how to extend spectrum wifi range

Frustrated with your WiFi signal? Then, you need to know how to extend Spectrum WiFi range.

Although Spectrum routers boast breakthrough WiFi technology, they have poor quality and limited coverage. To avoid buffering and other connectivity issues, extend the WiFi range.

To extend your Spectrum’s WiFi range, you need to position your router in a central and elevated location in your home. If this doesn’t work, get a WiFi extender or a mesh WiFi system.

Alright, let’s talk about the details in the next section.

Proven Ways How to Extend Spectrum WiFi Range

extend spectrum wifi range

There are some easy and effective ways to extend your Spectrum WiFi range and enjoy a fast and reliable internet connection throughout your home.

We listed the 10 best methods to help you.

#1: Position Your Router Optimally

To improve your Spectrum WiFi range, strategically place your router in your home’s central and elevated location. Doing so helps distribute the signal evenly and provides consistent coverage throughout your house.

check router position

Here are some tips to position your router optimally:

  • Place your Spectrum router on a high shelf or mount it on a wall.
  • Don’t place it near windows, mirrors, or water pipes that reflect or absorb the signal.
  • Keep it away from devices that operate on the same frequency as your WiFi.
  • Position your router near the rooms you use WiFi the most.
  • Don’t place it near metal objects or appliances that cause interference.
  • Avoid placing it in a closet, cabinet, or behind furniture that obstructs the signal.

#2: Use a WiFi Range Extender

A WiFi range extender doubles or triples your coverage and eliminates dead zones or weak spots by repeating the WiFi signal from your router to a farther area in your home.

To use it, plug it into a power outlet within the range of your router and connect it to your WiFi network.

Note: Use the WPS button on your router and WiFi extender to pair them automatically.
use wifi extender

Here are some of the benefits of using a WiFi extender:

  • Easy to set up and use
  • Compatible with any router and WiFi device
  • Improves your WiFi’s performance and speed in areas with poor signal
  • Supports multiple devices at once

Here are the WiFi extenders compatible with your Spectrum router:

  1. Linksys RE6700: AC1200
  2. ASUS RP-AX58 AX3000
  3. NETGEAR WiFi Mesh Range Extender EX6150

#3: Use a Mesh WiFi System

A mesh WiFi system creates seamless and powerful coverage throughout your home by working with other devices to create a single network name. Unlike a WiFi extender, it doesn’t repeat the signal from your router. 

A mesh WiFi system extends the WiFi range and eliminates dead zones by using a main router that connects to your modem and one or more satellite nodes communicating with each other simultaneously.

use wifi mesh
Pro Tip: Place the nodes in different rooms or floors in your home to improve coverage.

Here are the five mesh WiFi systems that work well with Spectrum WiFi:

  1. Eero Pro 6
  2. Google Nest WiFi
  3. TP-Link Deco X60
  4. Netgear Orbi RBK852
  5. Asus ZenWiFi XT8

#4: Optimize Your Router Settings

If you are looking for ways to extend the WiFi range Spectrum, consider optimizing your router settings and ensure they are suitable for your home and devices.

Log into your router’s web interface using your computer or smartphone to access your router settings.

optimize router settings

Next, access your router’s dashboard by following these steps:

  1. Connect your device to your Spectrum router’s network.
  2. Open a web browser.
  3. Type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar.
  4. Enter the username and password printed on the back of your router.
  5. You will be logged in to the router’s settings page.
  6. Proceed to optimize the following router settings.

WiFi Channel

Crowded or overlapping WiFi channels cause interference and reduce your WiFi performance and range. To optimize it, follow these steps:

  1. In the router dashboard, navigate to Wireless Settings.
  2. Select the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network.
  3. Select a new channel.
  4. Click Save.

WiFi Mode

Newer modes offer faster internet speeds and better performance, but they are not compatible with some older devices and routers. To optimize it, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to Wireless Settings.
  2. Select the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network.
  3. Select the N or AC WiFi mode.
  4. Click Save.

WiFi Power

WiFi power affects the effective range and penetration of the WiFi signal, causing interference with other nearby WiFi networks and devices.

To optimize it, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Wireless Settings.
  2. Select the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network.
  3. Under Transmit Power, adjust to High.
  4. Click Save.

#5: Use WiFi Boosting Apps

use wifi boosting apps

Another way to extend your Spectrum WiFi range is to boost your WiFi signal with an app that optimizes your device’s settings and removes unnecessary apps.

Here are the best WiFi-boosting apps:

  1. NetSpot
  2. WiFi Analyzer
  3. Speedify
  4. Amplify
  5. Network Signal Booster
Info: WiFi boosting apps also help you find the best location for your router and identify sources of interference.

#6: Use DIY Antenna Solutions to Extend Your WiFi

DIY antenna solutions greatly help boost Spectrum WiFi coverage without spending money on extenders or mesh WiFi systems. The following helps improve your WiFi signal strength and range effectively:

Tin Foil

  1. Cut a piece of tin foil the size of your WiFi router’s antenna.
  2. Wrap the tin foil around the antenna.
  3. Smooth out any wrinkles.
  4. Secure the tin foil in place with tape.

Drinks Can

  1. Rinse out a can and dry it thoroughly.
  2. Cut off the top and bottom of the can, leaving 2 inches.
  3. Cut a hole in the center large enough to fit your WiFi router’s antenna.
  4. Insert the antenna into the hole.
  5. Secure it in place with tape.

Pringles Can

  1. Rinse out a Pringles can and dry it thoroughly.
  2. Cut off the top and bottom of the can, leaving 2 inches.
  3. Cut a hole in the center large enough to fit your WiFi router’s antenna.
  4. Insert the antenna into the hole.
  5. Secure it in place with tape.
Note: These methods will only improve the signal strength slightly and not fully extend your WiFi coverage.

#7: Consider Using Powerline Adapters

If you’re still wondering how to increase Spectrum WiFi range, consider using powerline adapters.

A powerline adapter allows you to extend your home network using your existing electrical wiring. It sends data signals and turns your power outlet into network access points.

Here are the best powerline adapters in the market:

  1. TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter
  2. NETGEAR Powerline 1200
  3. Zyxel Powerline 1300 Mbps
  4. D-Link DHP-600AV Powerline Adapter
Note: When choosing a powerline adapter, consider speed, compatibility with your router, and ease of setup.

#8: Use WiFi Signal Repeaters

use wifi repeater

A WiFi signal repeater amplifies your router’s WiFi signal to cover a larger home area. It is similar to a WiFi extender but doesn’t create an SSID and doesn’t require any configuration or pairing.

Reasons to use a WiFi signal repeater

  • Easy to install and use
  • Improves the WiFi signal strength and range
  • Supports multiple devices at once
  • Works with any router and WiFi device

Here are some of the WiFi signal repeaters that work with Spectrum routers:

  1. TP-Link RE650 AC2600 WiFi Range Extender
  2. NETGEAR EX7300 WiFi Mesh Range Extender
  3. TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender
  4. D-Link DAP-1720 AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender

#9: Assessing and Auditing Your WiFi Coverage

To boost your Spectrum WiFi range, check your current coverage. Use tools to measure signal strength and quality in different areas of your home to make informed decisions on improving them.

Tools that help assess and audit your WiFi coverage:

  1. Speedtest by Ookla tests your WiFi connection’s speed, latency, jitter, and packet loss.
  2. WiFi Analyzer by farproc scans available channels and determines what to use.
  3. Heatmapper by Ekahau creates a heatmap of your WiFi to identify dead zones. 

#10: Get Help from a Network Professional

take professional help

If you’re still experiencing difficulties with your Spectrum WiFi range, reach out to Spectrum’s customer support for further assistance.

Their team of experts diagnoses and resolves any WiFi problems and offers helpful advice and recommendations.

  1. Spectrum WiFi Pods extend your WiFi coverage to hard-to-reach areas, eliminating dead zones or weak spots. Order them online or by calling 1-833-694-9259.
  2. Spectrum Home WiFi delivers a fast and reliable WiFi signal through a wireless router. Add it to your internet plan for an additional monthly fee.
  3. Spectrum In-Home Installation involves a professional installation by a certified technician who will optimize your router placement and settings. Schedule an installation online or by calling 1-855-243-8892.

Read Next: Does Google WiFi Work With Spectrum?

Recap

Spectrum routers can suffer from performance issues, and you want to know how to extend Spectrum WiFi range. Extend the WiFi range by positioning your router optimally. If this doesn’t work, get a WiFi extender or a mesh WiFi system.

For more Spectrum troubleshooting guides, visit our blog!