Fix WiFi Dead Zones in Your Adelaide Home

Why WiFi Dead Zones Happen

WiFi signals weaken as they travel through:

• Walls - Especially brick, concrete, or walls with metal framing
• Distance - Signal degrades with every metre
• Interference - Neighbours on the same channel, microwaves, baby monitors
• Building layout - L-shaped houses, multiple floors, or router hidden in a cupboard

Step 1: Optimise Router Placement

Before buying anything, try moving your router:

• Central location - Not tucked in a corner
• Elevated - On a shelf, not on the floor
• Out in the open - Not inside a cupboard or behind the TV
• Away from interference - Not next to microwave, cordless phone, or fish tank

This single change fixes about 30% of WiFi problems.

Step 2: Check Your Channel

If you're in a dense Adelaide suburb (Norwood, Glenelg, etc.), you might be fighting for airspace with dozens of neighbours.

Use a free app like WiFi Analyzer (Android) to see which channels are crowded. Then:

• Log into your router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
• Find wireless settings
• Change to a less congested channel

For 2.4GHz: Channels 1, 6, or 11 are best (they don't overlap).

For 5GHz: Usually less crowded; try different channels if needed.

Step 3: Consider a Mesh System

If your home is large, multi-storey, or has thick walls, a single router won't cut it. Mesh WiFi systems place multiple access points around your home, creating seamless coverage.

Good options for Adelaide homes:

• Google Nest WiFi - Simple setup, good for most homes
• TP-Link Deco - Good value, reliable
• Ubiquiti UniFi - More advanced, great for larger homes or home offices

Expect to pay $300-600 for a quality 2-3 unit mesh system.

Step 4: Ethernet Backhaul (The Pro Move)

Mesh systems work better when the access points are connected via ethernet cable, not wireless. If you're renovating or have existing ethernet runs, use them.

If not, consider:

• Powerline adapters - Use your electrical wiring (works okay in newer homes)
• MoCA adapters - Use coaxial cable if you have it
• Running new cable - Especially if you're doing any building work

When to Call a Professional

DIY solutions work for simple situations. Call for help when:

• You've tried everything and still have dead zones
• Your building has unusual construction (thick stone, metal framing)
• You need business-grade reliability
• You want VLANs or guest network segmentation
• You're setting up a home office with specific requirements

The NadTech Approach

I do a lot of home network work across Adelaide. A typical visit includes:

1. WiFi survey to find dead zones
2. Router/AP placement optimisation
3. Channel configuration
4. Mesh system recommendation or installation if needed
5. Security check (password strength, firmware updates)

$170 covers travel and first 30 minutes - enough for assessment and basic fixes. More complex setups are quoted upfront.

Book a WiFi assessment →