6 Places You Should Never Put Your Wi-Fi Router, According to Tech Experts

Article courtesy of Cherry Servers.

Simple positioning errors could be costing you internet speed and reliability.

Key Points:

• Tech experts identify the worst locations for Wi-Fi routers that can severely impact internet performance and signal strength
• Common placement mistakes include hiding routers in cabinets, placing them near microwaves, and positioning them on the floor or in corners
• Simple repositioning tricks can dramatically improve connectivity without requiring expensive equipment upgrades

Whether you’re working from home or managing office connectivity, a slow internet connection can turn simple tasks into frustrating ordeals. While many people blame their internet service provider for poor performance, the real culprit might be sitting right under their nose: router placement.

Most people treat their Wi-Fi router like an eyesore to be hidden away rather than the powerful piece of technology it actually is. This approach can severely limit internet performance, creating dead zones and sluggish connections throughout the space.

Cherry Servers, a high-performance cloud and bare metal server provider specializing in dedicated infrastructure solutions, understands the importance of optimal connectivity. Their team of tech experts has identified the most common router placement mistakes that could be sabotaging your internet experience.

The experts at Cherry Servers have compiled a comprehensive list of the worst places to position your router, along with practical solutions to enhance your signal strength and resolve connectivity issues.

1. Inside Cabinets or Enclosed Spaces

Hiding your router inside a cabinet, closet, or entertainment center might keep it out of sight, but it also traps the signal. Wi-Fi signals need space to travel, and enclosed areas create barriers that weaken the signal before it even leaves the immediate area.

Fix it: Move your router to an open shelf or mount it on a wall where air can circulate freely around it. If you must keep it in a cabinet, remove the back panel or keep the doors open during use.

2. On or Near the Floor

Placing your router on the floor is one of the most common mistakes. Wi-Fi signals spread outward and downward, so a floor-level router wastes much of its signal broadcasting into the ground rather than reaching your devices.

Fix it: Position your router at least 3-5 feet off the ground. A bookshelf, desk, or wall mount works perfectly. This elevation allows the signal to spread more evenly throughout your space.

3. Next to Other Electronics

Microwaves, baby monitors, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices all operate on similar frequencies as your Wi-Fi router. When placed nearby, these devices can create interference that significantly slows your connection or causes it to drop entirely.

“Electronic interference is one of the most overlooked causes of poor Wi-Fi performance,” explain the experts at Cherry Servers. “Even something as simple as a wireless speaker can disrupt your router’s signal if they’re positioned too close together.”

Fix it: Keep your router at least six feet away from other electronic devices. If you notice connection issues during specific activities such as using the microwave, this is likely the culprit.

4. In Corners or Against Walls

Microwaves, baby monitors, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices all operate on similar frequencies as your Wi-Fi router. When placed nearby, these devices can create interference that significantly slows your connection or causes it to drop entirely.

Fix it: Keep your router at least 6 feet away from other electronic devices. If you notice connection issues during specific activities like using the microwave, this interference is likely the culprit.

5. Near Windows or Exterior Walls

While windows don’t block Wi-Fi signals as much as walls, positioning your router near exterior walls or windows broadcasts a significant portion of your signal outside your home or office, where it’s wasted.

“Think of your Wi-Fi signal like a light bulb,” note the experts at Cherry Servers. “If you place that bulb against a window, you’re illuminating your neighbor’s yard instead of your own room. The same principle applies to router placement – you want to keep that signal where you need it.”

Fix it: Move your router toward the center of your space, away from exterior walls. This keeps more of your signal within the necessary area.

6. In Basements or Upper Floors

Placing your router in a basement severely limits its ability to reach upper floors, while positioning it on an upper floor creates dead zones below. Concrete and multiple floor levels significantly weaken Wi-Fi signals.

“Vertical signal travel is particularly challenging for Wi-Fi routers,” note the Cherry Servers experts. “Each floor the signal must penetrate reduces its strength considerably.”

Fix it: Position your router on the main floor of your home or office, ideally in a central location that provides the best overall coverage for all levels.

Additional Signal-Boosting Tips from Cherry Servers:

• Adjust your router’s antennas (if external) to different angles – one vertical, one horizontal
• Update your router’s firmware regularly for optimal performance
• Consider a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system for larger spaces with persistent dead zones

A spokesperson for Cherry Servers commented:

“Most connectivity issues stem from simple placement mistakes rather than equipment failures or service provider problems. We see this constantly in enterprise environments – businesses invest thousands in high-end networking equipment, then undermine their entire setup by tucking the router away in a server closet or utility room.

“The beauty of Wi-Fi optimization is that small changes yield dramatic results. Moving a router from a corner to a central location can double your signal strength in problem areas. Raising it just a few feet off the ground can eliminate dead zones that have frustrated users for months.

“What surprises many people is how much their physical environment affects their digital experience. A router fighting through interference from nearby electronics or broadcasting half its signal through exterior walls is not only inefficient, it’s essentially wasting the bandwidth you’re paying for. Simple repositioning ensures you get the full value from your internet service.”

About Cherry Servers

Cherry Servers is a high-performance cloud and bare metal server provider specializing in dedicated infrastructure solutions. With a focus on speed, security, and flexibility, they offer customizable, GPU-powered, and enterprise-grade servers for businesses needing reliable hosting. Their low-latency network and no-VPS approach ensure optimal performance for AI, big data, and high-traffic applications. Cherry Servers emphasizes transparent pricing, automation, and customer-centric service, making them a trusted choice for developers and enterprises.