Getting Reliable Wi-Fi Coverage: Solutions for Slow or No Internet in Certain Rooms

Do you ever find yourself in a situation where your Wi-Fi gives slow internet in a specific room, or even worse—no internet at all? This can be quite frustrating, especially if you're trying to work, stream, or game in a particular area of your home. Fortunately, there are several effective solutions to extend and enhance your Wi-Fi signal, such as using a power line bridge kit, moving your router closer to your room, and installing a better router or a mesh network system.

Option 1: Add a Power Line Bridge Kit

If you’re experiencing issues in a particular room and want to avoid running new cables, a power line bridge kit can be a simple and effective solution. This kit consists of two units – one that connects to your router via an outlet, and another that connects to your room’s power outlet. This way, you can extend your Wi-Fi signal to the room without the need for physical cables. The unit on the left plugs into the router and a local power outlet, and anything that was in the outlet can plug into this unit. The unit on the right goes to your room, effectively creating a signal bridge between the two.

Option 2: Install a Better Router

Another way to improve your Wi-Fi coverage is by investing in a better router. Cheap routers often struggle with providing reliable and fast Internet connections, especially in large homes or ones with thick walls. If you’re experiencing slow and unstable Wi-Fi, consider upgrading to a high-quality router. In my experience, routers like the Netgear Nighthawk R8000 or the Ubiquiti Unifi Cloud Key have delivered excellent results, providing robust and stable connections throughout the home.

Option 3: Set Up a Mesh Network System

For larger homes or more complex layouts, a mesh network system might be the best solution. A mesh network comprises multiple nodes or access points that work together to create a seamless and strong Wi-Fi network. These systems are designed to automatically adjust to your needs, ensuring a strong and continuous connection throughout your home.

Two popular options include:

Basic / User Friendly: If you just need a basic mesh network and don’t require advanced features, consider the Eero or Netgear Orbi systems. These are simple to set up and manage, offering consistent Wi-Fi performance in multiple rooms. Advanced with Enterprise Features: For larger homes or businesses, you might benefit from a more advanced system, such as Ubiquiti Unifi Unifi System or Linksys Velop. These systems offer professional-grade features and superior performance, making them ideal for demanding users.

Additional Options: Moving the Router or Running Ethernet

There are a couple of other options you can consider if the above solutions don’t work for you:

Moving the Router Closer: The simplest solution is to move your router closer to the areas that need better Wi-Fi coverage. By reducing the distance between the router and the devices, you can significantly improve the signal strength and speed. However, this may not be possible if the router is already in an optimal location. Running an Ethernet Cable: If you are primarily using a device for gaming or other bandwidth-intensive tasks, consider running an Ethernet cable to that location. This will provide a stable and fast connection without the variability of Wi-Fi. For instance, if you have a PlayStation or a gaming PC, running a cable to your gaming area can eliminate lag and boost overall performance.

Conclusion

Dealing with slow or no internet in certain rooms can be a challenging issue, but there are several solutions available to improve your Wi-Fi coverage. From power line bridge kits to advanced mesh networks, each option has its own benefits and drawbacks. By choosing the right solution for your needs, you can ensure that you have a reliable and fast internet connection throughout your home.

If you find that the existing solutions do not work for your unique situation, please feel free to reach out in the comments. I’m here to help you find the best solution to your internet connectivity issues.