Weak Wi-Fi upstairs or in the garden? Range extenders, mesh systems, powerline adapters and new routers each fix a different problem. Here’s how to tell which suits your home.
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Find Where The Signal Drops
Walk around with a phone and note the rooms where the connection slows or drops. One weak room often points to an extender or powerline adapter; several weak rooms or floors usually point to a mesh system.
Range Extender: The Simple Single Room Fix
A plug-in extender repeats your existing Wi-Fi from a socket between the router and the weak spot. It is the quickest option to set up. Check whether it creates a separate network name and whether it has an Ethernet port for a TV or console.
Mesh Wi Fi: Whole Home Coverage
A mesh system replaces or works alongside your router with two or more units that share one network name. Larger homes and thick walls are the usual reason to choose mesh. Check how many units are in the pack and whether your broadband provider router can be set to work with it.
Powerline: When Wi Fi Will Not Pass Through Walls
Powerline adapters send the connection through your home wiring, then provide Ethernet or Wi-Fi at the far end. Results depend on the wiring, so check the returns terms on the listing.
Router, Travel And Outdoor Options
If your router is old, a newer Wi-Fi router can help on its own. Travel routers, 4G routers and outdoor access points cover more specific jobs, so read the listing carefully for compatibility and power needs.
Options To Compare
