Concrete and brick walls make exquisite materials for building homes. However, they are the worst in the transmission of the signal as they block the movement. They tend to block the signal making it poor beyond the wall or completely missing. As you live in such a house, you may need to know how to boost Wi-Fi signal through walls.
It is slightly encouraging that some routers manage to pass their signal through thick walls and some that ultimately cannot. However, getting WiFi through brick walls is quite a challenge for some routers.
You can boost WiFI signals through walls by working on interference, getting better devices, or positioning your devices in the right place. This is as explained in the 10 easy-to-implement methods below.
In our other article, we explored the ways to boost Wi-Fi signals upstairs. This can help you to get better signals upstairs when combined with the tips in this article.
Several things make some signals go through, and some fail to go through. Before getting into creating solutions, it is good to know the reason why signals become poor.
How to boost the Wi-Fi signal through walls
We all love houses with thick walls. They make the house durable and safer. To ensure that you get a good signal across the wall from your router, you need to make some changes.
Therefore, you can explore ways to boost the Wi-Fi signal through walls. Below are some of the ways that will help you to have the connection getting through your wall.
1. Use mesh Wi-Fi
Mesh Wi-Fi is a perfect solution to boost your Wi-Fi signal through walls. Mesh Wi-Fi comes with the main router and other small satellites that boost the connection.
The best Mesh system reviewed so far is Asus Zen WiFi AX XT8 which offers superior performance and comes with lifetime parental controls and network security software to protect your home from cyber attacks. It also has a multi-gig LAN port in addition to a USB port so you can easily connect devices such as smart TVs or game consoles without any trouble!
The connection devices throw the network between themselves, ensuring that all the space within them is a strong signal.
Therefore, you will have a cloud of connection that will cover the entire area where the devices are located.
The best mesh Wi-Fi is excellent because it finds the quickest route between the router and the device. As a result, you will have a cloud that will surround your home so long as you have adequately spaced the devices.
The signal’s movement is such that it goes around the walls instead of other routers that struggle to go through the walls.
2. Place the router at a central location
Placing the router next to the walls, router, or other devices contributes to lowering the signal. It is therefore essential to select a central location that will make the connection more robust.
You will have an assurance that the signal gets maintained and is capable of projecting better hence getting beyond the walls. This is important for routers covering a large house.
Selecting a strategic point to place the router is a very important thing. If it is directly facing the point where devices are located, you have an assurance that a powerful signal will get through the wall.
Make sure that the central point you choose does not have obstructions, especially those that are electronic-based. This way, you are sure that you will boost the Wi-Fi signal through walls for whole-home coverage.
The placement is very important when you are using a router for a 2-story house, houses with thick walls, and large houses in general.
3. Update the router
Sometimes the reason the signal refuses to get through the wall is because of the signal strength. A poor signal could be a result of outdated router firmware. Such a challenge mostly happens when you have a router that has served for some time.
The firmware of a router needs frequent updates because the makers keep improving features the way it happens with editions.
For the router to function well, it needs to be at its most current state. Updating the firmware will therefore make the signal and other features stronger hence making it beyond the wall.
4. Add an extra external antenna
We cannot ignore the fact that antennas are critical when extending the range and making the signal strength more reliable.
Adding an antenna to the router will make its ability to send signals better. In case your router has a built-in internal antenna, you can consider adding an external one.
A directional antenna makes the ideal solution as it will send signals in a specific direction. You can have it facing the wall hence making it penetrate through it.
A fantastic thing with the directional antenna is that you can adjust its direction to serve a point better. Chances of dead zones get eliminated since a powerful antenna can boost the Wi-Fi signal through walls.
5. Enhance your routers security features
There are also very high possibilities that someone is using your internet, making it less effective. When many unauthorized devices are using the connection, there will be limited signals that will not make it through the walls.
You will therefore need to make the security features more enhanced so that there is less interference.
The best move is to hide the SSID, which happens to be the name of the network. Anytime you get to a zone that has a Wi-Fi connection, you will see some identities appearing.
When yours is hidden, it does not appear hence making it very safe. As a result, anyone intending to use the network will have to do everything manually.
6. Get a more powerful router
There are many routers that you can always use to have a better connection. Getting the best long-range router, especially with the Wi-Fi 6 technology is a good move as it has features that work on the connection.
You can be sure that such a router will have the beamforming technology and the QoS to make signal distribution excellent.
When changing the router, ensure that it covers an extended range. Also, the router should either be a dual-band or tri-band device. It will deliver a powerful signal that will end up making the connection reach the father’s ends.
A good router will ensure that it delivers a reliable connection to all devices despite their location hence making it through obstacles.
7. Activate the 2.4GHz band
Having a triband or dual-band router is a fantastic thing. Each band plays a role in ensuring that the connection is stable. However, does 5GHz WiFi go through walls?
The 5GHz band is high-speed, but it will not make it through the wall, especially if it is thick. Its signals, therefore, get instantly blocked as they try to get through the walls.
It is a wise idea to have both the band working together to pick the reliable one. Devices beyond the wall will enjoy the service of the 2.4GHz band because it is powerful when it comes to penetration through the wall.
Combining the differences between 2.5GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands enables your router to give you excellent performance both near the router and far away even when separated by walls.
8. Invest in a Wi-Fi booster
Boosters come as either Wi-Fi extenders or repeaters. A Wi-Fi extender uses the cable to extend the connection and move the Wi-Fi from one room to another using the cobble.
On the other hand, a Wi-Fi extender such as these ones will use the wireless signal to extend the connection range. We have Wi-Fi extenders that are exceptional for different ranges and are compatible with most ISPs. For example, you can pick the best Wi-Fi extender for Xfinity if you are using Comcast high-speed internet.
If the wall is thick and the signal bounces back or has very little penetration, you will need to use an extender. When it is slightly porous, and the signal can make it to the next room, a repeater can be more stable.
Another option of using the repeater is to place it at a strategic position that will enhance the signal’s flow.
9. Remove any tools standing against the wall
You may have put boards and other items to lean against the wall. These can make outstanding elements that will completely block the connection. What you need to do is to remove the tools that are leaning or next to the wall.
Ensure that the wall you want the signal to go through does not have any thick item that will make the signal penetration challenging.
In addition, you can use aluminum foil to boost the Wi-Fi signal in a certain direction. This way you can ensure the signals flow towards your devices.
10. Prior planning
When constructing walls, you can have a plan that will accommodate your internet needs. Such plans include using the materials that will allow penetration of the signal and the router’s exact location—planning puts the needs of any router that you will buy at any given point.
In addition, you can invest in electrical wiring that can be used for connecting powerline adapters. The best powerline adapter is excellent for gaming, streaming, and other internet intense activities in houses with thick walls.
Causes of poor penetration of signal in walls
Projection of the signal
How do WiFi signals travel? The Wi-Fi signal gets projected circularly. On the walls, it fails to maintain the circular motion, therefore, ending up getting blocked.
Walls block the movement of motion and obstruct it because of the insulation layer.
Managing through such walls ends up not happening, and if it penetrates, the signal is usually very weak. Therefore, the projection of the signal is important to ensure it penetrates and reaches the devices beyond the wall.
Choice of material
There is a material that will cause trouble when signals attempt to pass through them. Mirrors, bricks, ceramics, metal, and concrete prove very difficult to let the signals manage through them.
Getting WiFi through brick walls and the other material listed here can be daunting.
Reinforced walls that are thick let the signals bounce back, making the connection unreliable. In most cases, having a house with thick walls will give you a poor signal in most rooms.
Router placement
The placement of your router is another factor that makes the wall not penetrable. A good example is when the router is at the wall, and there is an obstacle next to it that begins hindrance of the connection.
Under such conditions, the connection becomes unmanageable as it does not penetrate the wall next to it and even the one that is far away from it.
In addition, locking the router in a cabinet whichever material it is made of, reduces the signal strength.
Number of walls
If you have two walls, there are very high possibilities that the signal will not pass the second wall. The first wall will significantly lower the connection making the second one completely block it.
When there is such an effect, you will notice that your home will have one room with a robust connection and the others with a poor and unreliable connection.
Signal strength
Depending on the signal’s quality, here is one that will entirely not manage through the wall. If the router has its challenges, such as outdated firmware, the signal will not go through the walls.
What also happens when the range between the router and the wall is wide, the signal will get to the wall already inferior hence getting blocked.
In this case, the antenna power and technologies such as beamforming can help make the signal stronger.
Tips for reducing interference from other wireless devices
The first place to start is by making sure your router is being interfered with from other wireless devices. If you have other devices in the area that broadcast a strong signal, these can wreak havoc on your home WiFi.
Consider investing in an inexpensive device called a WiFi extender to help reduce interference from other devices.
A WiFi extender is easy to install and will help boost your home’s WiFi signal. You simply plug the extender into an electrical outlet and then connect it to your router with an ethernet cable.
These devices work by boosting the weak signals coming from your devices and transmitting them through walls, bridging the connection between them without any interruption of quality or data rate.
Once you have an extension, you can plug it at any point in your house – even outside on the porch if you want an extended WiFi reach.
The best location for your router
The best location for your router is one that is close to a window or well-ventilated area. The reason for this is because WiFi signals may not be able to penetrate through walls or floors as easily.
You also want to avoid placing your router near metal objects, like filing cabinets, microwaves, and stoves. This will weaken the signal even more.
Wireless boosters and extenders
If you’re struggling with a weak signal, try investing in a wireless booster and extender. These devices can be plugged into an outlet in your house for optimal WiFi coverage.
Some booster extenders come with multiple ports, so you can plug them into one outlet and find the perfect spot to place them.
You might even be able to place the device on a higher level like a second floor to get better reception.
Walls with plaster, brick, and concrete walls
The first thing to consider is the type of wall your router is near. If you have plaster, brick or concrete walls then you will find it difficult to get a WiFi signal.
There are a few ways around this, though. You can install an external antenna for your router on the outside of your house near windows.
Or if that doesn’t work, try installing one on the inside of your house near windows. If you have plaster walls and don’t want to drill holes in them, you can try a wireless repeater/extender.
How can I get a stronger WiFi signal through my wall?
One of the best ways to boost your WiFi is by using a WiFi repeater. These devices work by extending the range of your current wireless network. And they’re easy to install and use!
To install a WiFi repeater, you’ll need to plug it into an available power outlet, connect it to your WiFi network (using the included cables), and plug it in. You may also have to adjust some settings on your router.
Your new WiFi booster will be broadcasting the signal from your router across your home or office, giving you better reception in rooms that are usually difficult for wifi signals to reach.
The best way to get a stronger signal through walls is by creating a “line-of-sight” with your router and any devices you are trying to connect wirelessly.
This means taking your router off of the ground and placing it on something high up (like a dresser) so that you can look directly at it while being near any of your devices.
You might want to try this if there is only one room where you’re having trouble connecting wirelessly and there isn’t anything blocking the line of sight between you and the router (such as large furniture).
Can a WiFi extender go through walls?
One of the most common questions we get is, “Can WiFi extender go through walls?”. The answer to that question is yes and no.
Yes, a WiFi extender can go through walls but not brick or concrete walls because the signal would be too weak for the extender to pick up.
Why can’t WiFi pass through walls?
WiFi signals cannot pass through walls, doors, or any other solid objects. This is because the WiFi signal is broadcasted in the form of radio waves, and these waves are blocked by physical objects.
A wall will block the WiFi signal completely because it doesn’t have any openings to allow the signal to be transmitted through. WiFi signals can’t pass through brick, concrete, plaster or any other type of wall material that has no holes.
Which WiFi is best for going through walls?
Of course, 2.4GHz WiFi offers the best bet when you want the internet to penetrate walls as compared to 5GHz WiFi.
There are a few different options for boosting wifi signals when you need to go through walls. Some people swear by using plaster or even drywall to help boost your signal. The theory is that plaster and drywall absorb the signal better than brick or concrete walls.
You can also try placing your router in a central location of your house and then plugging in an Ethernet cable on the other side of the wall. When it comes to WiFi, there are many potential solutions. Experiment until you find one that works best for you.
How to extend WiFi range with another router
If your router is on one side of the building and you’re on the other, you may be experiencing a spotty WiFi connection or no connection at all. Fortunately, there is a solution! You can extend the range of your WiFi with another router.
What you need:
- Another WiFi router
- A physical connection to your home network (LAN)
- A strong WiFi signal
To accomplish this, take your second router and connect it to your home network’s (LAN) port. Now disconnect the first router from your modem and plug in the second one. Connect it to a power outlet for best results.
Now go back to your original setup and turn off any computer or device that connects wirelessly to your first router. When you’re done, reboot both routers for an optimal setup.
How to increase WiFi range from router settings
There are a few things you can do to improve the range of your wifi. One of the most common suggestions is to change your router settings.
A lot of people find that moving their router from one side of the building to another will give them better coverage, but this may not be true for every home.
For some, adjusting the wireless channels to make it less congested might help improve coverage.
You can also try changing the antenna on your router, which may provide more power and increase your wifi range considerably. And finally, upgrading your router may be necessary if you’re having trouble with a weak signal.
Conclusion
Signal penetration through walls is quite challenging as it is the biggest obstacle. Walls have different materials with different intensities that make signals fail to go through them. We all want to know how to get WiFi through thick walls.
Reinforced walls are the greatest when it comes to blocking Wi-Fi signals. Assessing to know the real cause of the interfered signals is a lovely thing as it will help you make quick decisions on the solution that will work for you.
Concrete with and without metal reinforcement is a poor material for wireless signals. However, masonry blocks can also be serious barriers to Wi-Fi.
This is because of their thick brick walls which do not allow pass-throughs in some cases. However, drywall and plywood come close to zero WiFi signal loss with their thin layerings on top.
FAQs
Does WiFi go through walls?
In theory, Wi-Fi signals are capable of passing through most obstacles and walls with ease. But in reality, there may be some thick or reinforced concrete that will block them almost completely! Materials such as drywall and plywood can’t stop wireless signal transmissions ́and even glass does not make a good shield because this type is often too thin to provide any protection at all against powerful antenna radiation waves. Moreover, penetration depends on WiFi frequency.
How does Wi-Fi work through walls?
Wi-Fi signals are electromagnetic waves just like light or sound. In theory, they should pass through walls easily just the same way light passes through glass doors. However, in reality, the WiFi signals are either blocked, absorbed, or reflected by most thick or reinforced walls such as concrete and metallic walls.
Does Wi-Fi go through brickwork?
Wi-Fi signals are often blocked by brickwork. Concrete with or without metal reinforcement can be an issue for wireless connectivity as well because of its electromagnetic properties that cause signal fading and distortion when under high levels of power consumption from devices like routers or Access Points (AP).
How do I block Wi-Fi in a room?
There are several ways to block Wi-Fi in a room. You can use Mylar blankets, Aluminum foil, build thick walls around the room, place the router far from the room, and other ways described here!
What material can block a WiFi signal?
There are several materials that can block or interfere with WiFi signals. They include metals, thick walls (concrete, metallic, bricks, drywall, wood), electronic devices operating on the 2.4GHz frequency, Ceramic Tiles, mirrors, Windows, and Tinted Glass. The level of WiFi signal varies from material to material and the WiFi frequency in use.
Does WiFi 6 penetrate walls better?
That may depend on your living situation. If you have a small apartment or condo, then yes – WiFi 6 penetrates walls better than WiFi 5 because it uses less power to send out signals. However, if you live in a house with thick walls and floors, then there’s not enough signal strength for your connection to penetrate the floor and walls of your home. That means you’ll be stuck with either sticking close to the router or making do with a slower connection. Thus, WiFi 6 simply put, it’s a new version of Wi-Fi that offers better performance, lower power consumption, and connections with less interference.
