How can I improve my Wi-Fi signal?

If your Wi-Fi works when you are in the same room as your modem but signal strength decreases when you move to a different room within your home, this could be due to a number of factors:

 
 

Location: Wireless signal can be affected by walls or other solid objects such as metal objects, furniture or a large mirror for example, so it is best to position your modem within a central location in your home to ensure minimum impact.

Range: As well as overcoming obstacles that impact your Wi-Fi signal, a power line adapter can also extend the range of your signal. This is ideal for larger homes as it will help boost the signal far and wide enabling everyone to get online throughout the home. Find out more and purchase a power line adapter.

Other devices in your home: Other items such as baby monitors, microwave ovens and cordless phones  may affect your Wi-Fi as they may work on the same frequency as your wireless modem, this can result in a loss of signal, so try where possible not to have them in close proximity.

Interference from external sources: If you are in an apartment building with lots of wireless modems and lots of devices you may experience some wireless interference. If you reboot your modem it will automatically select the most appropriate channel for you. To do this unplug your modem; leave it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This allows the modem to select the best Wi-Fi channel for you.

We recommend that you connect using an Ethernet cable rather than your Wi-Fi to get the best results from your broadband.

Find out more in our Wi-Fi section or watch our video on how to get the best Wifi experience from your Virgin Media Hub

If you prefer, you can follow these steps to get the best WiFi signal around your home...

Don’t tuck your Hub away

Tucking your Hub behind a TV, in a TV cabinet or in a closed shelving unit can block your wireless signal.

 

It’s best to position your Hub out in the open to avoid any unnecessary signal blocks.

 
 

Switch channel with a reboot

Your Hub transmits signals on two wireless channels: 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. If another gadget nearby is also using one of the same channels (for example, your neighbour’s router), the two devices could be duelling for airwaves. You can solve this by turning your Hub off and on again - otherwise known as a 'reboot'.

 

When you reboot, the Hub's channel switching mode instantly kicks in. It will automatically pick up the best frequency to operate on.

What is the difference between 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz?

The difference between the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz wireless bands is speed and range.

 

In a nutshell, the 2.4Ghz band is able to reach further, giving you better signal further from the Hub, but the 5Ghz band offers much higher speeds at a lower range or distance away from the hub.

 

As your Hub transmits both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz, you will see no distinction between the two as they'll both have the same WiFi name, but your device will connect to the best band based on distance from the Hub.

 

For example, as you move further away from your Hub, your device will automatically change to 2.4Ghz if it was on the 5Ghz band. You don't need to do anything to change it.

 

If you want high speed WiFi, you need to move closer to your Hub as your device will automatically reconnect to the 5Ghz band.

 
 

Reduce obstacles to get a clearer signal

Your wireless signal is best when you’re in line-of-sight of your Hub.

 

Walls or fish tanks reduce the WiFi strength and distance, while wireless speakers and baby monitors can cause interference.

 

If you have another Virgin Media connection point in your home in a more central place, considering installing your hub there instead to get a better service.

 
 

Remember some devices are limited

New devices are much better suited for wireless connectivity and speed compared to older devices.

 

It isn’t just about the age though - tablets and smartphones are a brilliant and convenient way to get online, but most smartphones are unable to process high speeds due to their smaller size. This means they can’t quite keep up with newer computers when it comes to speed.

 
 

Give your gadgets and gizmos a break

Wireless networks are often shared between lots of devices; including computers, games consoles, smartphones, TVs and even WiFi music systems. This can cause reduced speeds and breaks in connection, as each fights for the best signal.

 

Make sure you switch off anything you aren't using, and try downloading large files, like movies and music, late at night when other devices are asleep.

 
 

Use an Ethernet/Wired connection where possible

We recommend you connect any device you can to an Ethernet cable that plugs into the back of your Hub. Games consoles, smart TVs, PC's all have an Ethernet socket, and you can plug in up to four devices at a time.

 

This allows other devices that aren't plugged in a much better signal.

 
 

Get WiFi Guarantee

Want to get rid of those annoying WiFi blackspots around your home using our next level WiFi mesh technology? Simply plug them in and enjoy guaranteed minimum speeds for reliable browsing, gaming, and show-streaming power, right where you want it.

Find out more
 
 

Still having signal problems? Let us know...

If these tips don't work, and your service checker results come back normal, perhaps it's time to call in the Red House Ninjas?

 
 
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