Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are essential for collecting and transmitting data in modern applications that rely on data, where effective network connectivity and coverage are crucial. The optimal placement of router nodes within WSNs is a fundamental challenge that significantly impacts network performance and reliability. Researchers have explored various approaches using metaheuristic algorithms to address these challenges and optimize WSN performance. This paper introduces a new hybrid algorithm, CFL-PSO, based on combining an enhanced Fick’s Law algorithm with comprehensive learning and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). CFL-PSO exploits the strengths of these techniques to strike a balance between network connectivity and coverage, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of WSNs. We evaluate the performance of CFL-PSO by benchmarking it against nine established algorithms, including the conventional Fick’s law algorithm (FLA), Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA), Multi-Verse Optimizer (MVO), Salp Swarm Optimization (SSO), War Strategy Optimization (WSO), Harris Hawk Optimization (HHO), African Vultures Optimization Algorithm (AVOA), Capuchin Search Algorithm (CapSA), Tunicate Swarm Algorithm (TSA), and PSO. The algorithm’s performance is extensively evaluated using 23 benchmark functions to assess its effectiveness in handling various optimization scenarios. Additionally, its performance on WSN router node placement is compared against the other methods, demonstrating its competitiveness in achieving optimal solutions. These analyses reveal that CFL-PSO outperforms the other algorithms in terms of network connectivity, client coverage, and convergence speed. To further validate CFL-PSO’s effectiveness, experimental studies were conducted using different numbers of clients, routers, deployment areas, and transmission ranges. The findings affirm the effectiveness of CFL-PSO as it consistently delivers favorable optimization results when compared to existing methods, highlighting its potential for enhancing WMN performance. Specifically, CFL-PSO achieves up to a 66.5% improvement in network connectivity, a 16.56% improvement in coverage, and a 21.4% improvement in the objective function value when compared to the standard FLA