Maximizing range, speed & router location of your Linksys EA8100

Poor Wi-Fi signal and slow connectivity in your home network are mainly caused by distance, physical obstructions, Wi-Fi interferences and sometimes by the wireless capability/standard of devices connecting to your Linksys EA8100.  If you are experiencing problems connecting your devices to the network, below are the common factors causing these issues and their recommended solutions:

Distance
Physical obstructions
Wireless interferences
Wireless capability/standard of devices

Distance

Distance and placement of your Linksys EA8100 can greatly affect the Wi-Fi signal.  Any device not within the range of your router will experience poor or slow connection.

Solution:  Make sure that your router is placed in the best location and most accessible area inside your home.  It is ideal to place the wireless router either in the central part of your house or in a location free from any obstructions that may block its range.  Also, when connecting any mobile devices, make sure that you are within the range of the router for the best possible Wi-Fi experience.


Physical obstructions

Wi-Fi is susceptible to obstructions that may lead to slow or poor signal connection.  Often, the signal gets reflected, refracted or absorbed by the obstruction.  Common obstructions are cabinets, mirrors, glasses, metal objects, thick walls and ceilings.  
 
Solution:  If you have any of these objects between your wireless devices and router, consider relocating your router somewhere high or in an elevated area to get around the obstruction.
 

Wireless interferences

Neighboring Wi-Fi or any appliance that operates on the same frequency as your wireless router (e.g. 2.4 or 5 GHz) may cause interference affecting your Wi-Fi connection and signal.  Common sources of interference are:
  • Neighboring Wi-Fi
  • Microwave ovens
  • Cordless telephones
  • Bluetooth® devices
  • Wireless baby monitors and etc.   
Solution:  To resolve this, change the wireless channel on your router.  In the US, preferred wireless channels to use are 1, 6 and 11 since they’re considered non-overlapping channels.  Click here for instructions on how you can change the Wi-Fi settings of your router including the channel.
 
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QUICK TIP:  For dual-band routers, it is best to use 20 MHz when in a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz populated area to avoid wireless interference.  For less crowded networks, you can use 40 MHz on a 5 GHz to your advantage.  If you're unsure, you may leave channel width at Auto.  This will automatically adjust the settings to 20 or 40 MHz, depending on which best fits your network.

Wireless capability/standard of devices

In order to take full advantage of the speed and range that your router’s wireless technology has to offer, your Wi-Fi devices that will connect to it should also support the same standard.

Solution:  Since your Linksys EA8100 supports Wireless-AC standard, get computers or mobile devices that are also Wireless-AC capable.  This is to get the maximum speeds of up to 800 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz and 1733 Mbps for the 5 GHz band.

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