How To Make Your Wifi Work Better in Your Home or Office
If your internet frequently buffers, cuts out, or leaves you with dead zones where WiFi doesn’t reach, upgrading your home network might be the solution. Whether you’re streaming movies, working from home, or gaming, modern technology offers faster and more reliable WiFi options than ever before.
Why Upgrade Your WiFi Setup?
Not everyone needs an advanced WiFi system, but ask yourself these questions:
- Are there areas in your home where WiFi doesn’t work?
- Does your WiFi slow down when multiple people use it?
- Do you experience buffering while streaming?
- Do you want faster and more reliable internet?
If you answered yes to any of these, it might be time to upgrade to a WiFi mesh system, extender, or router upgrade.
Modern Solutions for Better WiFi Coverage
1. WiFi Mesh Systems
WiFi mesh systems are the gold standard for home internet. Instead of relying on a single router, they use multiple nodes (devices) to blanket your home in WiFi. These systems automatically connect your device to the nearest node for a seamless experience.
Recommended Mesh Systems:
- Eero Pro 6E: Supports WiFi 6E, provides speeds up to 2.3 Gbps, and covers up to 6,000 sq ft.
- Netgear Orbi RBK752: Tri-band system with excellent range and speed, ideal for large homes.
- Google Nest WiFi Pro: Affordable and user-friendly, integrates seamlessly with other Google products.
Pros:
- Broad coverage with no dead zones
- Easy setup with mobile apps
- Scalable—add more nodes for larger spaces
Cons:
- Higher price points
- Requires modern devices to take full advantage of WiFi 6E
2. WiFi Range Extenders
WiFi range extenders amplify your router’s signal to reach farther into dead zones. While they’re not as seamless as mesh systems, they’re a cost-effective solution for smaller spaces.
Recommended Extenders:
- TP-Link RE315: Dual-band extender with WiFi 6 support and speeds up to 1.8 Gbps.
- Netgear EX7300: High-performance dual-band extender with a Gigabit Ethernet port.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Quick and easy setup
- Compatible with most routers
Cons:
- Creates a separate network, requiring manual switching between connections
- Limited range compared to mesh systems
3. WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E Routers
If your router is several years old, upgrading to WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E can drastically improve performance. These new standards offer higher speeds, better range, and improved handling of multiple devices.
Recommended Routers:
- Asus RT-AX88U: WiFi 6 router with speeds up to 6 Gbps, perfect for gamers and streaming.
- Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500: WiFi 6E support with speeds up to 10.8 Gbps.
Pros:
- Faster speeds and better performance for multiple devices
- Improved security protocols
- Great for smart home setups
Cons:
- Expensive
- May require compatible devices to unlock full benefits
Placement Tips for Optimal WiFi Coverage
- Central Location: Place your router or main mesh node in the center of your home.
- Avoid Obstructions: Keep routers away from walls, microwaves, and metal objects that can block signals.
- Elevate the Router: Place it on a shelf or high table for better coverage.
- Use Ethernet Backhaul: For mesh systems, connect nodes with Ethernet cables for even better speeds.
Compatibility Considerations
- Ensure your new device supports the same frequency bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz or 6GHz) as your router.
- Verify that your router supports WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E if upgrading.
- Use mesh systems that are scalable if you plan to expand your network later.
Conclusion
Improving your WiFi doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose a mesh system like Eero Pro 6E, an extender like TP-Link RE700X, or a WiFi 6 router like Asus RT-AX88U, modern solutions provide better speeds, larger coverage areas, and seamless connections. Evaluate your needs and budget to select the best option for your home and enjoy faster, more reliable internet today.