing anything, think about how many devices will be connected via Wi-Fi and the different bands.
Tip: Make sure you choose a router that is appropriate for the number of devices that will be using the network. For home or small office networks, dual-band routers are usually a good choice, as they allow the load to be split between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. As long as your Wi-Fi client supports both bands, it is recommended to always connect it to the 5 GHz band to “free up” the 2.4 GHz band, thus being able to connect devices that do not require as much bandwidth.
ignores network security
A poorly secured Wi-Fi network poses a risk to your privacy and that of your company. It is common to use a default router password or a weak security configuration, which makes it easy for unauthorized access to the network. It is not only important to protect your wireless Wi-Fi network well, but also to consider whether the network needs to enable the “AP Isolation” option so that wireless clients cannot communicate with each other, which adds another layer of security to the network.
Tip: Set a strong password and use security protocols like WPA3. Also, if possible, create a separate network for guests. This protects your main network and prevents outsiders from accessing your data or slowing down your connection. There are home routers that allow you to create VLANs on your LAN to properly segment network traffic.
Do not update the router firmware.
Many people forget to update the router firmware, which is a mistake. These updates are necessary to fix security flaws and improve the device’s performance.
Tip: Check for updates for your router periodically and apply them. This simple gesture can improve the stability and security of your WiFi network. In the latest router models, we usually have automatic updates, and we simply have to enable them.
Mismanagement of Wi-Fi channels
It is common in densely populated areas to have multiple Wi-Fi networks operating on the same channels, which creates interference and reduces connection quality.
Tip: Use tools like WiFi Analyzer to identify the least crowded channels in your area and adjust your router settings to take advantage of those channels. On home networks, switching to the 5GHz band can also improve performance because it tends to be less crowded.
In short, designing an effective Wi-Fi network requires attention to details that we sometimes overlook. From router location to security and proper channel usage, every aspect affects the quality of your connection. By avoiding these common mistakes and applying the tips above, you will improve the coverage, speed, and security of your network, whether at home or in the office.