Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog

HomeBlog
Tip of the Week: Improve Your Network Through Router Placement

Tip of the Week: Improve Your Network Through Router Placement

September 15, 2025

A solid Wi-Fi connection is a necessity, not a luxury. To provide your team with the best possible wireless connection, you need to choose the right router and place it correctly. It's best for a business to buy its own modem and router, rather than renting a combined device from an internet provider. This gives you full control over your network and allows you to select hardware that fits your specific needs.

Choosing the Right Router

When you're shopping for a router, look for key features. Security is important, so make sure it has robust WPA3 encryption and a strong firewall. The router should support multiple bands—dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz) at a minimum, and ideally tri-band (with 6.0 GHz) to connect various devices. You'll want at least three LAN ports and one WAN port. 

A built-in VPN option adds an extra layer of protection, and to ensure you get the fastest speeds, choose a router that supports a modern protocol like 802.11ac or newer standards like Wi-Fi 6 or 6E. Finally, make sure it has Gigabit ports for the fastest possible wired connections.

Contact us at (571) 470-5594 if you need any help!

Optimizing Router Placement

Once you have the right router, its placement is crucial for a strong signal. To get the most speed and coverage, install the router in a central location in your office so the signal can reach everyone.

It's also important to keep it raised off the floor to prevent physical obstructions from weakening the signal. Try to keep it away from other electronics that can cause interference. Before you install all your other office technology, map out the signal strength and consider using wireless extenders to cover any dead zones.

If you need help finding the best networking technology, feel free to contact us at (571) 470-5594.

‍

Previous Post
June 5, 2024
The 3-2-1 Rules Over Data Redundancy
We cover data backup and disaster recovery quite a bit, and you might be familiar with some of the terms and strategies we discuss. Today, we’re taking a deeper dive into the 3-2-1 rule and its crucial role in your business’ disaster recovery plan. Let's explore how the 3-2-1 rule can strengthen or weaken your data infrastructure.
June 3, 2024
New Battery Types Challenge Conventional Thinking
As smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices become more advanced, the demand for efficient, longer-lasting, and faster-charging batteries continues to grow. Today, we explore the future of batteries for mobile technology and the innovations set to transform this market.
May 31, 2024
How to Handle a Lost or Stolen Smartphone
One of the most stressful situations one can imagine these days is losing a smartphone—especially because it is likely connected to your banking apps, social media, images, and so much more. We’ll walk you through some tips you can implement to locate your lost or stolen device.

Have a project in mind?

Start with our free consultation. We will provide a detailed proposal and firm quote based on your specific IT support needs. All at a predictable monthly cost per seat.
Free Consultation - Sign Up Here