Using your neighbor’s internet may seem like a great idea; in fact, most of us have relied on our neighbors for internet at some point. However, the connection quality may not be great, considering the distance, barriers, overcrowding, and even the router’s location. Hence, you likely want to know how to get a better signal from your neighbor.
Sharing WiFi with your neighbors isn’t unusual, especially if you live in an apartment. You can access your neighbor’s WiFi through their main or guest network.
However, get their permission before connecting to their network since doing it behind their back is unethical and considered theft by some.
How To Get Better WiFi Signal from Neighbor (Quick Answer!)
You can improve the signal from your neighbor by using the ideal WiFi adapter, installing the most current adapter drivers on your gadgets, clearing obstructions, getting a repeater or extender, and choosing the best band. If possible, your neighbor can also move their router closer to your house, buy a high-end router, and update their router firmware.
4 Ways to Get Better Wifi Signal from Neighbor
1. Get the Best WiFi Adapter
An inbuilt or older adapter might not give the same range you get in newer devices, so make sure you use the most ideal and latest WiFi adapter in your devices. Some of the highest-quality, current wireless hardware can effectively grab weaker signals.
Therefore, make sure you have the drivers or WiFi adapters’ updated version to help you get better internet from your neighbor. Remember that an updated driver or adapter ensures your device’s wireless hardware functions at an optimum level.
2. Clear Obstructions
The obstructions between your house and the neighbor’s router can compromise the WiFi signal and even create dead spots. Therefore, clear the obstacles as best as possible to get better internet from your neighbor but remember obstacles like walls may be impossible to move.
You can also inquire if your neighbor has an obstacle between their router and your house and check whether they are okay moving these obstructions. However, ensure this doesn’t inconvenience them.
3. Pick the Best Band
Your choice of WiFi band can influence the WiFi speed you get; you have the choice between 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. Your neighbor will likely use the 5 GHz band because it’s faster, but it might get overcrowded, so you will have more room in the 2.4 GHz band.
The 2.4 GHz band is more powerful because it has a lower frequency and can travel longer distances and through obstacles such as trees and walls.
4. Get a WiFi Repeater or Network Extender
Repeaters and extenders offer an efficient solution for strengthening a weak WiFi signal, so consider investing in one if you are not receiving a reliable connection from your neighbor. The repeater will pick up and amplify the WiFi signal and broadcast it, providing full-strength WiFi.
There are plenty of WiFi extenders and repeaters in the market at affordable prices. Once you buy a repeater, plug it into a power outlet at a spot in your house where you receive the best WiFi signal, then follow the instructions to connect the repeater to your neighbor’s WiFi.
Related Post: Best WiFi Extender for Basement to Boost WiFi Signals
How Your Neighbor Can Help You Get Better Signal
a) Move The Router to a Strategic Position
If possible, your neighbor can move their router to an area in their house closest to your house. Shortening the distance between the router and your home can improve the network connection in your house. However, make sure this move doesn’t compromise your neighbor’s WiFi stability and strength.
b) Invest in a High-end Router
This solution is unlikely to happen, but a high-end router with a bigger bandwidth will help deliver strong WiFi signals over a long distance. You can speak to your neighbor to see if they are willing to upgrade their router; you could even offer to split the cost of getting a new router.
c) Latest Router Firmware
Upgrading the router to the latest firmware improves the network connection, making sure the network keeps running smoothly. In addition, updates can offer reliability and a better range for everyone using the network, guaranteeing smooth internet surfing.
The Downsides of Using Your Neighbor’s WiFi
Using your neighbor’s internet connection is more economical, but it comes with downsides like:
1) Privacy Concerns
Your neighbor can easily access your internet connection’s activity log if you use their WiFi, compromising your privacy.
2) Slow Internet
Due to distance and obstructions, the internet connection from your neighbor will likely be slow. Their WiFi connection will also get overcrowded if they have multiple people in their house and many devices.
Conclusion
The strategies above will help you get a better signal from your neighbor and ensure you get the most out of the connection. It’s best to involve your neighbor because there may be ways they could help you and also ensure your actions don’t compromise their WiFi strength.
