How to Boost Your Home WiFi Signal for Large Gatherings and Events

Picture this: You’re hosting a get-together, the music is playing, and friends and family are gathered around, ready to stream a movie and share moments on social media. But suddenly, your WiFi slows down. The movie keeps buffering, the music cuts in and out, kids can’t connect to their games, and guests can’t post photos. Instead of enjoying the event, you're stuck trying to fix the connection.

When a lot of people use your WiFi at the same time — streaming, posting, and gaming — it can slow everything down. But don't worry, you don’t have to let a weak WiFi signal cause frustration.

10 Ways You Can Prepare and Boost Your Home WiFi

With a few simple tricks, you can boost your network and make sure your Internet connection stays strong.

Create a Separate Guest Network

One of the most effective ways to manage your WiFi for a large gathering is by creating a separate guest network. This gives your guests their own WiFi connection, separate from your main network. Not only does it keep your personal devices and information more secure, but it also helps balance the load on your WiFi. This means you can play your Spotify playlist and keep your smart home devices working properly without experiencing latency because it’s on a separate network from the one your guests are using to post on social media.

Guest networks often come with limitations, like lower bandwidth, which can help prevent guests from using too much data all at once. Plus, it can make things easier for you because you won't have to share your main WiFi password.

Update Router Firmware

Your router, like any piece of technology, needs updates from time to time to work properly. Router manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. Updating your router’s firmware can lead to better WiFi performance and stronger security. Check your router’s user manual or manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to update the firmware.

Firmware updates can also address vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit, so it's not just about WiFi speed — it's about safety too!

Check Internet Speed Before the Event

Before your big event, it’s a good idea to test your network to make sure everything is working as it should. Conduct a speed test to see if your connection is fast enough to handle multiple users.

Upgrade Your Internet Plan

If you regularly host large gatherings or simply have a big family that uses a lot of devices, you might just need to increase your home Internet speed. In this case, it might be worth upgrading your Internet plan or shopping around for the best WiFi that meets your needs. More people using your WiFi means more bandwidth is required to keep everything running smoothly.

Most Internet service providers offer various plans with different levels of speed and data. If you’re still on a basic plan, you might not have enough bandwidth to support a crowd. Consider contacting your provider to see what options are available for faster speeds and more data.

Invest in a High-Quality Router

Your router is the backbone of your home WiFi network. If it’s old or outdated, it might not be able to handle the demands of a large event. Investing in a new router can make a world of difference in your WiFi’s performance.

Look for a high-quality router that supports the latest WiFi standards, like WiFi 6 or WiFi 7, which offers faster speeds and can handle more devices at once. Additionally, choose a router with a good range and strong signal strength. Some routers even come with smart features that automatically adjust the WiFi network based on usage, which can be a huge help during events.

View our list of approved routers for each top Internet provider.

Optimize Your Router Placement

Where you place your router can have a significant impact on your WiFi signal. Ideally, your router should be in a central location, free from obstructions like walls, furniture, and appliances. Avoid placing your router in the basement or near metal objects, as these can block or weaken the signal.

If your home has multiple floors, placing the router on the main floor can help ensure the signal reaches both upstairs and downstairs. You can also try elevating the router by placing it on a shelf or mounting it on a wall to improve coverage.

Walk around your home and check for any dead zones where the signal is weak or nonexistent. If you find any problem areas, you may need to adjust the placement of your WiFi router or add a WiFi extender to boost the signal.

Use WiFi Extenders or Mesh Networks

If you have a large home or find that certain areas have weak WiFi signals, using WiFi extenders or a mesh network can be a great solution. WiFi extenders amplify your existing signal, helping to eliminate dead zones in your home. Range extenders are simple to install and can be an affordable way to boost your signal.

Alternatively, mesh WiFi networks use multiple access points to provide seamless coverage throughout your home. Mesh systems are great for large spaces, as they create a single, unified network, allowing you to move from room to room without losing connection.

Limit Bandwidth-Heavy Activities

During a big event, things like streaming 4K videos or downloading large files can slow down your WiFi. To keep everything running smoothly, try to cut back on these activities while guests are over. You can also adjust your router’s settings, like setting bandwidth limits or using Quality of Service (QoS) features, to prioritize activities like streaming or gaming.

By managing high-bandwidth tasks, you’ll free up more space on your network, so other guests can enjoy using WiFi for lighter activities like checking social media or browsing the web.

Use Wired Connections for Key Devices

While WiFi is convenient, wired connections are often faster and more reliable. If you have important devices like a smart TV or gaming console that must stay connected, consider plugging them directly into your router using an Ethernet cable. This frees up WiFi bandwidth for other users on the wireless network and can help you keep a stable connection for devices that require a lot of data.

Learn the differences between ethernet and WiFi and which is stronger.

Consider Temporary Equipment Rentals

If you're hosting an event and need to amp up your WiFi signal, renting professional-grade equipment could be a great option. Temporary equipment services offer powerful routers and access points built to handle heavy traffic and provide fast, reliable connections.

Keep in mind, this option can be expensive, so it's best for really large gatherings or if you need top-level performance for something special.

How SmartMove Can Help You Find the Best Internet Connection

Finding the right Internet connection for your needs can be challenging, especially when you’re preparing for a large event. SmartMove helps by connecting you with reliable service providers in your area, making it easier to compare plans and choose the best one for your household.

With SmartMove, you can easily find the perfect plan for both everyday usage and to help you host your next house party. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can make sure your home WiFi is ready to handle any demands.