Tips to avoid Wi-Fi dead spots in your home

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Many of us are dependent on Wi-Fi to access the Internet in different parts of our homes, but too often the connection is sluggish or there are dead zones. Consumer Reports says there are ways to solve the problem and get Internet throughout your house.

For years, Amy Greenstein had dead zones in her home, where the wireless Internet connection wouldn't work.

"You couldn't sit in the kitchen and say, 'Oh, I wonder what the movie schedule is.' You had to go back to the other side of the house with your iPad or your computer to get the answer," Greenstein said.

Like many people, Greenstein gets Internet service through her cable provider. The signal comes in through a modem that connects to a router. Then, the signal is sent wirelessly through the house. So what can go wrong? Plenty. Consumer Reports says you should start with where your router is placed.

"Router signals do not go through walls that easily, so the fewer walls, fewer closed doors, fewer floors the signal has to travel, the better your chances are of getting the signal covering your entire house," said Rich Fisco with Consumer Reports.

So if you're having trouble, try moving your router and modem to the middle of your home. Your service provider may be willing to re-run the cable where you need it.

Also check your service plan to make sure you're getting enough Internet speed. For U.S. homes, 10 megabits per second is the average, but you'll need 20 or more if you're playing demanding games online or streaming a lot of high-definition movies at once.

"If you're paying for enough speed from your service provider and you're still not getting good speed in your house or you have some dead spots, then there is a good chance it could be your router, and a newer, faster router could actually help," Fisco said.

Consumer Reports says Netgear's AC1900 Nighthawk is good for larger houses and will handle several devices that are using Wi-Fi simultaneously. The Nighthawk costs $185. For far less, Consumer Reports also recommends Netgear's N750. It costs $90 but doesn't use the latest technology for the absolute fastest speed.