If you have ever tried to improve the WiFi in your home or office, chances are you have made some mistakes along the way.
Mistakes like these can be frustrating, because they seem easy to avoid on paper and yet so many people make them anyway. That’s why I wanted to write this article to share with you some of the most important mistakes that people make when it comes to their wireless WiFi antenna installation.
By avoiding these errors and following the tips below, you will be able to optimize your wireless network much faster and much easier than if you hadn’t read this article at all!
- Not Understanding Wi-Fi
First and foremost, you have to understand how Wi-Fi works. Many people who have never even installed a router think they know all there is to know about Wi-Fi, but if you really want your network to be effective, it’s important that you understand some of its basics.
Understanding a few concepts will help you avoid mistakes from day one. For example, the equipment powering your antenna can make or break your network. A common mistake is not using high-quality AC power supply units with an input voltage of over 13 volts (most consumer electronic devices operate on 12V). Using a low-quality unit that outputs less than 20 amps can prevent your system from reaching its full potential performance and even damage components over time.
- Underestimating the Size
Most of us know that size matters, at least when it comes to Wi-Fi antennas. After all, if you have a large cell phone but only a small antenna on your shoulder, you won’t get as good of reception as someone with a smaller phone and an equally-sized antenna.
However, not everyone realizes just how important antenna size is–and they make mistakes by trying to cut corners or save money that end up being very costly in terms of quality Wi-Fi service.
For example, if you live in an area with lots of people who use their smartphones for video calling and Internet browsing, having a strong enough signal will be crucial for you getting good results with any calls or web surfing–and it might be more important than picture clarity!
- Placing Them Wrong
Most people just put their antenna in the same spot, but it’s not necessarily where you should put them. For example, your wifi could be great at one end of your house, but suffer from interference and a slow connection at another area. If that’s happening to you, try moving your antenna so it gets better reception. If it doesn’t help, then you might need to move/replace them with more powerful units.
Typically they should be placed as high up as possible and away from obstructions such as metal or brick walls.
- Having Only One Wi-Fi Point
It’s tempting to put your main internet access point near where you spend most of your time: near your TV, in your kitchen, maybe even by your bed. But don’t do it! In fact, if you’re only going to install one Wi-Fi point for your whole house, don’t bother.
Putting all of a home’s internet traffic through a single access point makes that access point very busy and crowded.
Crowded points mean lower speeds. Installing multiple Wi-Fi points instead of a single access point means less congestion and better speeds throughout the house.
- Installing it incorrectly
When installing new wireless antennas or moving your existing ones, always have a professional move them for you. When installing them yourself, make sure that they are firmly attached and not about to fall off.
Even if everything seems alright at first glance, do a visual inspection every six months at least to ensure that everything is still in place and nothing has shifted out of place.
- Buying Cheap Products instead of Professional Ones
Always invest in a quality wireless antenna. Yes, they may be a little more expensive than some of their competitors, but with a quality product you get what you pay for – quality materials and craftsmanship that will last for years.
Conclusion
With so many mistakes to make, it’s important to stay vigilant and take your time. There’s no rush when choosing a new wifi antenna, but making these errors can seriously undermine your efforts in setting up your Wi-Fi. Make sure you choose antennas that meet your network needs now and well into the future. When you’re looking for an antenna, consider what will work best with today’s technology while keeping pace with advancements over time.
With that, we’ll sign off for the day. Hope you had an useful read.