Wi-Fi routers have become significantly more powerful in recent years, yet they still face challenges when it comes to penetrating walls and floors. If you’re experiencing slow speeds in a particular room or an entire level of your home, you generally have two solutions: install a Wi-Fi booster with your current router or upgrade to a comprehensive mesh network system featuring range-expanding satellite devices, often referred to as nodes.
Wi-Fi boosters are an economical choice for smaller areas. The top model I’ve tested so far is the Linksys RE7310, available for Rs 9000. There are also more affordable alternatives on the market.
On the other hand, mesh routers are ideal for whole-home connectivity. We have several suggestions, including the TP-Link Deco W7200 and the Eero 6 Plus, both priced around Rs 15000 for a two-unit pack.
A Wi-Fi extender is the more straightforward and budget-friendly solution — you simply plug it into a power outlet and link it to your current router. However, a mesh router offers significantly better performance when it comes to enhancing speeds across your entire home.
There are also a few preliminary measures you can try to improve your connection without making a purchase, but in many instances, resolving dead zones will necessitate a hardware upgrade.
That’s the brief summary — here’s how I arrived at these conclusions.
Like real estate, wireless networking boils down to three key factors: location, location, location. Whether you opt for a range extender or a mesh extender, both will broadcast a network signal that’s only as strong as the incoming signal from your router—minus any degradation caused by the distance.
If you’re struggling to connect in a specific area of your home, the smartest strategy is to run speed tests in various rooms. Your goal is to identify the spot nearest to the dead zone where the router’s signal remains strong. Placing the range extender or mesh point there will ensure it can deliver the best possible network performance and effectively cover the dead zone. After that, all that remains is selecting the right hardware for your needs.
Wi-Fi Range Extenders: An Effective Solution for Small Dead Zones
If your connection struggles in just one or two rooms, a basic Wi-Fi range extender might be all you need. There are plenty of choices available, but the best value I’ve tested is the TP-Link RE220, a plug-in extender that’s widely available online for as little as Rs 1500. If you’re open to spending a bit more, consider the TP-Link RE605X, which offers faster speeds, greater reliability, and Wi-Fi 6 support for Rs 6000.
Range extenders like these are incredibly simple to set up. Just plug it in, press the WPS button to activate Wi-Fi Protected Setup mode, and then press the WPS button on your router to pair them. Rather than boosting your existing network, the extender creates its own network using your router’s signal. Typically, this new network will appear as your original network name with “_EXT” added to the end.
Mesh Routers: The Best Choice for Whole-Home Coverage
If your connectivity issues go beyond a single room—like an entire floor with spotty speeds—upgrading to a mesh router is likely your best solution. Featuring multiple devices placed strategically throughout your home, a quality mesh router can deliver a strong, seamless signal across rooms. Unlike a range extender, mesh systems allow you to stay connected to the same network throughout your home (or two networks if you choose to separate the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands).
The market is currently experiencing a bit of a mesh router renaissance, with second-generation options becoming more affordable. While prices have dropped, you should still budget at least Rs 12000 for an entry-level system and significantly more for high-end models.
Software Matters:
One key factor to consider is the router’s software. Mesh systems rely on algorithms to optimize your connection, dynamically choosing the best route based on your location. High-quality systems seamlessly switch between connecting directly to the router and using one of the satellites. On the other hand, systems with less advanced software might misroute your connection, unnecessarily slowing things down.
In my testing, brands like Google, Eero, and Asus excel at smart routing, reliably managing connection drops or slowdowns. Netgear and TP-Link also performed well but occasionally showed some hiccups on specific models
Optimal Setup for Large Homes:
If you have a larger home, investing in a three-piece system is a wise choice. While Nest offers excellent options, Eero stands out for its strong software and affordability. For instance, the Eero 6 system provides a three-piece setup for Rs 18000, complete with Wi-Fi 6 compatibility.
While the Eero 6 wasn’t as sharp as Nest in steering connections during my tests, adding a second satellite noticeably improved overall performance. In a 5,800-square-foot home, we tested a three-piece Eero system, placing the second satellite in the basement. The heat map showed a substantial improvement in signal strength throughout the home, particularly in the basement.
