When your Helix Fi Gateway is placed in the right spot, everyone can get the most out of their entertainment experience, no matter where they are. Here are some tips to make your Wi-Fi network strong and stable.
What can affect a Wi-Fi signal?
Your Helix Fi Gateway transmits a signal, like a radio wave, that can be picked up by your mobile devices. Several factors can make the signal weaker:
- distance: the signal gets weaker the further away you are from the gateway;
- the age and quality of the devices connected to the network.
A number of things can also interfere with the signal. The main sources of interference are:
- physical obstacles, like walls. Metal and concrete are some of the materials that produce the most interference;
- shared antenna time, meaning the number of devices connected to the network at any given time;
- other nearby Wi-Fi networks;
- devices that also use a 2.4-GHz or 5-GHz frequency band, like speakers, baby monitors, Bluetooth devices or microwave ovens.
Where is the best place to put my Helix Fi Gateway?
Given the performance factors and sources of interference, the best place to put your gateway is:
- in an open area;
- in a central area of the house (avoid the basement or upper stories);
- off the floor, about a metre from the ground;
- away from any devices that can cause interference.
During the installation, the technician will advise you on the best place to put the gateway.
Choosing the right frequency.
Your Helix Fi Gateway is smart: it will automatically choose the most appropriate radio frequency–2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Each has its benefits. The 2.4-GHz frequency provides better coverage and can easily travel through matter (e.g., walls or large obstacles). The 5-GHz frequency is less affected by interference, which can be caused by things like microwaves. It's also up to three times faster than the 2.4-GHz frequency.
What to do if there's a connection problem
Problems with your Wi-Fi network can often be solved by shutting down and restarting the gateway. Doing so will also allow the gateway to update its software, if need be, which will optimize the quality and speed of the network connection.
Good to know
Don't forget to protect your Wi-Fi network with a strong password. This will prevent neighbours from connecting on the sly, which affects your network’s performance and, more importantly, creates a major security breach!
