How To Get Internet in Every Room

Modern routers and gateways are capable of blasting Wi-Fi into your neighbor’s home, apartment, or office if the obstructions are minimal. “Dead zones” appear in our spaces when Wi-Fi signals have difficulty beaming through walls, appliances, metal shelves, furniture, and other impenetrable obstructions.

So, what do you do? How do you fill dead zones with Wi-Fi? We have a handful of suggestions that can help expand your Wi-Fi network so that every room has a decent connection to the internet.

Solution #1: Get a mesh system

Mesh is a term used to describe the “web” of connections between a network of nodes. Not all routers and gateways support mesh, so you have to choose carefully when shopping for a home network upgrade.

A mesh network setup is similar to how extenders work with routers, only here, the router and extenders all talk to each other in a “group chat” versus the “private message” method used between a non-mesh router and each extender. Plus, mesh networking supports seamless roaming, which automatically shifts your wireless devices to another mesh unit once their connections reach a specific signal strength.

Mesh systems typically contain at least two units: One tethered to the modem or ONT, serving as your router, and one you place anywhere, serving as your satellite or node. They don’t have the range of standalone routers with external antennas, as their internal ones are positioned to distribute Wi-Fi in a sphere (versus the elongated donut). This design means mesh systems are ideal for multi-floor use, but don’t expect supersonic speeds while sitting by the pool.

Most mesh systems use what’s called a backhaul. It’s a private road shared between the router unit and satellites for receiving and sending data to each other, so they’re not crowding the Wi-Fi space used by your client devices: the fronthaul. Some mesh systems have a third band dedicated to the backhaul, while some mix the fronthaul and backhaul together for slower speeds. Every system we’ve tested supports Ethernet as a backup wired backhaul.

Many standalone routers also support mesh networking. ASUS AiMesh creates a mesh network between compatible routers. TP-Link OneMesh creates a mesh network between a compatible router and TP-Link-branded Wi-Fi extenders and Powerline adapters.

Wi-Fi EasyMesh is an emerging standard we’ve recently seen in a few routers for creating mesh setups, eliminating the need for proprietary mesh technology like AiMesh and OneMesh.

Here are a few more resources about mesh networking:

• Mesh router vs. Wi-Fi Extender: Which Is Right for You?
• How To Set Up a Mesh Network
• Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems and Routers

If purchasing a mesh system isn’t within your budget right now, read on for more affordable solutions.

Solution #2: Get a Wi-Fi extender

One way to dodge obstacles and deliver solid wireless internet to every room is to pair a few Wi-Fi extenders with your router. These devices are typically plugged directly into a wall outlet, although we’ve seen models that resemble small routers. Nearly every Wi-Fi extender has at least two functions: Repeat mode and Access Point mode.

Repeat mode

Typically, you plug the extender into a wall outlet and connect your wireless device to its Wi-Fi network. After that, you access its web interface to connect it to your router’s Wi-Fi. Most Wi-Fi extenders are in this repeater mode by default, meaning they retransmit all data they receive from the router and your devices over Wi-Fi through a new set of antennas. Extenders broadcast strong signals, but they don’t increase your speed.

Access Point mode

Access Point (AP) is another mode you can use, but it requires a wired connection to the router. The setup differs because you’re not connecting the extender to the router’s Wi-Fi network. Instead, you create a secondary Wi-Fi network.

This mode provides the best speeds of the two modes, but the drawback is having to install Ethernet cables in the walls or draping them along the baseboards—unless your home or office is pre-wired for Ethernet already.

Consult our guide on the Best Wi-Fi Extenders for a few ideas.

Solution #3: Use powerline adapters + extenders

In terms of speed, the powerline sits between Wi-Fi and Ethernet. It uses the electrical wiring in your home or building to transmit data from one point to another. It’s not the best solution, but it may get the job done if you’re lucky.

In the typical powerline setup, one adapter plugs into a power outlet and connects to your router using Ethernet. A second adapter plugs into a different power outlet—in another room, for example—and connects to a wired device. You need at least two adapters to make the Powerline connection work.

Ideally, you want a powerline adapter with a passthrough socket so you don’t lose a power connection. Some adapters include Wi-Fi, but never use Wi-Fi to bridge an adapter to your router—stick with Ethernet for the best performance.

Powerline adapters work best when they’re close to the electrical panel and are on the same circuit. Never plug an adapter into a power strip.

We have a few ideas in our guide for the best powerline adapters you can get.

Solution #4: Use MoCA adapters + extenders

If your home or building is already wired with cable TV (coax) lines, Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) is another way to send wireless internet into every room. It’s a good wired alternative if your home or building isn’t pre-wired with Ethernet and you don’t want to install Ethernet in your walls or string it along baseboards.

Like with Powerline, you need at least two adapters to make the connection work: One connected to your router using Ethernet and one at the end serving your wired devices. Some modems and routers already support MoCA, so you only need one unit to complete the connection.

MoCA 2.5 supports speeds up to 2,500Mbps over coax cables.

Solution #5: Use Ethernet + extenders

New homes are typically pre-wired with Ethernet, meaning the lines are in the walls and terminate at Ethernet jacks mounted in wall plates. You only need to drape cables along your baseboards or inside your walls if your home or building doesn’t already have Ethernet.

Ethernet is your go-to wired connection, supporting speeds of up to 100,000Mbps (100Gbps), depending on the cable’s type and length. Your best bet is to use a CAT 6A cable or newer if you want speeds over 1,000Mbps—CAT 5e and CAT 6 cables support up to 1,000Mbps only.

Need a new Ethernet cable? We list the best Ethernet cables for your home or office network.

Solution #6: Get a better standalone router

If you don’t want to invest in a pricey mesh system setup, upgrading your existing standalone router is another option.

The phrase “you get what you pay for” is right on the money when it comes to routers. The more you pay, the more bandwidth and speed you get, based on all the routers we’ve tested. Sure, some pack a nice punch for the money, like TP-Link’s Archer BE230, but generally, if you pay only double digits for a router, don’t expect super-high speeds out by the barn.

Wi-Fi 7 is the latest spec, promising speeds of up to 46Gbps delivered across three bands. Testing shows it provides the best speeds you can get, partially because it’s an uptick from Wi-Fi 6 in terms of raw throughput, but also due to how it handles interference. Even if you don’t currently own Wi-Fi 7 devices, you should see a slight speed improvement with Wi-Fi 6 and older devices. Some of the routers we’ve tested include the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S and the ASUS RT-BE96U.

Wi-Fi 6E is your second-best bet if you need a new router. It adds the third 6 GHz band (which is also included with Wi-Fi 7), giving you access to a whole new Wi-Fi frontier to fill up with your selfies and cat videos. It doesn’t have the range seen with the 5 GHz band, but it sure delivers a wallop at close range if blazing speed is what you need. However, you need a Wi-Fi 6E device to use the new connection.

Wi-Fi 6 routers are the most common right now, although their Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 upgrades are nudging them out. You still get good speeds with these routers.

Don’t even think about Wi-Fi 5—it’s older than dirt.

If you need ideas for a new router, oh boy, have we got the lineups for you! Have a gander:

• Best Long-Range Routers
• Best Wi-Fi Routers
• Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers
• Best Gaming Routers
• Best Routers with Parental Controls
• Best Budget Routers
• Best Routers for Streaming
• Best Routers for Security

Why your Wi-Fi signals can be garbage

The inverse-square law tells us radio waves weaken over distance. They’re the strongest at the emitter, so you’ll always see your best speeds next to a router or gateway. Radio waves at lower frequencies have a longer range than higher ones but at the cost of slower speeds.

For example, grab a Slinky, pull it apart as wide as possible, and then count the number of peaks in one inch. We’ll call that the 2.4 GHz band. Now compress the Slinky a bit and count the peaks again, which should be more than what you counted the first time. We’ll call that 5 GHz. Overall, you get more peaks (data) per inch when you shorten the Slinky than when you expand it.

Here’s the length of each wavelength:

• 4 GHz: 12.5 centimeters
• 5 GHz: 6 centimeters
• 6 GHz: 5 centimeters

So, because 5 GHz has a shorter wavelength than 2.4 GHz, it has a harder time penetrating solid objects. Our tests usually have the signals beam through a couple of doors for the best results, but we do record how multiple obstructions affect speeds.

Our router tests have a 20-foot marker set in two places: out in the open (TV room) and in an L-shaped hallway. This hallway connects the TV room to three bedrooms and a bathroom and bends around an air handler unit. So, Wi-Fi must penetrate glass, drywall, aluminum, wood, and ceramic tiles to reach this spot. Take a look at the differences in the tested speed:

For starters, the device we used for testing has a connection rate of 1,200Mbps. We usually get 850Mbps max at close range due to overhead—that’s just how Wi-Fi works.

The speed test results shown above stem from a combination of things: distance, interference, and obstructions. Luckily, modern routers do a good job pushing 5 GHz signals for better whole-home connectivity—at least, that’s our observation when we test routers.

But just for giggles, let’s see how you should never use the 2.4 GHz band if you want loads of speed. We’ll use the same four routers and client device as an example.

In this case, the client device we used typically maxes out at 140Mbps at close range. Not very fast, right?

The further you move away from the router, the weaker the signal and the slower the data throughput. Obstructions make your connection woes even worse by absorbing and deflecting Wi-Fi signals.

So, while your router may be able to push Wi-Fi out into the garage or a second floor, the data rate may be so low from passing through multiple walls and appliances that you’re barely getting any use out of the connection.

Our 120-foot marker outside is a good example. We can get 250Mbps when testing a 5 GHz connection, but nothing when we use the 2.4 GHz band—and it has a longer reach. Not only does the wavelength affect the data rate, but the channel width is only half that of the one used with the 5 GHz band.

Common suggestions debunked

Relocate your router or gateway

In theory, relocating your router or gateway to a centralized location makes sense. But let’s get real here, peeps. Gateways are locked to your DSL, cable, or fiber entry point. The only real way to relocate a gateway is to call your internet provider and have them do it for you, which could mean changing the entry point.

Routers are connected to your modem or ONT using an Ethernet cable. So, if your modem sits near the front door, but you want to relocate the router to the middle of the house, what then? String Ethernet cable along the baseboards? Not every home is pre-wired for Ethernet.

The bottom line is you can move your gateway or router, then go for it, but we bet it won’t be easy.

Adjust the antennas

Adjusting the antennas just moves your dead spots. Router antennas broadcast perpendicular to their position, so usually, they’re positioned vertically to broadcast horizontally. The shape looks like an elongated donut, so when you move any antenna into a horizontal position, thinking you’re adding Wi-Fi upstairs, you’re just changing the shape of the broadcast. Now, the garage that once had decent signal strength barely keeps a connection, and your smart lock fails to work. In other words, you’ll lose some long range by repositioning some antennas upwards, so keep that in mind.

Change the channels

All three bands are divided into channels 20 MHz wide. Routers combine them to make larger ones so we can download and upload faster.

The client devices we use, like phones and laptops, generally support channels up to 160 MHz wide, depending on the model. Newer Wi-Fi 7 devices also support channels up to 320 MHz wide, but only on the 6 GHz band.

The problem is that routers only list the 20 MHz ones. So, if your neighbor’s router selects channel 36 and your router selects channel 40, both of you are still using bonded channel 42 if the routers are set to 80 MHz widths, which combines channels 36–48. The only way to avoid that neighbor’s interference is to use bonded channel 155—channels 149–161 combined—but another neighbor may already use that set.

That’s where the new 6 GHz connection comes into play. It’s mostly devoid of the traffic we experience on the other two bands—at least, for now. We’ll fill that up, too, over time.

That said, all this channel talk can be a little confusing. You can change the channels all you want, but more than likely, it’s not going to help because the 5 GHz band is as crowded as Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

Final call: You probably need extra hardware

Blasting Wi-Fi into dead zones is doable. Your best bet is to get a mesh system, which allows you to spread the satellites/nodes throughout your home or building and add more as needed.

You could always get a new router if the one you have is older than the internet. Modern ones do an excellent job pushing Wi-Fi into every nook and cranny, but some perform better than others. “You get what you pay for” definitely applies here.

Add Wi-Fi extenders to widen your router’s reach if buying a new one is not an option. However, you may need to complement them with wired connections like Ethernet, Powerline, or coax cables.

Finally, make sure your devices aren’t the problem. Do they need a reboot, a reset, or an update? Maybe they’re not 100% compatible with the router you have. Connect them to other Wi-Fi networks to see if your devices have connection issues with them too.

More resources

• Improve Your Wi-Fi Speed in 10 Simple Steps
• Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi: Is It Really Better to Go Wireless?
• 10 Wi-Fi Tips We Validate and Debunk
• How To Restart Your Router and Fix Common Wi-Fi Problems

FAQ about wireless internet in every room