?w=1440&q=75)
We’re now increasingly working from home, playing on an iPad or other devices, while streaming a series on TV at the same time. In modern households, more and more electronic devices communicate with each other wirelessly. This makes stable Wi-Fi all the more important. The following tips from our expert Nicola will help you improve the Wi-Fi reception in your home.
Modem, Router, Connect Box: What’s the difference?
Modem:
Modems are devices that are necessary to convert data into digital signals and transport it to households via the Internet provider’s network. In everyday language, modems are often also referred to as gateways or routers.
Router:
Routers are network devices that forward and distribute data packages across multiple networks. They also transmit between private and public networks. Nowadays, routers for home use are usually integrated into the modem supplied by the Internet provider.
Connect Box:
Sunrise only offers modems with an integrated router. We call these devices «Connect Box» (for cable connections) or «Sunrise Internet Box» (for fiber-optic and DSL connections).
?w=1440&q=75)
That's how the Connect boxes from Sunrise look like.
Tip 1: Place your router in the most central place possible
Connection problems can occur when objects block the router’s signal. A router should be positioned centrally, freely and, if possible, at waist height to work optimally. The router should therefore not be placed behind the sofa or behind doors in cabinets and the like. The router can be compared to a speaker: if you place a speaker behind an object or in a cabinet, you’ll no longer hear the music as well. Thick walls, pillars, large mirrors and plants also get in the way of a good Wi-Fi signal. Visual contact with the router serves as a good indication of a good connection. The shorter the distance between the router and the devices, the better the Wi-Fi connection.
Places where the router should not be placed:
In a metal cabinet or on a metal shelf
On the floor behind the sofa
In the basement
In a distant corner of a room
Behind large leafy plants
Our recommendation
Any gaps that can be reached with a cable should also be connected with a cable. This frees up capacity for other devices on the Wi-Fi network in your home.
Tip 2: avoid sources of interference
Interference can be caused not just by objects, but also electronic devices that are not connected to the Wi-Fi. For example, the Wi-Fi signal can be negatively affected by the waves or radiation from Bluetooth devices, microwaves, base stations for cordless phones, or wirelessly connected baby monitors. Therefore, wherever possible, you shouldn’t place the router directly next to these devices. The building material used in partition walls may also have a negative impact on the Wi-Fi signal because the signal can penetrate through wooden walls easily but has trouble penetrating through cement, glass, or metal.
There are sources of interference around every corner, and this is why it’s important to avoid them as much as possible when you decide on the best location to place your router and Wi-Fi amplifier.
Sources of interference
Bluetooth devices with wirelessly connected baby monitors
Household appliances such as microwaves, washing machines, etc.
Underfloor heating when you want the Wi-Fi signal to reach multiple floors
Tip 3: Use a Wi-Fi amplifier
The Wi-Fi signal has a limited range. If you move your device too far from the modem, your Internet connection will become weaker. This will slow down the speed and cause connection issues. In spite of all the tips we’ve provided above, in larger apartments and houses it may still be difficult to achieve good signal coverage in every room.
To improve the range of your Wi-Fi signal, you can use so-called Wi-Fi amplifiers, such as our Connect Pods. Wi-Fi amplifiers are also known as repeaters or extenders.
?w=1440&q=75)
The Wi-Fi amplifier from Sunrise, presented by our expert Nicola Hautle.
To improve the range of your Wi-Fi signal, you can use so-called Wi-Fi amplifiers, such as our Connect Pods. Wi-Fi amplifiers are also known as repeaters or extenders.
Tip: if you need help setting up your perfect Wi-Fi, the Sunrise Home Installation Service is available to you.
Connect Pods
Connect Pods extend the range and stability of your Wi-Fi signal. They form part of our «Sunrise Smart Wi-Fi» solution, and you can find out more at: https://www.sunrise.ch/en/internet-tv/at-home/smart-wifi
Tip 4: installing in a distribution box
?w=1440&q=75)
Distribution box and LAN socket
Modern apartments are often equipped with a distribution box and have a LAN socket in each room. The advantage of this is that the TV Box, PlayStation or PC in each room can be connected directly to the network, providing a perfect signal. With installations like this, the Internet router can often only be installed directly in the distribution box.
The distribution cabinets are usually made of metal and are not located centrally in the apartment. So if you place your Internet router in a distribution cabinet, be aware that the Wi-Fi signal may become weaker.
Our recommendation
We recommend the «Sunrise Smart Wi-Fi» solution, where the Connect Pods can also use the network wiring from the distribution box directly to connect to the Internet router. This means you can easily get super-fast Internet from the distribution box.
?w=1440&q=75)