A modem-router serves a dual purpose: the modem component connects to the Internet, whether it’s fiber or ADSL, while the router aspect links all devices within your network, either through wired connections (Ethernet) or wirelessly (Wi-Fi). This combination enables you to distribute your Internet connection among various devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, TVs, and other smart devices at home.
Wi-Fi signals struggle to penetrate thick walls made of materials like stone, concrete, or brick, as these materials absorb rather than reflect the waves. Additionally, Wi-Fi signals are impeded by ceramic surfaces (such as tiles) and water (like in aquariums). They’re also obstructed by physical obstacles like furniture and people, as well as metallic surfaces including mirrors and certain windows. Moreover, Wi-Fi signals are susceptible to interference from household appliances emitting electromagnetic waves or radiation, such as microwave ovens, washing machines, dishwashers, and induction cooktops, as well as electronic devices like hi-fi systems, home cinema amplifiers, unshielded speakers, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, and cordless phones. Generally, anything producing an electromagnetic field, such as lamps or power supplies, can disrupt Wi-Fi signals.

Hence, placing your router near devices like TV which contain metal frames, electronic components, and are often surrounded by objects that interfere with Wi-Fi signals is highly unfavorable, especially if the router is enclosed within a TV cabinet.
To ensure optimal Wi-Fi performance throughout your home, it’s advisable to relocate your router away from electronic screens to prevent interference. If possible, utilize an Ethernet cable to connect your router to the TV decoder, even if you prefer a Wi-Fi connection for your television. If Wi-Fi connectivity is preferred, maintain a distance of at least one to two meters between the router and the TV to allow for proper signal dispersion.
Ideally, position your Wi-Fi router in a central, open area of your home to maximize coverage to all rooms, as Wi-Fi signals weaken with distance. Mount the router at a height of more than one meter above the ground and ensure there are no obstructions nearby. Avoid placing the router directly on the floor, adjacent to concrete or stone walls, or within enclosed furniture, as this can lead to overheating and malfunction.
Your WiFi may be optimally positioned, and your router may be up-to-date, yet you still encounter inconsistent coverage. Fortunately, a WiFi extender could resolve this issue. One effective option is a powerline ethernet kit, such as this starter kit offered by various manufacturers. This kit enables you to transmit your internet signal through the electrical circuit in your home or office. It comprises two adapters: one connects to a power socket near your current router, and the other is placed where you require signal. Simply link the first adapter to your router using an ethernet cable, and attach the second one to an ethernet device, like a Smart TV or gaming console. Alternatively, the second adapter can be linked to a WiFi router to establish a secondary WiFi network.
This solution offers notable advantages. Firstly, it’s quick to set up; simply plug and play. Attempting to replicate this setup with extensive lengths of ethernet cables entails drilling holes in walls and running cables throughout the house, rendering it less convenient to relocate the setup. Secondly, in terms of bandwidth, it’s swift. Extenders utilizing WiFi typically experience speed degradation. Since they communicate with the router over WiFi, there’s a significant speed reduction if the extender communicates with your devices on the same band it uses to communicate with the router. Although there are workarounds (discussed below), the powerline ethernet kit circumvents this issue entirely. By leveraging the existing electrical circuit in your home, it establishes a faster link from your WiFi router to your device, which can be set up in mere minutes.
This solution is particularly advantageous if, for instance, you have a gaming console in the basement experiencing insufficiently fast or reliable signal. The kit can be directly plugged into the console’s ethernet connection, connecting it to the router situated in another part of the house.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can optimize the performance and longevity of your router while ensuring reliable Wi-Fi connectivity throughout your home.