Network Booster: 5 Ultimate Guides to Optimizing Network Performance

Having a good network is important. If your network is reliable and works well, it can make your workday a lot easier.

You can focus on the big picture stuff with your team and avoid those terrible network crashes that can ruin your whole week.

By keeping an eye on your network and fixing problems before they happen, your business can run smoothly and you won’t lose money from the network being down.

Understanding how to optimize your network can be straightforward to implement once you have foundational knowledge about how to improve network performance.

Here’s a guide to getting the most out of your network booster also known as a cellular signal booster;

1.  Optimal Placement is Key:

To get the best coverage from your WiFi extender, it’s important to place it in the right spot.

The extender should be positioned within the range of your main router, extending the signal to areas where it’s needed.

A good rule of thumb is to place the extender halfway between the router and the area with a weak signal, known as the dead zone.

Avoid placing the extender near devices that emit electromagnetic signals, like microwaves and cordless phones, as these can interfere with the WiFi signal. Also, try to keep it away from walls, furniture, and other physical barriers that can block the signal. Open spaces or central locations are usually best for distributing the signal evenly.

Positioning the extender at a certain height, like on a shelf, can also help with signal transmission and reception. To make sure you’ve found the best spot, use a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to test the signal strength and quality in different locations. This real-time testing lets you adjust the extender’s placement for the best performance.

2.  Quality Cables & Connections:

Cables are often designed into devices or created with a specific end-use in mind and there is a wide variety in the types of electronics cabling.

Connectors are used where wire lines need to be attached or disconnected. Just like cables, connectors are used in a lot of electronic equipment.

Invest in high-quality, low-loss coaxial cables to connect your antennas to the booster unit. These cables minimize signal loss during transmission.

Ensure all cable connections are tight and weatherproof (especially for the outdoor antenna) to prevent signal degradation.

3.   Booster Gain & Power:

Gain shows how much a booster or antenna strengthens a signal. It’s measured in decibels (dB). A booster with a 50 dB gain makes the signal up to 50 dB stronger. So, more gain means a stronger signal and wider coverage.

Choose a booster with the appropriate gain (measured in decibels or dB) for your situation. If you’re far from a cell tower, you’ll need a higher-gain booster.

Ensure your booster is FCC-certified to avoid interference with cellular networks. Some boosters require registration with your carrier.

4.   Avoid Interference:

The location of your router can also affect your wifi signal quality.

Try to place it in the middle of your house, up high, not near walls, metal stuff, or anything else that messes with the signal. Keep it away from windows too.

If you can, use a longer cable to connect it to your modem, so you have more options for the best spot.

Keep the booster away from other electronics like Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, or cordless phones, as they can cause interference.

Large metal objects near the antennas can also weaken the signal. Try to minimize this if possible.