Internet usage is becoming more critical to our everyday lives, and thus expanding your home network might be necessary to ensure reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout your house, especially in larger homes or areas with signal dead zones. There are some tips we employ on how to expand your home network effectively:

  1. Identify Dead Zones:
    • Walk around your home and identify areas with weak or no Wi-Fi coverage. These are the places where you’ll want to improve your network.
  2. Choose the Right Solution:
    • There are several methods for expanding your home network, including Wi-Fi extenders, additional access points, and mesh Wi-Fi systems. Each has its own pros and cons:
      • Wi-Fi Extenders/Repeaters: These devices receive and retransmit your existing Wi-Fi signal, extending its reach. They are easy to set up but can reduce the overall network speed in some cases.
      • Additional Access Points: These are separate Wi-Fi routers that you connect to your main router via Ethernet cables. They provide a strong and separate Wi-Fi signal, making them an ideal choice for larger homes.
      • Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: These systems consist of a main router and satellite nodes placed throughout your home. They create a seamless network, often with a single SSID, and are great for providing consistent coverage.
  3. Wi-Fi Extenders/Repeaters:
    • If you choose to use a Wi-Fi extender, plug it in a location where it can still receive a good signal from your main router but is closer to the dead zone.
    • Follow the setup instructions provided with the extender to configure it to your existing Wi-Fi network.
  4. Additional Access Points:
    • For additional access points, connect them to your main router using Ethernet cables.
    • Access the admin interface of the new router (usually via a web browser) and configure it with the same SSID and password as your main network. Be sure to set a different channel to avoid interference.
    • Place the access points strategically to ensure even coverage. They should overlap slightly with the coverage of your main router.
  5. Mesh Wi-Fi System:
    • Set up the mesh system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves connecting the main router to your modem and placing the satellite nodes throughout your home.
    • Mesh systems typically have a unified SSID and handle the distribution of devices between nodes automatically.
  6. Test Your Network:
    • After expanding your network, test the Wi-Fi coverage in previously problematic areas to ensure the dead zones have been eliminated.
  7. Optimize Settings:
    • Check the settings on your expanded network to ensure the best performance. This includes security settings, channel selection, and bandwidth allocation.
  8. Regularly Update Firmware:
    • Keep the firmware of all network devices up to date to ensure optimal performance and security.
  9. Security Considerations:
    • Change default login credentials on all network devices to improve security.
    • Enable network encryption (WPA3 or WPA2) to protect your network from unauthorized access.

Expanding your home network can significantly improve your Wi-Fi coverage and performance. The choice between Wi-Fi extenders, additional access points, or a mesh Wi-Fi system depends on your specific needs and budget. Make sure to select a solution that best suits your home’s size and layout. And if you need any help in determining which is best for you, please give us a call.

Posted by Kyle Glass