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can you put a wifi router in a closet

by Jessica Boehm Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You can put your WIFI router in a closet or cabinet but this can be a very challenging place to put this kind of device. Routers need to have a clear zone with no objects around them to operate with optimum capacity. Putting your WIFI Router into this kind of space can actually block signals and make dead spots inside of your business or home.

Although routers aren't the sort of gadgets we want to put on display, sticking it in a closet or tucking it behind another object will have a negative impact on performance, since you're surrounding it with signal-killing materials. You'll also want to keep your router away from windows.Apr 12, 2022

Full Answer

Is it bad to put a router in a closet?

Although routers aren't the sort of gadgets we want to put on display, sticking it in a closet or tucking it behind another object will have a negative impact on performance, since you're surrounding it with signal-killing materials. You'll also want to keep your router away from windows.

Where should you place your Wi-Fi router?

Placing your router in the center of your home reduces wasted coverage area and eliminates unnecessary distance between the unit and any connected devices on the outside edges of the coverage area. It’s also worth considering what parts of the home you want to get Wi-Fi coverage.

Can you hide Wi-Fi routers in books or boxes?

Do-it-yourself blogs and Pinterest users love sharing the idea of hiding Wi-Fi routers in hollowed-out books or pretty boxes, wrapping them in gift wrap, or putting them in drawers. Here's why that's a terrible idea.

Do I need a new mesh router for my home Wi-Fi?

When it comes to improving your home Wi-Fi coverage, it's easy to think that a new router or added piece of equipment will solve all of your wireless woes. To an extent, that's true, and a new mesh router or Wi-Fi extender will definitely give you better coverage in a large home.

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Where is the best place to put your wifi router?

The best place for a wireless routerAvoid the kitchen. ... Place your router centrally. ... Adjust the antennae. ... Avoid walls. ... Place it out in the open. ... Avoid electronic items. ... Don't place it on the floor. ... Mirrors and fish tanks.More items...

Can wifi router be in cabinet?

Speaking of devices, steer clear of basic home appliances like cordless phones and microwaves that also can affect performance. 6. Don't hide your router. Set it up out in the open, not tucked in a cabinet.

Can a WIFI router go in any room?

Can I move my router to another room? Yes, you can! However, with a device that handles wireless networking, placement is key. If you put your router in a bad spot, you could have terrible speeds on all your wireless devices.

How close is too close to WiFi router?

There is no clearly-defined safe distance as this new issue has yet been studied enough. While EMF emissions from different routers vary, for most home WiFi routers, a distance of 40 feet (ideally, or 10 feet at a minimum) will help your body and shouldn't impact your WiFi connection too much.

Where should I hide my wireless router?

The general idea is simple: storing modem and router in a woven basket with holes (like this one), then place it somewhere near the internet cable and power outlet. Alternatively, you can place them in a decorative open box (which is even better to prevent blocking the wifi signal!).

Is it OK to sleep next to a WiFi router?

No, in general, it is not safe to keep a router in your bedroom. You will be exposed to an excessive amount of EMF and RF radiation from the router at close proximity. The dangers of this radiation are increased the closer it is to you.

Can WiFi go through walls?

In theory, Wi-Fi signals are capable of passing through walls and other obstacles relatively easily. However, in reality, some walls are thicker or use reinforced concrete and may block some of the signals. Materials such as drywall, plywood, other kinds of wood and glass can be easily penetrated by wireless signals.

Can furniture block WiFi signal?

Anything that has metal, such as metal blinds, doors, furniture, buildings, and walls, can greatly lessen or completely kill WiFi signal. The more metal there is between your WiFi router and the connected device, the worse the WiFi signal will be.

Can You Put A Wi-Fi Router In A Metal Cabinet?

It is not advisable to put your Wi-Fi router in a metal cabinet because metal such as steel or aluminum significantly degrade the Wi-Fi signal by reflecting waves away from the intended direction, thus causing a poor connection. A better alternative would be to mount your router on the wall or place it on top of a wooden shelf.

What Is The Best Place To Put A Wi-Fi Router In A House?

The ideal place to put your router would be in midair. However, since that is hard to do, placing it on an elevated shelf in the center of your house or mounting it on a wall will definitely improve your Wi-Fi signal. To prevent overheating, always ensure there’s at least 4 inches of space between your router and objects around.

Can You Lay A Wi-Fi Router On Its Side?

Most routers are designed to work in either the vertical or horizontal position, not both. But when short on space, it usually seems like a good idea to put your router on its side in a cabinet or closet.

Should I Mount My Wi-Fi Router On The Ceiling?

Mounting your router on the ceiling sounds like a good idea especially if you are struggling to get a good Wi-Fi reception or better signal distribution in your house.

Should I Place My Wi-Fi Router In The Attic?

You should avoid placing your router in the ceiling because this could expose it to humidity, dust, and extreme temperatures (especially during the summer), thus causing it to fail a lot sooner. Also, the insulation in the ceiling as well as the ceiling itself could decrease the signal strength causing poor Wi-Fi reception.

Can I Put My Router Behind My Tv?

You should avoid putting your router behind or near your TV because it could cause signal interference and affect the performance of your router. A good rule of thumb is to always place your router at least 5-6 feet away from other electronic devices, especially those that might be using the same frequency range as the router.

Can You Put A Wi-Fi Router Next To The Speakers?

You can put your Wi-Fi router next or near your speakers provided the speakers are shielded.

Can You Put A Router In A Cabinet Or Closet?

You absolutely can put a router in a cabinet without losing all your connectivity, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea. It’s a good way to harm the way that you get your wi-fi. If you’re okay with that kind of trade-off, it’s alright to do it. It’s up to you to decide.

What Happens If You Put A Router In A Cabinet?

Putting a router in your cabinet will cause problems, especially if it’s a thick wooden cabinet or something similar. Here’s what you need to know.

Top Router Placement Tips

Now that we explained the basics regarding routers and cabinets, it’s time to give you some smart tips on how to get the most out of your router.

Where Are The Best Places To Hide A Router?

If you don’t like the idea of having it out in the open, there are other ways to get the signal you want. These include:

Related Questions

Routers don’t live forever, but there is an easy way to tell when it’s time to upgrade your router. If you notice that your signal isn’t as strong as it once was, it’s time to upgrade. Most people decide to upgrade when they notice that their router stops providing continuous internet service or when their internet is lagging.

It starts with your ISP

Don’t hide your router or keep it on the floor. Elevate the router and make sure there’s no obstructions.

Location, location, location

Use both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands of your router, to reduce interference with other devices.

Newer routers, consider MESH

A multi-room MESH system is becoming popular as it’s designed for larger homes.

Channel changer

Today’s Wi-Fi routers broadcast in two different frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Figuring out the best one for your situation can improve your network’s reach, speed, and reliability.

Security, privacy

Especially now that routers have a broader range than ever before, it’s critical to have a password on your home’s Wi-Fi connection. You don’t need a degree in computer engineering to add a good password. If unsure, contact your ISP for help.

What is the best position for a wireless router?

The ideal position for a wireless router, then, is in a central location.

What happens if you put a router in a corner?

If you've placed your router in a far corner of your home, or set it up at one end or another, you're probably reducing your usable coverage by half.

What band does a router use?

A lot of devices will use the same 2.4-GHz wireless band that your router does.

How far away from microwave should I put my router?

If your router is within 10 feet of a microwave oven, you're probably nuking your Wi-Fi signal every time you warm up a burrito or reheat last night's leftovers. MORE: Best Wi-Fi Routers 2018. 6. Reposition those antennas. Once you've positioned the router itself, you may also want to consider the router's antennas.

Can you hang a router horizontally?

For starters, you'll want to use whatever orientation the router is designed for. If it's meant to sit horizontally, don't try to wedge it into a bookcase vertically or hang it vertically on the wall.

Can radios travel through open air?

Radio signals travel best through open air. The ideal situation would let you have a direct line-of-sight between your device and the router at all times, but that's rarely feasible when trying to cover multiple rooms in a home .

Does a mesh router give better coverage?

To an extent, that's true, and a new mesh router or Wi-Fi extender will definitely give you better coverage in a large home. But the first thing to ask is whether you're really getting all the performance your router has to offer. In many cases, the quickest way to clear up dead spots and enjoy better connectivity isn't new hardware, ...

What prevents hot air from circulating out of router?

Those vents prevent overheating the delicate circuitry inside. A pretty box, a hollowed out book, a drawer or a basket can prevents hot air from circulating out of the router, raising the temperature of the device. ...

How to blend router with decor?

A better way to blend your router in with the decor is to place it behind a picture frame, or set it on a bookshelf. Just make sure that the modem or router has at least 4 inches (10 centimeters) of clearance on each side to give it good air flow.

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1.Can I put my WiFi router in a closet? - Quora

Url:https://www.quora.com/Can-I-put-my-WiFi-router-in-a-closet

10 hours ago You can put your WIFI router in a closet or cabinet but this can be a very challenging place to put this kind of device. Routers need to have a clear zone with no objects around them to operate with optimum capacity. Putting your WIFI Router into this kind of space can actually block signals and make dead spots inside of your business or home.

2.Can A Wi-Fi Router Go In A Cabinet? [EXPLAINED] - Tech …

Url:https://techusersguide.com/can-wifi-router-go-in-cabinet/

26 hours ago  · Can you put a wifi router in a closet? Since it's not possible to have that indoors, you can improve the signal a great deal by making sure the immediate surroundings of the router/modem are clear, especially in the directions you want the signal to reach. This means you don't want to leave the router in a closet, or put it between a big TV and a wall.

3.Can You Put A Router In A Cabinet? (Find Out Now!)

Url:https://upgradedhome.com/can-you-put-a-router-in-a-cabinet/

8 hours ago By Steven Fiorini / How-to. For the best Wi-Fi reception in your home, you should avoid placing your Wi-Fi router inside furniture such as wooden cabinets, cupboards, and closets. Placing your router inside furniture or close to physical objects not only causes signal degradation but …

4.Why you should never hide your router in a closet: 5 steps …

Url:https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/nation-now/why-you-should-never-hide-your-router-in-a-closet-5-steps-to-speed-up-your-slow-wi-fi/465-561ebcda-e753-4ccb-b6e1-ad1a199697fa

19 hours ago Yes, you can but it will depend what type of closet and what frequency you are using. If it's a metal closet then it may restrict the signal more than a wooden closet. Also, 5Ghz signal will find it hard to penetrate through a closet compared to 2.4Ghz signal.

5.Where to place your router for the best Wi-Fi signal

Url:https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/place-router-best-wi-fi-signal

9 hours ago  · July 29, 2021. Where you place your Wi-Fi router in your home can make a significant difference in the strength of the signal that reaches the various areas. Some people choose to keep their routers hidden from view inside pieces of furniture such as cabinets and closets. For the best Wi-Fi reception in your home, you should avoid placing your Wi-Fi router inside furniture such as wooden …

6.The biggest wireless router placement mistake - CNET

Url:https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/hide-wifi-router-overheating-signal-weak/

21 hours ago Can You Put A Router In A Cabinet Or Closet? You absolutely can put a router in a cabinet without losing all your connectivity, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea. It’s a good way to harm the way that you get your wi-fi. If you’re okay with that kind of trade-off, it’s alright to do it. It’s up to you to decide.

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