For the best performance from your mesh router, you'll want to prioritize getting one with support for Wi-Fi 6, plus a tri-band design that includes three separate bands of traffic: the usual 2. That's the best deal I've seen for a tri-band mesh router with support for Wi-Fi 6 -- and sure enough, it's an excellent performer, as well. In fact, the only system that managed to outperform it outright in my at-home speed tests is the AX version of Netgear Orbi , which costs more than three times as much keep reading for more on that one.
On top of that, TP-Link's setup process is about as easy as it gets, with satellite extenders that automatically join the mesh as soon as you plug them in. That makes the Deco W an outstanding value, and the first mesh router I'd point most people towards if they're in need of something new. Editor's note, Jan. I haven't tested it, but it boasts identical specs to the Deco W and the same design, as well. It isn't as fully featured as systems that cost more, and it doesn't support Wi-Fi 6 -- but aside from that, the budget-friendly, AC version of the Netgear Orbi mesh router stands out as a clear value pick in the mesh category.
In fact, of those three systems, Netgear Orbi clocked in with the fastest average top speed at close range -- and when we put that range to the test with smart devices at the CNET Smart Home , it edged those two Wi-Fi systems out with a faster router speed once again. I even like the design, with clever contours on top that vent out heat in style.
Read our Netgear Orbi review. With a second 5GHz band serving as a dedicated backhaul for system transmissions between the router and its satellites and full support for Wi-Fi 6, the system is still our top-tested mesh router, with the best scores in both our lab-based top speed tests and our at-home mesh coverage tests.
That's a near perfect result, and one that no other mesh system I've tested has been able to match. I think most will find better value with something less expensive -- and you've got a growing number of solid options that fit the bill. Still, if you're buying right now and you want elite mesh performance, price be damned, then this is the system to get. Read our Netgear Orbi 6 review. Most noteworthy is the router's latency management. In fact, it leads all of the routers I've ever tested, gaming or otherwise, with the lowest average latency across all of my tests, which online gamers will definitely appreciate.
An old, out-of-date router can cause poor Wi-Fi performance—especially at the edges of your network. Check out our list of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers to get your network up to date. Mesh routers and Wi-Fi systems are specifically designed to cover your whole home with a consistent Wi-Fi signal. A mesh system is made up of one primary router and one or more mesh extenders. All the mesh devices in the network communicate to create one cohesive Wi-Fi network with customizable coverage.
Another factor in favor of mesh Wi-Fi is that most mesh systems—particularly the Google Nest Wi-Fi system —are really easy to set up and manage via app. These come in two forms:. Buying a Wi-Fi extender is way cheaper than getting a whole new mesh system—but still stretches your network to cover dead zones. Wired internet connections are inherently faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, so using wired connections can improve your internet experience—especially for high-traffic devices like PCs, gaming consoles, or smart TVs.
When purchasing Ethernet cables, you should look at the category, especially for distances longer than feet. Anything labeled Cat 3 through Cat 5 are obsolete at this point. Another factor that can cause poor performance is interference from other electronic devices.
Certain non-WiFi devices — like baby monitors, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, and cordless phones — may share the same frequency as your WiFi router.
As a result, when these devices are in use, you may notice your WiFi performance getting worse. The mostly likely source of interference is other WiFi routers located nearby. If you think that interference from nearby routers is affecting your WiFi network, contact your service provider for technical support. They can help you reconfigure your router to limit the impact of nearby routers and help you get your WiFi performing the way it should be.
Another option is to purchase a simple repeater or a mesh WiFi system. Please beware, however, that not all WiFi enhancement solutions are created equally. By knowing where the signals are weakest or have the most noise to signal ratio, we can figure out how to boost our WiFi to extend its reach.
The most important tips are in the link provided below, but NetSpot is essential for making sure we get the position right. We need information to understand how adding in devices affect the network.
By using NetSpot, we can test the before and after effects of our changes. Each time we add a new repeater, update the device drivers, or find a new position for our router, scan the location again with NetSpot so we can see how the changes affected the network.
With this information, we can improve the WiFi network to get the maximum range and throughput. Get NetSpot. Jump to Analyze Your WiFi Coverage. How To Boost WiFi. NetSpot is a WiFi analyzer. Make sure the latest device drivers have been installed so the computer or laptop can work the best with the WiFi hardware.
New drivers can help improve WiFi networks by helping the connection between the hardware and the operating system be more efficient and effective.
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