Putting a router in a cabinet can weaken Wi-Fi, especially if the enclosure is metal, but the amount of any speed loss depends on the cabinet, home layout, router and connected device. The reported 74% drop is not established as a general result: treat it as a measurement from one setup only if it was actually tested and documented. Start by recording speeds in several locations, move the router into an open spot if possible, then repeat those tests under comparable conditions.
Can a cabinet slow down Wi-Fi?
Yes. Cabinet walls and other obstacles can weaken a wireless signal, reducing coverage and sometimes the throughput devices receive. TP-Link advises against enclosing a router because the cabinet blocks signal and reduces coverage. NETGEAR warns that signal strength decreases as it passes through walls and objects, and says some metal cabinets might block the signal entirely. TP-Link’s router placement guide and NETGEAR’s wireless-range guidance describe these effects.
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That does not mean every cabinet causes the same loss. Material, distance, walls, router and client-device capabilities, Wi-Fi band, interference and broadband performance can all affect a speed-test result. Linksys also notes that enclosed cabinets and bulky barriers can reduce signal strength and throughput, particularly farther from the router, and may restrict airflow.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What does the 74% figure mean?
The 74% figure in the headline is not a published or independently established typical loss from putting a router in a cabinet. It is meaningful only as a result from a particular documented test; without the measurement records, do not treat it as a verified finding or a prediction for another home.
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A speed test measures end-to-end throughput, not signal attenuation alone. A change in the result may reflect the wireless link, band selection, channel congestion, client hardware, household network traffic or the internet connection. A useful account of a 74% result would identify the router and test device, test locations, connected band, test method and whether the broadband connection and other conditions stayed consistent.
How to test whether the cabinet is the problem
Microsoft Support recommends establishing a baseline before changing a Wi-Fi network. Record results in several places, then repeat the tests after moving the router. Keep the device, locations, connected band and approximate test conditions consistent so the comparison is interpretable. Microsoft’s home-layout guidance applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11.
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- Record a baseline. Run a network speed test near the router and in the rooms where performance matters. Note the test device, location, time and Wi-Fi band if available.
- Move the router out of the cabinet, if feasible. Try an open, central location, raised from floor level where practical. Reduce the number of walls and other obstacles between the router and devices.
- Repeat the same tests. Use the same device and locations. A substantial improvement supports placement as a likely contributor in that setup, but does not establish a universal cabinet-related percentage.
- Check whether the issue is Wi-Fi or broadband. If possible, compare with a wired speed test or check the internet provider’s service. Do not infer that a Wi-Fi placement change explains every difference in end-to-end speed.
Where should you place the router?
A practical starting point is an open area near the middle of the home or the area needing coverage, on a table or shelf rather than on the floor. Microsoft recommends moving the access point toward the middle of the home or room, higher where possible, and reducing walls and other obstacles. TP-Link likewise recommends central placement at a moderate height; NETGEAR advises avoiding corners, basements, attics and closets. The best position depends on the building layout and where devices are used.
Placement guidance is not a guarantee of a particular speed. If the router must remain near the internet connection, try the most open and elevated position available and compare results in the locations that matter.
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Could the Wi-Fi band be affecting the result?
Yes. The band a device uses changes the trade-off between reach and throughput. Microsoft’s guidance summarizes the differences as follows:
| Band | Typical trade-off | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | Generally reaches farther and passes through obstacles better, but offers slower throughput and tends to face more congestion. | Useful when range or barriers are the main issue; congestion can still affect performance. |
| 5 GHz | Generally offers faster throughput and less congestion, but has shorter range and is weaker through obstacles. | A device in or beyond a cabinet may get a weaker connection on this band than nearby. |
| 6 GHz | Can be very fast nearby, but has shorter range and requires compatible Wi-Fi 6E equipment. | Confirm that both router and client support it; it is not a fix for distance or barriers. |
These are general characteristics, not promises for a particular router or home. Google also lists device capability, distance, band, physical barriers, provider speed and interference as variables that can affect speed; Microsoft discusses congestion and channel selection. Google’s Wi-Fi speed guidance covers these factors.
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What if moving the router does not solve the coverage gap?
First check whether the slow result is confined to a distant room or persists near the router. If the router cannot be moved or a specific area remains weak, a range extender may help by relaying coverage, provided it can be placed where it receives a usable signal. NETGEAR describes extenders as a cost-effective option for smaller homes and apartments; that is vendor guidance, not an independent performance comparison.
If coverage is broadly inadequate across the home, a mesh system is a broader network change to consider. Neither an extender nor mesh guarantees a specific speed improvement. Check compatibility among the router, client devices and any added equipment, and account for the shorter reach of higher-frequency bands. Microsoft discusses an extender when moving the access point or device closer is not possible; NETGEAR also identifies extenders and mesh systems as options when coverage remains unsatisfactory. Microsoft Support and NETGEAR Support provide category-level guidance.
Quick Recap
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