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Gateway Placement Guide

Optimal positioning for best WiFi coverage

Best Placement Practices

Near Window

BEST PLACEMENT! Position gateway near a window for optimal signal from wireless tower.

Windows provide clear line-of-sight to towers with minimal interference.

Elevated Position

Place on top floor or elevated surface (shelf, desk). Higher placement improves signal reach.

Elevation reduces obstacles between gateway and tower.

Open Space

Keep gateway in open area, not enclosed. Signals need clear paths to reach both tower and your devices.

Open placement maximizes both incoming and outgoing signal.

Central Location

Place gateway in the center of your home for even WiFi coverage to all rooms.

Ideally near window AND centrally located for best results.

📐 Ideal Gateway Placement

Living Room Bedroom 1 Kitchen Bedroom 2 orbi Closet ❌ Floor ✓ IDEAL PLACEMENT Near window + elevated + central location Your Home Layout (Top-down view)

✓ Good Placement (Living Room)

  • • Near window (left wall)
  • • On shelf (elevated)
  • • Central to home
  • • WiFi reaches all rooms

✗ Bad Placements

  • • Closet in bedroom (blocks signal)
  • • Floor in kitchen (too low)
  • • Away from windows
  • • Far from center of home

Things to Avoid

Enclosed Spaces

Never place in closets, cabinets, or drawers - this blocks signals.

Metal enclosures are especially problematic and can reduce signal by 90%.

Behind/Under Objects

Don't place behind TV, under desk, or wedged between furniture.

Physical obstacles absorb and reflect WiFi signals.

Near Interference

Keep away from microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors.

These devices operate on similar frequencies and cause interference.

Basement/Ground Floor

Avoid basements or ground floor in multi-story homes.

Signal strength decreases downward more than upward.

🏠 Multi-Story Home Tips

2-Story Home

Place gateway on second floor near a window for coverage to both levels.

Upper floor placement provides better tower signal and WiFi coverage downward.

3+ Story Home

Position on middle floor near window for even coverage to floors above and below.

Consider mesh network for large homes.

With Basement

First floor placement near window provides adequate basement coverage for most homes.

Heavy usage basement may need separate access point.

📍 Best Rooms for Placement

Room Type Rating Notes
Living Room Excellent Central location, usually open floor plan
Home Office Excellent Good for hardwired devices + WiFi coverage
Hallway Good Central but may lack shelf space
Bedroom Fair Often not centrally located
Kitchen Poor Interference from appliances
Garage/Closet Never Enclosed spaces block signal severely
🌡️

Ventilation & Overheating

Your gateway generates heat during operation. Proper ventilation is essential:

  • Leave 4-6 inches of clearance around all sides
  • Don't stack objects on top of gateway
  • Never cover ventilation slots
  • Keep away from heat sources (radiators, sunlight)