Today’s 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) can be used to bring a powerful and robust internet connection to homes and businesses via cellular signals. But while internet service providers (ISPs) build out powerful 5G networks, the user’s experience often depends on the “last mile” of connectivity. Even with a powerful wireless signal from a cell tower, local factors like building materials and internal layouts can influence the signal before it reaches the wireless router.

The precise router placement of a 5G router can profoundly impact its wi-fi signal strength and quality. This means optimizing router placement is as vital as the quality of the carrier’s 5G network in delivering advertised speeds and reliability. Optimal placement can unlock the 5G router's full capabilities and ensure a stable, high-speed connection. And optimizing router placement requires an understanding of how 5G signals operate.

Understanding 5G signals and metrics

5G operates across three different frequency bands, each with unique characteristics:

  • Low-band: Offers expansive wi-fi coverage and excellent signal penetration through obstacles but has lower capacity and speed.
  • Mid-band: Considered the "sweet spot" because it balances good wi-fi coverage with significantly faster internet speeds.
  • High-band (mmWave): Delivers unparalleled data rates and massive capacity but has a limited range and requires a direct line of sight for optimal performance.

To effectively optimize router placement, it's essential to look beyond basic "signal bars" and understand specific numerical signal metrics:

  • RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power): Quantifies the power of the usable signal from the cell tower, largely excluding interference. A higher (less negative) value indicates a strong signal.
  • RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality): Assesses signal quality by considering both the useful signal strength and total received power, including interference. Values closer to 0 dB signify superior signal quality.
  • SINR (Signal to Interference + Noise Ratio): The most critical metric for 5G, as it measures the ratio of the desired signal to all interference and noise. A higher SINR (with ≥ 20 dB being excellent) means a clearer signal, which directly translates to higher data rates and a more stable experience.
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Environmental factors and router placement

The optimal placement of a 5G wi-fi router depends heavily on the surrounding environment.

  • Indoor vs. outdoor: Building materials like concrete, metal, and Low-E glass can significantly impact 5G signals, causing dead zones. Placing a router by a window or up high can minimize signal interaction and provide a clearer line of sight to a cell tower. Avoid obstructions and metal objects that can interfere with the wireless signal. For challenging indoor environments, an outdoor 5G router or external antennas can be the most effective solution, as it minimizes signal blockage from building materials.
  • Urban vs. rural: In urban areas with large buildings, omnidirectional router antennas are often ideal for capturing signals from various directions. In rural environments, where signals need to be acquired from long distances, directional antennas are a better choice because they focus the signal into a narrow, high-gain beam.

Conducting a site survey

The most important step before permanent installation is to conduct a site survey to find the best location for your home network. You can use a smartphone with a dedicated app or your router’s built-in tools to monitor signal metrics in real time. The goal is to find a central location for a balanced wi-fi coverage for the entire space.

The basic process is as follows:

  1. Identify a few potential deployment locations.
  2. At each location, take multiple tests while continuously monitoring signal quality, focusing on RSRQ and SINR.
  3. Check signal quality from every available tower, as the closest one isn't always the best.
  4. Once a favorable location is found, make small, incremental adjustments to the router's position to fine-tune performance.

Ideally, you’ll want to use a web-based administration page on the router itself, or a dedicated management platform like Inseego Connect, to track real-time signal metrics. Some basic indicators to look for, in order of importance, include:

  • The highest possible SINR value (≥ 20 dB indicates excellent signal quality, while 13-20 dB is considered good, but even minor improvements can improve wi-fi speeds significantly).
  • RSRQ values close to 0dB. Values equal to or above -15dB are good, and below -10dB are excellent.
  • A less negative dBm value for RSRP, which although not as crucial indicates a strong signal.

Post installation, it’s worthwhile to ensure device firmware remains up to date. Typically, updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements that can directly impact a 5G connection’s stability and speed.

Optimize router placement with Inseego solutions

  • Indoor cellular router placement
    • Wavemaker FX Series: These indoor 5G cellular routers, like the FX4100 and FX3100, offer gigabit-class speeds and plug-and-play deployment. They use internal omnidirectional antennas for flexible coverage and can support a large number of electronic devices. Models such as the FX4100 and FX3100 also include external antenna ports, allowing for the connection of external antennas to boost indoor signal reception.
    • Mobile Hotspots: Devices like the MiFi X Pro provide portable 4G LTE and 5G connectivity with long-lasting battery life, which is great for on-the-go or temporary setups. These devices also feature internal omnidirectional antennas, and some models can be enhanced with external antennas to improve signal strength.
  • Outdoor cellular antenna placement
    • Wavemaker FW Series: These are robust outdoor CPEs (Customer Premises Equipment), such as the FW2000 and FW3000, built with an IP67 rating for water and dust protection. They feature high-gain directional antennas that can extend network coverage up to 20 km. These antennas are crucial for achieving optimal line of sight and maximizing wi-fi signal strength, especially in rural areas. The FW2000 model also includes beamforming capabilities to direct the signal precisely toward connected devices.

Mesh Wi-Fi for seamless coverage

For large buildings, a mesh Wi-Fi system can provide seamless wi-fi coverage and eliminate dead zones. Unlike traditional wi-fi extenders or repeaters, a mesh system uses multiple access points (or mesh routers) that communicate with each other to create a single, unified wi-fi network. Your devices will automatically connect to the mesh router with the strongest wi-fi signal strength as you move around your home or office.

  • Inseego Mesh System: The Inseego Wavemaker X700 is an example of a mesh router that works as part of a mesh Wi-Fi system. It's an ideal choice for businesses or large homes looking to blanket a wide area with a powerful wireless network. For optimal performance, mesh routers should be placed around 50 feet apart from each other. This distance ensures a strong, overlapping network, preventing signal degradation and maintaining high wi-fi speeds throughout your space.

Inseego Connect for remote management

Inseego Connect is a cloud-based management platform that offers remote monitoring and control over Inseego devices. This is particularly useful for managing multiple devices across different locations.

  • Remote configuration: IT administrators can use Inseego Connect to remotely configure device settings.
  • Monitoring and diagnostics: The platform allows for tracking data usage, viewing diagnostics, and receiving alerts.
  • Firmware updates: Administrators can initiate firmware updates remotely. These updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements that can directly impact a 5G connection's stability and speed.

Ultimately, optimal router placement is a blend of understanding 5G technology, analyzing your specific environment, and utilizing the right tools. If you'd like to talk to an expert about how our solutions can meet your specific needs for a robust wi-fi network, we can help you get in touch for more information.