Can You Put A Router In A Cabinet? (Find Out Now!)
If you’re like me, your wi-fi is your life. You want to make sure that your router gives the best signal possible. Unfortunately, routers don’t exactly look stylish. They can be a major eyesore. That’s why people often try to make them easy to hide. Cabinets are a common method, but is this really the best possible method?
Putting a router in a cabinet will hide it, but it can interfere with the signal quality you receive. The best way to get a clear signal is to leave the router out in the open, unobstructed. So while it’s possible, it’s not always a smart option.
Routers are an eyesore, especially if you are persnickety like me. Ever wonder what the true take on routers happens to be? I got you covered.
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Can You Put A Router In A Cabinet Or Closet?
You absolutely can put a router in a cabinet without losing all your connectivity, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea. It’s a good way to harm the way that you get your wi-fi. If you’re okay with that kind of trade-off, it’s alright to do it. It’s up to you to decide.
What Happens If You Put A Router In A Cabinet?
Putting a router in your cabinet will cause problems, especially if it’s a thick wooden cabinet or something similar. Here’s what you need to know.
- Your signal will not reach as far as it could. Wi-fi waves are just like all other types of EM frequencies. The more stuff they have to pass through, the weaker the signal will be and the shorter the range will be. This is a particularly bad issue with metal cabinetry, since metal reflects the waves.
- In some cases, putting a router in a cabinet can also make it prone to overheating. This is more common with wooden cabinets, or cabinets that have insulation in them.
- Anecdotally, it can be hard getting all those wires nicely stuffed inside. As the writer of this article, I can tell you that this was the number one issue that I had with trying the cabinet approach.
- It can also lower your router’s life expectancy. Yep, that’s a thing. It’s not entirely certain by how much your router’s life expectancy will decrease, since this is based on the surroundings.
Top Router Placement Tips
Now that we explained the basics regarding routers and cabinets, it’s time to give you some smart tips on how to get the most out of your router.
- The best place to put a router is on an open shelf or bolted to a wall. This gives your router maximum exposure to the air, giving you a super strong signal.
- If you want to keep your routers in a cabinet, you should plan on getting multiple routers. A wi-fi signal booster wouldn’t be a shabby idea, either. Having more routers will help transmit wi-fi signals throughout your home, though you might need multiple wi-fi codes for them.
- Investing in an aesthetically pleasing router isn’t a bad idea. There are some routers that are absolutely gorgeous out there. They might cost extra, but it’ll be easier to keep your home looking visually appealing with them there.
- Avoid storing them in rooms that are hot and stuffy. While just having it in a hot room won’t always damage the router, it’s just the way tech is. Most tech works best in a colder room.
- Don’t lay a router on its side. It will block the router vents, causing your router to burn out.
Where Are The Best Places To Hide A Router?
If you don’t like the idea of having it out in the open, there are other ways to get the signal you want. These include:
- Bookshelves. Have a couple of knickknacks to draw attention away from the router. Might I suggest a luxury vase, or maybe a bowl of fruit?
- Near Your TV. This is the go-to place for most people who have a wi-fi router. Right near the TV is fine enough and tends to blend in with all the other tech nearby. As long as your TV isn’t near a fireplace, you’re good to go.
- Room Corners. Darkened room corners tend to work well when your room’s focal points are away from that area.
- Near Faux Plants. This is a smart move I saw in a friend’s home. She’s a fan of potted plants and wanted to sneak the wi-fi router near an area that meshed with the room. She placed a spider plant and a faux bouquet nearby and gave the router tons of space. Problem solved.
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Related Questions
When can you tell if a wi-fi router is in need of upgrades?
Routers don’t live forever, but there is an easy way to tell when it’s time to upgrade your router. If you notice that your signal isn’t as strong as it once was, it’s time to upgrade. Most people decide to upgrade when they notice that their router stops providing continuous internet service or when their internet is lagging.Sometimes, your ISP might be the one to give you a heads up about the need to upgrade. It’s often best to listen to them. When in doubt, try to upgrade every five years.
Do wi-fi boosters actually work?
It depends on a number of factors. When they are placed correctly, given ample power, and are cared for, they can work pretty well. However, they cannot be blocked by too many items and won’t always be able to magnify the wi-fi to the levels that a busy family may desire.
How can I improve my wi-fi signal for free?
More often than not, the best way to make things work is to improve the location of your router. Remove obstructions, and see if things improve. If they don’t, then you should try to update your router’s software. If worse comes to worst, you may need to kick users or items off your wi-fi signal. Signal hogging can slow down even the strongest router!
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Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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