Question Router best emplacement

Coolharmony2

Member
Jul 6, 2012
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Where is the best location for the modem / router? In my house, for the moment, I have three possibilities. in the living room cabinet under the television. in the bedroom near the desktop computer. or in the basement near the basement television. to note that i want to get the best internet for the desktop. But is a router in a bedroom a bad idea?
 

Tech Junky

Diamond Member
Jan 27, 2022
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Put it where you use WIFI the most often.

Wire as many devices as possible if you want the best speeds on those devices.

For broadest WIFI coverage put it on the middle floor.
 

mv2devnull

Golden Member
Apr 13, 2010
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Modem converts between Ethernet and something else (Cable TV, *DSL, 5G, etc). Router routes between your home subnet and ISP's subnet.
Modem is thus the first device connected to the ISP link and router is connected to the modem as gateway between devices in your home and "the outside".

WIFI Access Point is what the WIFI client device connect to wirelessly. As Tech Junky said, central location has best coverage.
Disclaimer: I'm biased; I have two access points -- neither is a router -- and wired Ethernet to every room.
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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You can put it where you like according to your specific environment.

That said, if the unit includes the WIFI and its Antennae, it has to be placed in a way that the Antennae are exposed, free of obstructions, above the furniture, and that the distance between the Antennae and the WIFI recipient is as clear as it can be
If the above is Not possible you have to buy additional WIFI hardware and place them in the right service areas.


:cool:
 

Fallen Kell

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Best placement is typically dead center in your home on the top floor away from any metal items/air ducts.

Second best is usually the basement in the center of the home, away from all metal items as possible.

If you haven't noticed a pattern to the about, you will note the center of the home and away from metal items. Metal items will block the signals (so if you can't picture a direct line from where you want to have a god wifi signal and the wifi router without it going through something that is metal such as a refrigerator, TV, washer/dryer, air ducts, etc., then you need to consider changing the location).

Typically I prefer the basement if you have neighbors that are nearby as this will help limit the distance and locations that others can attempt to be located to hack into your network. But if you are trying to get as much coverage as possible to reach a large backyard, etc., then the top floor is usually the best location due to typical signal field shape from most antenna used in wifi routers..
 

Coolharmony2

Member
Jul 6, 2012
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Is it correct to install the Router / Modem in the bedroom ?

It's a Gateway Xf modem / router.

It will be more nearest than the desktop computer.

A ethernet cable more shortest.

Some people said to me that wifi wave not good for the health.

It's a small house approx 26 feet by 36 feet with just a basement and a first floor.


Merged new thread into existing thread.

AT Mod Usandthem
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Fallen Kell

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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No peer reviewed studies have linked any issues with wifi and human health issues (good or bad) to my knowledge. There have been some non-reviewed papers and people saying they have wifi sensitivity, but all direct attempts to actually measure it have not resulted in any conclusive evidence beyond random chance.

As for location of the wifi modem / router in the bedroom, it should be fine, especially for only needing to cover a small space like the one you mention. And if it is in the same location as your desktop computer, that is even better as you can hopefully just run a wire to it to get the best performance.
 

Coolharmony2

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Jul 6, 2012
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I attached the plan of the fist floor.

If i got the modem / router in the bedroom 2.

I want the max speed in the bedroom 2 for the desktop.

I could plug it directly with a ethernet cable.

I want also wifi for other areas in the house.

The speed is less important for others rooms.

Also There are IPTV in the Living room and basement under the bedroom 1.

It's a small house approx 26 feet by 36 feet.

Do you have questions ?

Thank-you !
 

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Tech Junky

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Jan 27, 2022
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Ideally would put it in the red square or an AP in that location would give the best results for covering everything.

BR2 though should cover the same w/ lower speeds / wifi signal to the left side in the LR.

1644359035585.png
 

Fallen Kell

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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While Tech Junky is technically correct that his location is probably the ideal location for best coverage. However, taking into account that you are saying you have just this single wifi/modem combo unit and want to direct wire to the desktop located in bedroom 2, bedroom 2 makes more sense for the location of the unit. Especially once you take into consideration the distances involved. It will only be less than 40 feet away from the farthest device and only through 3 walls at most. The worst signal strength would be in the dinning room if the wifi router is placed in bedroom 2 at/near the desktop computer, as the kitchen will probably block some of the signals due to refrigerator/stove/oven/microwave, etc., but the living room and other bedroom should have very good signal strength.
 

Tech Junky

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Jan 27, 2022
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Ease of access for wiring comes into play w/ the basement location.

LR would be broader coverage than BR-2 but, it should work fine in either location.
 

fkoehler

Senior member
Feb 29, 2008
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For that small of an area, I would first place it where it is easiest to install. Then do some tests from the bedroom pc, and then with a wifi phone app.

If you are not happy with speed, then consider trying another location. Centrally located is usually the best, but rarely convenient.