How to cover a large area with Wi-Fi

It’s always recommended that you place your router at a central location in your home. This is in order for it to have great coverage throughout your home. 

It can be really frustrating lacking solid internet connection on your device every time you are far away from the router. Without doubt, most routers will be advertised about how efficient they are and their impressive data download speeds. However, there is also one factor that you should always take into consideration, and that is their range.

Some routers may actually come with very fast data download speeds but may lack great range. This can be quite a challenge especially if you are looking for Wi-Fi connection that will efficiently cover a large area either in your home or office.

The good news is that you can get routers which are compatible with mesh network. Using this mesh system will increase the coverage of your router and enable your Wi-Fi to cover a large area. This will also enable you to receive consistent data download speeds to your devices in every corner of your house. Another method that you can use to increase the coverage of your router is by using a Wi-Fi range extender. It also helps to boost the signals that are being transmitted from the router to other areas of your home.

You should also ensure that you place the Wi-Fi mesh node at a place where it is able to connect and transmit data that comes from the router. The major benefit about using mesh nodes is that they will enable your device to receive the same data download speeds that are being provided by the main router. Therefore, you won’t have to constantly keep on moving close to the router in order to enjoy stable internet connection. This is because using the mesh network enables you to receive consistent data download speeds up to 5,000 square ft. on average which is great coverage.

How to set up a mesh network

Purchase a router that can support mesh network

The first step is that you should consider purchasing a router that is compatible with the mesh feature. If you aren’t careful, you may end up buying a router that doesn’t support mesh network, which will hinder you from extending internet connection to other areas in your home.Some routers such as Orbi come with their own extenders as they are sold in a pack.

However, you may be forced to buy mesh nodes separately if you get a router that doesn’t come with an extender. Normally, two mesh nodes are usually enough for your home, although you could get an extra one if you aren’t satisfied with the performance of the two mesh nodes.

Connect the Wi-Fi extenders or mesh nodes to the router

The location where you place the mesh node also plays a key role on how it will perform when you connect it to the router. You should ensure that you don’t put the mesh node or Wi-Fi extender too far from the router otherwise it won’t operate efficiently. Well, the good news is that most Wi-Fi extenders come with LED lights that inform you the strength of connection it is receiving from the original router.

Therefore, you should be very keen on the connectivity strength between the router and mesh node in order to enjoy maximum efficiency from it. This is because one mesh node can cover between 4500 square feet to 6000 square feet which is pretty ideal for large areas.  For sure, you will be able to receive stable internet connection on your devices regardless of where you will be sitting in your house.

Download the required software app

These routers are also compatible with software apps that you can access using your smartphone devices. The advantage about these apps is that they enable you to easily set up the connection between the router and the mesh node. All you have to do is simply follow the given instructions and set the router’s connectivity to the mesh nodes as these apps are pretty easy to navigate through.

Some of the software apps that are compatible with routers include Orbi app for Orbi routers and Google Wi-Fi app for Google Wi-Fi routers. Most of the companies that provide you with routers usually ensure that their software apps are very user- friendly.  So, there is no reason to panic if you haven’t used such software before.

The app usually requires you to key in the code that is at the bottom of the mesh node. Once you have keyed in the necessary information, the router will automatically connect to the mesh node. When you follow all these steps to the latter you will successfully set up a mesh network in your home and enjoy reliable internet connection at every corner of your house. Some of the best routers that are compatible with the mesh network include:

How to set up a Wi-Fi range extender

Choose an appropriate location to place the Wi-Fi range extender

This is the first and most important step that you should take when setting up a Wi-Fi range extender in your home. You should ensure that you place the Wi-Fi range extender at a location that’s not too far from the router otherwise it won’t receivethe Wi-Fi signals being transmitted by the router. Most Wi-Fi range extenders usually have a light which inform you the connectivity strength of the booster. Therefore, you should be very keen and keep an eye on the connectivity strength in order for it to work efficiently.

Plug the Wi-Fi range extender to a power outlet and connect it to router

Just like any other electronic device, a Wi-Fi range extender also operates on electricity. Therefore, you are required to connect it to the closest power source and then turn it on. Once you have done this, the Wi-Fi range extender will go on and automatically find your current Wi-Fi network name and password. However, some Wi-Fi range extenders will require you to directly connect an Ethernet cable from the router in order for them to extend Wi-Fi signals. After you have done this, you should set the Wi-Fi range extender’s settings through your booster’s app or website.

The reason you will be required to access the configurations page of your booster is simply because most extenders come with strict internet connection security settings. Basically, this process depends on the Wi-Fi range extender and router that you use in your home.

Some of the best Wi-Fi range extenders in the market today include:

Conclusion

Without doubt, mesh network is one of the most effective ways you can use in order to receive Wi-Fi connection that covers a large area.  This is because mesh routers will enable you to enjoy consistent data download speeds at every corner of your house throughout. However, you could also use a Wi-Fi range extender if you don’t prefer investing on mesh routers.  This is because a Wi-Fi range extender is also effective when it comes to covering a large area with Wi-Fi. They also offer you greater coverage as compared to mesh routers.

FAQs

How can I know the maximum distance that the mesh node can be from the router?

A mesh node normally comes with indicators that show you the connectivity strength. Therefore, you should be keen on these indicators in order to know how far you can set it up without losing connectivity strength.

Do routers come with Wi-Fi extenders?

Some do, like the Orbi routers. However, some do not come with extenders hence you should buy them separately.